Industrial World Problems & The Christian Agrarian Solution

In my book, Writings of a Deliberate Agrarian, I have a chapter titled, Industrial Providers. That chapter is about the dangerous control that a handful of behemoth corporations have over the world’s food supply. I wrote the following (in the summer of 2005):

“For those who have the eyes to see, the vulnerabilities of the industrial food system are clearly evident. Primary among them is the following reality:

The free flow of cheap food is entirely connected to, and dependent on, the free flow of cheap oil

Cheap oil is history. Continued easy availability of oil at any price is threatened by four tenuous factors: terrorism, war, natural disasters, and economic breakdown. Each of these things has the potential to disrupt the free flow of oil. Each of these variables can and will, to some degree, negatively affect the hyper-refined division of labor and the just-in-time delivery system that the free flow of industrial food depends on.

The price of food will go much higher. You can count on it. Oil shortages and high energy costs must trickle down to the food consumers. Perhaps the trickle will turn to a flow. God only knows how things will play out.”

In another chapter, The Theology of Food Independence, I write:

"The probability of Peak Oil and the assurance of higher energy costs means that the food from corporations will be more expensive. Beyond that, natural disasters and geopolitical happenings will make some or all corporate foods unavailable at times and in places. Disruptions in the food supply could be minor, short-lived and and localized, or they could be major, long-lasting (even permanent), and widespread. To depend on the Industrial Providers in the face of this reality is foolishness."

With those things in mind, today, a reader of this blog (and a reader of the book) sent me the following article link:Rising Food Prices Take Aim at Wallets

The article indicates that food prices have risen 8% in the last year. That is a significant increase. It is only the beginning.

I say harsh things about the Industrial Providers in my book. I say harsh things about the industrial system. I warn of the vulnerabilities and the consequences of being totally dependent on a system that is not sustainable.

I am not a prophet. One need not be a prophet to understand and see the dangers that lie ahead of us. The handwriting is on the wall.

That said, the question that begs our attention is: “What can a person do?”

As the situation worsens, as more people become aware of the gravity of their situation, a lot of ideas and “solutions” will be put forth.

From the very beginning of this blog, I have presented what I believe to be the wisest course of action. It is to simplify your life, eliminate debt, find a piece of earth to cultivate, acquire tools of self sufficiency, and learn the skills of self sufficiency. These are among the unwritten tenants of the Christian agrarian movement. Some people might call it survivalism or maybe even fanaticism. I call it living life the way God intended it to be lived. It is a lifestyle that is focused on, and centered around, faith, family, and Livin’ The Good Life.

If you are unfamiliar with this way of life, I recommend the book: Writings of a Deliberate Agrarian