For the first time in six decades, the overall number of farms has increased—roughly 4% since 2002. Woman- and minority-operated farms have grown considerably as well. The Census also marks the beginning of federal statistics on farmer’s markets, organic operations, and community-supported agriculture (CSA). In addition to showing how many such entities exist and their geographic distribution, this data also provides a critical benchmark for measuring future progress.
In Illinois, the second largest producer of corn and soybeans, there are nearly four times as many farms under 50 acres than those over 1,000. Although the nationwide trend of mid-sized farms merging into large operations continues, small-scale farms have jumped some 14% in the last 5 years. Smaller farms tend to have younger operators using organic practices, supplying fresh produce to CSA subscribers and other direct markets. It is important to note, however, that most are part-time operations and significant structural barriers keep the system from being truly sustainable.
Traditionally, fruit and vegetable farmers have not received the same attention as their grain-growing counterparts. In a move signaling the reversal of 1970s-era farm policy, the USDA has launched a pilot project this year to permit 75,000 "base acres" in 7 Corn Belt states to be planted to fruits and vegetables. As a result, farmers can now diversify into crops like pumpkins and tomatoes without jeopardizing their insurance or government payments. Though produce advocates were also able to win back $3.2 million of federal Farm Bill promotional funds in January, restored by USDA Secretary Vilsack's first official act, over $11 billion per year still goes to "non-specialty" producers.
The Delta Institute, due to the range of environmental, economic, and community improvements that can occur in a balanced food system, has taken a special interest in casting and forming models of sustainable agriculture. Partnering with a diverse set of stakeholders, Delta developed the business plan for the Windy City Harvest, an urban, organic farm and job training program. In the heart of Illinois corn and soybean country, Delta also analyzed the barriers to and prospects for building a diversified, local food system. Last summer, the Delta Redevelopment Institute launched a farmer’s market at a brownfield site on Chicago's south side, creating an affordable way for a disadvantaged community to access healthy local food. Taken together, these efforts show that many paths must be taken to advance the green economy. If nothing else, the new Census of Agriculture reveals that the balance is starting to tip towards a more sustainable, people-centered system while underscoring the fact that much good work remains to be done.
