You are right. I mentioned in the article about the cost of pesticides and fertilizer per acre for most crops. It's more than $400 an acre. That's a really high cost both in dollars and environmental damage. The idea that produce must be blemish free (United States consumers anyway) results in overuse of pesticides and destruction of consumable food. I am in agreement with you about food production as a community. I grow most of my own vegetables and I rely on a mixture of new seeds and seeds that have been passed down in my family for generations. It's unfortunate in some ways that food is so cheap in the United States. Small gardeners have a tough time competing and justifying the time to can/preserve food is sometimes difficult when store food is easy and cheap. Don't get me wrong, I am with you on the need for more local gardeners and farmers. I hope to learn from your blogs and I appreciate the comment.