3,000 farms to be bought out

3,000 farms to be bought out in the Netherlands in an apparent bid to cut carbon emissions is the recent news from Europe.
 
A good deal is apparently being offered to the farmers to stop farming in a time of food insecurity. It makes me uneasy to read the news portrayed about this story because this is what we are allowed to see. What is going on behind the scenes? That is the true story…
 
There is no denying this will be catastrophic for the individuals and families concerned. They have protested of course but perhaps you didn't notice. Afterall farmers have been implicated in causing the problems of global warming so.... The implications psychologically though will be felt worldwide for a long time. I often wonder if the anointed who have decided that this is a good idea were put into a position that they could not access food, would they learn to prioritise differently?
Cultures who have experienced deprivation often learn to be resourceful and bountiful. Holland has known both deprivation and bounty in the last century. So has Ireland. Nutritional wisdom has been passed down to us to help us thrive in tough times. We may  need to tune in to this wave length soon.. Efforts to reduce the food supply are underway worldwide whether we like it or not.  What can we do about it?
 
At The Urban Co-op we have worked to highlight the true value of the resources we have ourselves in this country but also conscious that we must wean ourselves off the concept of cheap food. To keep farmers in business their produce must be really valued. So, our priorities must shift and our resources more realistically managed. We are getting there, and it is with gratitude we recognise the awakening that is happening. Customers who openly acknowledge they are making conscious choices to where they will use their resources. This is zero waste in action. We see the altruism and mutual aid mentality returning as we recognise that we must co-operate to exist and thrive.
It is our goal in 2023 to become a full co-operative where we the people can own and manage access to our own food supply. Is this a lofty ideal? I don’t believe so, especially now. The process is afoot! We urge you to help us on the way though and every support counts! If you have 2 minutes to help fill out a survey on the direction of the Co-op we would be delighted to get your input…
 
We have an option of support that we believe is a great deal in the meantime and could be a great Christmas present if you are struggling to find your way off the consumerism hamster wheel… Our Sunshine Cultivate Membership offer is an option that can not only support The Urban Co-operative now in the interim but become a FULL SHARE option on legal changeover. Truly a gift that would keep giving and Mutual Aid in action too.
 
Thank you for the dedicated support of The Urban Co-op in 2022! We are very grateful that we are here in at year end in the year that has been. Moments of reflection allow us to be proud of what has been achieved despite the obstacles. The collective energy of community is rising like a tide, and we look forward to what can be achieved when this energy is channelled positively!
Have a great Christmas and see you on the other side….
 
Anne Maher
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