Telling Women's Lives

Emma Kook – Reader Response for Farmer Jane

Reading the opening chapter of Farmer Jane stirred a memory from my childhood. When I was about 5 years old my class took a trip to Walton’s Farm, a local farm filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and free roaming animals. This place was incredible to see, especially from a young child’s eyes. At that age, you do not think about where your food comes from therefore an experience like this opens up a new world to a child. I decided to do some research, as this book sprung curiosity towards my hometown, and I found that 80% of Bermuda’s food is imported, and that is not a small feat by any means. It has to be shipped or flown over to Bermuda, which usually takes a few days meaning most of the food we get is processed or full of GMOs as to preserve the produce. It is sad to think, especially after reading this book, that Bermuda believes its land has more worth than to be used for farming. Not only is this devastating from the sustainable and environmental viewpoint, it is also scary in terms of survival. If there were a crisis that prevented transportation to Bermuda, 80% of the population would be without food.

Therefore, I believe the woman whose story had the greatest impact on me was Dru Rivers, Farmer of Full Belly Farm. A laughing Buddha icon welcomes families and children to the diversified, organic farm. A farm which is full of music, food, laughter, and thousands of people. Full Belly Farms has taken farming to a whole new innovative level by creating a fun and exciting environment for city-dwellers. They create seasonal produce boxes which they serve to over 1,500 customers while providing a hands-on experience to appreciate the importance of farming. Rivers has changed the thinking associated with farming. She has created an exciting, happy, and healthy environment that has greatly encouraged people to think organic before heading to the grocery store. Receiving constant requests to expand, it is clear Full Belly Farm is changing the consumer mindset behind purchasing food. Yet, Rivers believes in the importance of not becoming ‘removed’ from the family business by staying local and appropriately seized. For Rivers, farming is more important than the money.