A Few Obstacles to Sustainability

Sustainable agriculture. Sustainable eating. On Local Dirt, we talk about these things a lot. That's our thing. But what does "sustainable agriculture" mean for someone who's land has been stolen, or to someone who can't get a loan to buy land or capital? And what's "sustainable food" for someone living on a small income, or someone who doesn't have time to cook? On this week's show, we look at sustainability as a slanted playing field and we discuss a few obstacles to justice and sustainability.

The Struggles of Rural African Americans. Jerry Pennick, Director of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives Land Assistance Fund, explains specific injustices affecting rural African Americans. He discusses land loss, lack of access to credit and markets, and discriminatory lending practices -- including by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These long-standing problems, he says, persist today. The Federation promotes economic justice, a necessary prerequisite for sustainable agriculture. To learn more about Black land loss, check out the "Torn From the Land" series here and here. For more on the Pigford case, read this news article.

Taxing Soda. UC Santa Cruz professor Julie Guthman talks about the politics of the so-called 'obesity epidemic' and how this relates to the taxation of processed foods. Professor Guthman argues that creating a healthy food system will require large economic policy changes, not simply consumer-focused changes. She is the author of Agrarian Dreams: the paradox of organic farming in California. You can also check out her article Bringing Good Food to Others which takes into consideration several of the cultural and class-related topics discussed in today's show. (Originally aired 10/13/09)

Spoken Word. UC Davis student and Sickspit poet Shannon Harney was kind enough to record a poem for us. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Listen. Use the player below to listen to the show, or click "divShare" to get the mp3.

Announcements.

- The Whole Earth Festival is currently seeking applications for bands, performers, artists, dancers, educational booths, workshops, and speakers. To apply, visit http://wef.ucdavis.edu.

- The Education for Sustainable Living Program lectures (spring quarter), Wednesdays 5:10-7pm. Students may take the class for 2 or 4 units, and anyone (student or not) can attend the lectures for free. The class aims to define sustainability broadly and consider it in new ways. Students may enroll in the class with the CRN 63662.

Music Playlist.

"Tramp" by Otis Redding (The Best of Otis Redding on Atco)

"Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground" by the Asylum Street Spankers (God's Favorite Band on Spanks-A-Lot)

"Ida Red" by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys (Legends of Country Music.... on Columbia)

"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego" by the Asylum Street Spankers (God's Favorite Band on Spanks-A-Lot)