Back in their August edition, Waitrose Food Illustrated had an article about food, called ’2066 and all that’. I was impressed because it mentioned what Mark Diacono is doing over at Otter Farm – growing crops that are currently marginal in our climate, but might be productive in the not-too-distant future because of climate change. (And Mark is writing an Otter Farm book, due out early next year).
And so I wrote them the following email:
“Hi,
I’m so glad that you mentioned Mark Diacono’s Otter Farm in your recent article on the future of farming (2066 and all that, August edition) because the work he is doing is so creative and important in the face of the twin issues of climate change and Peak Oil.
Like many other people, I believe that our best hope for a sustainable future is to take a positive view of what we can do now, which is why I support the Transition Towns movement. Transition Towns are all about what can be done locally, both supporting local farmers and encouraging people to grow some of their own food. But it’s not just about food supply – Transition Towns look beyond that to re-skilling people everywhere, encouraging traditional and new crafts and self-reliance.
If we all take the time to plan for the future now, the countryside can remain a beautiful and productive space to 2066 and beyond.
Emma Cooper”
They have published it in the October edition. It has been edited, which is their right, but although they have left in my praise for the article they have unfortunately removed all references to Transition Towns, which was at least half the point. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t become the Star Letter ;)
Please note I am not responsible for the terrible pun.