Farmers make up less than two percent of the U.S. population--a worrisome scenario as we increasingly face a world food crisis amidst climate change and dwindling oil reserves.  According to Zoё Bradbury, "It's high time to turn the tide by buoying up a new generation of smart, savvy, sustainable farmers in America. But beginning farmers currently face enormous challenges: limited availability to good, affordable farmland; unsatisfactory access to credit; and lack of support withing the cultural mainstream."  Zoё is one of the next generation of farmers working to turn the tide:

See this episode on kitchencaravan.com.

Zoё also recently participated in a Washington, DC forum organized by the Drake University Agricultural Law School titled "America's New Farmers: Policy Innovations and Opportunities". The forum had a very strong Food and Society Fellows presence, with panels that included Zoё, Debra Eschmeyer, Curt Ellis and Ricardo Salvador.

At the forum, Zoё described the financial challenges of becoming a farmer. When starting Valley Flora Farm three years ago, Zoё needed to borrow $10,000, in addition to the $10,000 she had saved, in order to to construct an irrigation system. Most banks weren't interested in providing agricultural loans, and she wasn't eligible for applicable USDA programs because she leased, rather than owned, the land. Like with many other new farmers, USDA programs didn't seem to be particularly well suited for her challenges.

Zoё's story was covered by both the Washington Post and the Des Moines Register. Given the excellent media coverage, as well as the strong USDA presence at the forum, we can be hopeful that Zoё is plowing new ground that will provide more fertile opportunities for future new farmers.