The Quest for Local Food

Written by Karla Kean

Clarksville, TN – According to the Organic Consumers Association, a 1,000 acre U.S. corporate farm growing genetically engineered crops nets an average of $39.00 an acre. In contrast, a 4-acre family farm nets, on average, $1400 per acre. Small organic farms are proving to be even more profitable. Why? Because they are meeting the needs of a niche market and can charge a little more, they aren’t as reliant on oil, because they use fewer large machines, less pesticides and fertilizer. [Read more]

Mission Clarksville Students Grow Food at APSU Farm to Help Feed Area’s Hungry

Clarksville, TN – On a hot morning in July, a group of local teenagers gathered in a massive garden off Pickens Road to get their hands dirty. They came to pull weeds and water plants, and after several hours in the hot sun, they left with several bushels of fresh vegetables.

“It was great having those kids out here,” Dr. Donald Sudbrink, chair of the Austin Peay State University Department of Agriculture, said. “They were so enthusiastic about learning and working in our APSU Victory garden.”

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