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美音05: Leaving Secure Job and Turning to Farming
2014-02-24
The United Statesis one of the world`s leading agricultural powers, but few Americans are farmers. One recent study showed just two percent of the population with the job in agriculture. Yet, small farms seem to be appearing in many areas to meet a growing demand for locally produced food. The people operating these farms often have little or no experience in farming.
Mark Mills once worked as a pastry chef. He decided to leave his secure job and turn to farming. He says his decision was based on two things - a strong interest in agriculture and his ignorance about what it takes to be a farmer.
Mark Mills was a history major in college. All he knows about producing food comes from growing plants in his home garden and 26 years of working in restaurants.
In recent years, many Americans have developed a taste for fresh locally grown foods and vegetables. The number of farmers` markets has increased over 50 percent in the past ten years.
Federal, state and local governments believe now is the time to create jobs and new businesses. Mark Mills was one of four people accepted in the New Farmer Pilot Project inMontgomery County,Maryland.
Sarah Miller works with the local Department of Economic Development. She says the program has worked better than many people expected.
The project provides the new farmers with specialised business training, like marketing and business planning.
The program links the new farmer with an experienced one. For Mark Mills, that person is Woody Woodroof, he works at the Red Wiggler Farm inMaryland.
Mr Mills` first year in farming was successful. He produced about 450 kilograms of turnips, 90 kilograms of carrots, and 130 kilograms of green leafy vegetables.
The hardest part was not growing the crops, he says. The problem has been selling them. Mr Mills says, his farm probably lost more money than it earned.
Luckily, his wife has a non-farm job, and can provide financial support, at least for now. Experts say many new farmers need to support themselves with another source of income.
