August 12, 2024
RALEIGH – The John Locke Foundation is proud to announce the launch of our “Sowing Resilience” project, a comprehensive initiative aimed at bolstering North Carolina’s agriculture industry and addressing food insecurity. This project includes a compelling four-part documentary series and an in-depth research paper, which explore the critical issues facing our state’s food supply chain and underscore the importance of strategic and innovative policy solutions.
Agriculture is North Carolina’s top industry, serving as the backbone of our state’s economy and identity. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it exposed significant vulnerabilities in our food supply, leading to disruptions in delivery and skyrocketing prices. Local farms faced immense challenges in reaching markets, resulting in the euthanasia of millions of animals and an abundance of unharvested crops that deprived communities of fresh food. Today, 1.6 million residents live in food deserts, underscoring the urgency of addressing these issues.
The documentary series, based on extensive reporting by the Carolina Journal’s Katie Zehnder and directed by René Olmos, debuts its first episode today, Monday, August 12. Subsequent episodes will be released every Monday, providing an insightful look into the lives of North Carolina farmers, distributors, consumers, and other key players in the agriculture sector. The series highlights the essential role they play in sustaining our state’s economy and identity, as well as the challenges they face.
“Covering the stories of North Carolina’s farmers and distributors has been an eye-opening experience,” said Zehnder. “We are excited to share their stories with a broader audience through this documentary series.”
Accompanying this docuseries is a research report by Kelly Lester, Policy Analyst at John Locke Foundation’s Center for Food, Power, and Life. The paper examines the impact of the pandemic on local farms, regulatory challenges, and the resulting food security issues. By outlining actionable policy recommendations, like an agricultural regulatory sandbox and expanding right-to-farm protections, this research can serve as a playbook to protect and enhance North Carolina’s agriculture industry.
“Our goal with this research is to provide practical, actionable recommendations that can help safeguard North Carolina’s agriculture industry,” said Lester. “I am hopeful that this research will not only highlight the issues but also inspire policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to take collective action towards a more secure and accessible food system in North Carolina.”
“Sowing Resilience” aims to promote policy solutions that could ensure a stable and resilient food supply for future generations. By increasing food security and fostering a robust food supply chain, we are committed to safeguarding the seeds of freedom, in all its forms, for future generations.
We invite policymakers, community leaders, and all North Carolinians to join us in this conversation. Together, we can ensure that our agriculture industry thrives and that every resident has access to fresh, nutritious food.
For more information, please visit SowingResilience.org.
###