Recent Egg Recalls Reinforce Need for Responsible Travel to Sustainable Farms

There is a dire need for responsible travel these days, and that need comes to us from sustainable farms around the country. For the past few weeks, it seems like not a day goes by without a headline containing news about yet another egg recall. A staggering 228 million eggs have been recalled so far, with thousands more to be added to that total. As the number of salmonella- infested eggs increases, so do the reports of sordid farming environments and procedures. The unfortunate truth is that had these eggs not been recalled, such farming practices would continue to engrave themselves in our farming culture, setting a new destructive standard for farms and, ultimately, the food we all eat. It is for this reason that more sustainable farms need to be publicized. The following are more sustainable farms that provide a fun and educational dimension to responsible travel.

East Georgia is home to Nature's Harmony Farm, a beautiful 126 acre sustainable farm led by Liz and Tim Young. In addition to producing grass- fed beef, grass- fed lamb, and a plethora of other items produced with care, Nature's Harmony Farm produces free- range eggs. Media images of cramped chickens cooped up in uncomfortable cages have inundated our televisions and monitors, showing the infected eggs being produced under inhumane and unsafe conditions. Nature's Harmony Farm believes farming should be conducted the way nature would have it to be, so animals are allowed to roam freely, creating a safe and harmonious environment for everyone. Make a trip to Nature's Harmony Farm to watch how the sustainable farming magic unfolds.

Urban farming is growing in popularity. If your responsible travel plans take you to the west coast, be sure to check out the Zenger Farm. This urban farm seeks to educate the public about the need for urban farming and to spread the word about the need for sustainable farm methods.  The general public is encouraged to come for a tour Monday- Friday. Special classes that require registration are held on the weekends. All visitors are advised to call beforehand. In addition to fun and educational farm tours, the Zenger Farm has a Farmer's Market that is sure delight foodies of all kind. Local sustainable farm vendors bring their finest products for all to try and buy.

If the Appalachian region is your destination, be sure to consult the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project beforehand. This comprehensive online directory provides names and locations of every sustainable agriculture business venture in the Appalachian region.  Numerous vendors supply locally grown fresh products including sustainably farmed fresh eggs. The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project takes the guess work out of food stops during responsible travels, while exposing the wonderful world of sustainable farming.

Perhaps a new awareness of the effects of farming practices will be the positive effect of our nation's historic egg recalls. Support those who already see the importance of sustainable farming by visiting a sustainable farm.

Photo Credit: kthread