Reflecting on the Meaning of Community

Order from the Miami County Locally Grown Virtual Market here

In the United States, there is a somewhat peculiar notion of independence, perhaps having something to
do with the birth of the nation as a colonial rebellion against England. Self-sufficiency is enshrined in our
agrarian, dissident history. And while these qualities in our culture and traditions have certainly been
useful, there is another side to the circumstances which led to the birth of our nation.

The struggle for independence, paradoxically, involved a great deal of community building in order to
muster the military and popular support needed to win the Revolutionary War. What does all this have to
do with Miami County Locally Grown farmers market?

Firstly, that we are all to some extent products of history and culture, whether or not we recognize it.
Also, it’s no big secret these days that we live in a politically polarized society, and this situation
threatens our ability to form and maintain the sense of community that makes ventures like this
successful.

A quick anecdote to illustrate: I sell a large portion of my annual fruit production to a farm whose owner
is very much at the opposite end of the political spectrum from me. I have sometimes worried that this
might interfere with our commerce. But interestingly, we have maintained a very amicable and
trustworthy working relationship. It highlights, I think, that the bonds of affection can and must strive to
navigate political differences. These bonds are the perhaps tenuous yet crucial thread binding our local
food community.

The takeaway? Interdependence takes precedence over independence. Not that self-sufficiency isn’t
important, but it is strong community ties that form the foundation of prosperity for all.

-Caroline McColloch
Chez Nous Farm

Order from the Miami County Locally Grown Virtual Market here