Market Benefits Consumers and Farmers

This week we highlight a recent video from Market to Market that shares a unique farmers market structure in Wisconsin.  We encourage you to watch the video at the linked web page below and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the globe!

Non-profit Serves Both Consumers and Farmers

Discussion Points

• What unique components of this farmers market structure make it successful for both consumers and farmers?
• How does this farmers market help bring an international feel to Wisconsin? 
• Could your local community benefit from a similar type of market structure? Why or why not? 
• If you were in charge of the Fondy Food Center and Farm what would you do to grow the program and how would you do it?

Vegetables Out of this World

While most of our highlighted stories come to you from around the globe this story has the potential to come to you from outer space. Scientists from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology are testing technologies and systems that could have us growing vegetables in outer space soon. We encourage you to read the linked article below and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the world!

Eating your veggies, even in space

Discussion Points

• Explain why it is difficult to grow plants in outer space. 
• Why is it so important to work to provide astronauts fresh food in outer space?
• What practices and technologies are being utilized as scientists work towards growing fresh food in outer space?
• Do you think this research can improve agriculture production right here on earth as well (even if it never carries over to space)? Explain your reasoning.

Tunnel Farming in South Korea

With urban populations increasing available farm ground and farm workers are decreasing. With this we must address doing more with less, while also looking for innovative ways to increase agriculture production. This is what a group in South Korea is working to do as they start a farm in an abandoned tunnel. You are encouraged to read the linked article below and utilize the discussion questions provided to guide conversations in classrooms, coffee shops, and communities around the globe!

Farmers Plant Crops in South Korean Tunnel 

Discussion Points

• Explain what this project is doing. What makes it unique? How are they cutting costs?
• Do you see vertical farming catching on around the globe? Will it be more popular in some areas than others? Justify your response.
• This is a great example where a group took an underutilized area and turned it into a productive operation. Look around your local community and state. Are their opportunities to increase agriculture production in nontraditional ways? Get creative and think big!