In 2005, as a nation we imported $250 Million of produce from Mexico. I believe we had 1.5 greenhouses to every 1 of their greenhouses. Jump ahead to 2011. The amount of produce imported from Mexico was $1.8 Billion and the greenhouse ratio was 3 in Mexico to every 1 in the U.S.
I'm not saying there is anything wrong with Mexico having an economy that is healthy. And you know, more than likely a large share of that produce is Organic. We love our organic vegies here in the states don't we? So we are importing $1.8 Billion in produce from Mexico every year. How the heck are they getting here? Trucks of course. Where ever they are being raised in these green houses they are then put on trucks and shipped across the U.S. one way or another. So even if they are organic, I am just not sure if it ultimately works out if the carbon footprint is HUGE!!
So I hear that it is just to expensive to set up a greenhouse. Or the climate I live in just isn't conducive to growing year round. And I respond that excuses are a lot easier than action.
You can rent a warehouse in your area. In this area you can get a 4000 sqft warehouse for around $2200.00 a month, and that is with your utilities included. Suddenly you don't have to have a facility built. Take classes on hydroponics. You will find out how simple and inexpensively you can get started. You don't have to start off with all 4000 sqft. Do your market research. I'm sure there are probably enough lettuce and tomatoes out there. See what else is in need. I'm not going to spell it out for you, but you can kind of see where I am going. Grow vertically. What would amount to 1 acre of vertically grown hydroponic area is around the same as 10 acres of traditionally grown crop.
So if you actually want fresh food at your table, or at your neighbors table, take a look. You don't have to do this to become independently wealthy, but you can become wealthy within your own health.
Do something for your own environment, your health and possibly for the economy.
No comments:
Post a Comment