As the shock of last week’s election results begins to wear off, it’s time to start asking the big question: What comes next?

Answering that question has so many variables its hard to contemplate. But based on what we are seeing so far,  big changes are likely to happen swiftly once the new regime takes power.

If the incoming administration follows through with its plan for mass deportations, according to Bloomberg News and Forbes Magazine – definitely on the right side of the political spectrum – one of the first things we are likely to see are potential food shortages and increased food prices. 

Why?  Because at least 1.7 million undocumented workers are involved in the food system:

• 300,000 work on farms or in direct agricultural production
• 206,00 work in food processing
• 154,00 work in grocery stores
• 833,000 work in restaurants

Many of these workers labor in dangerous, physically demanding jobs, with low pay and no or few benefits.  Are there 1.7 million Americans ready to roll up their sleeves and fill the gap?  Pretty unlikely.

Now that the die has been cast, how can we respond?

My suggestion is to do whatever you can to secure your food supply at a local level.  Purchase a CSA share from a local farm – Urban Futures Farm, or one of the many great farms we are fortunate enough to have in our area.  If you have never grown a garden, this is the year to start.  If you have a garden, this may be the year to expand it. 

In light of these suggestions, we will be expanding our popular gardening classes next year, and increasing our spring plant sale offerings.

For the past decade, Urban Futures Farm has supported our friends and neighbors by providing food and education, and offering a space for connecting the community.  This mission is likely to be even more important over the coming years, and we are already rolling up our sleeves to do our part.