Food security is always a critical issue.
Food security impacts value chains.
Australia produces enough food to feed three times or more of our population. However, it doesn’t mean we won’t have problems with food security and value chains. The issues will likely arise with supply chain problems in getting food from paddock to plate.
Overnight, the COVID-19 pandemic threw food security into chaos around the world. Broken machinery along the supply chain can also lead to interruptions, and a short supply of some food will cause price hikes.
The national lockdowns sowed economic chaos. In the past few months, we’ve seen vegetable seedlings and packets of seeds snapped up from retailers, farmers, and nurseries around the country like never before. This is a sure sign that people are returning to home gardening.
The COVID-19 pandemic started driving a resurgence in home gardening, encouraging the nation to become more self-sufficient, discover new ways to be creative, and find peace in their backyard oasis. It also stimulates interesting local import replacement.
A new report has affirmed Australia’s credentials as one of the world’s most food-secure nations. Our farmers produce substantially more food than Australians consume, even during drought.
An Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics report details that almost 89% of the food Australians enjoy is grown here. Only 11% is imported, of which 1.6% is fresh produce, and the remainder is non-perishable.
Eat seasonally and live off your home garden.
You can’t beat the flavour and convenience of fresh food from your garden. Eating seasonally and living off the home garden can have a hugely positive impact on the environment. It will also keep your costs down and provide more food security. Even if you only have pots on a balcony in a high-rise apartment. It’s a chance to indulge in the fresh flavours of the season. It also offers ample opportunity to experiment in the kitchen with tasty surplus crops during tough times.
You could look at this as a silver lining and want to encourage your community to follow suit. They can grow some, exchange some of their produce, and make the most of their gardening spaces.
When quarantined, you are likely to reacquaint yourself with forgotten spices, canned food, eggs, and dairy. The first thing you should know is that expiration dates are not expiration dates. They are a guide only to the peak performance of the food.
As long as there is no outward sign of spoilage, such as bulging or rust, or visible decay when you open it, such as cloudiness, moldiness, or rotten smells. Your canned fruits, vegetables, and meats will remain as delicious and palatable as the day you bought them for years.
So, why not take the opportunity to plant, potter, and play, put your newfound confinement time to good use, and maintain your food security?
Quotable Quotes.
“Anything which can slow us down and force patience, everything which sets us into a better state of mind, has to be a benefit during a crisis”. Peter Sergeant
“In times of adversity, your garden is an excellent place to hang out and dig up inspiration for your future”. Peter Sergeant