‘Green roots’ group forges on with plan

By LISA SIMPSON STRANGE

GLASGOW — Could the people of Glasgow and Barren County feed themselves if local supermarket chains made the financial decision to pull out of the community and close their stores?

Several Glasgow residents, concerned about local food production independence as well as other economic, energy and environmental issues, have started a “green roots” group to address the possibility.

Sustainable Glasgow began as a few local citizens meeting informally and talking about the future viability and self-sufficiency of the local community, according to William Ray, one of the group’s initial members. He said the idea for the group was born about a year ago to promote and build the local economy from within rather than from without.

“It’s about enhancing the local economy,” Ray said. “At the center, is food. It’s a basic security issue. Can we feed ourselves?”

He said local infrastructure provides for water, electricity, fire control, security, etc., but there is no plan to feed Glasgow and Barren County’s people other than from mainly outside sources.

“How can we get local producers to grow food here that we can consume here and create jobs locally?” he asked.

Other members of the group agree.

“We believe that our community should have as a goal a more sustainable, stable local economy and that our efforts should start with the creation of a local food economy,” said Dr. William Travis. “We have a great opportunity to develop local food production, which will result in improved quality and security of our food choices.”

Travis said this could drive entrepreneurial opportunities for those interested in careers in agriculture, food processing and retail and that Barren County has the unique advantage of being the top agricultural county in the state.

Sustainable Glasgow members believe developing more local food production will act as a buffer against negative factors outside the community.

“Simply put, we want to actively promote the happiness of local citizens and create security for our community against the sort of frightening events that have recently rocked our nation,” said Dr. Jerry Ralston.

A main goal of members is to get local citizens and businesses more involved in the initiative for their own best interests. Rhonda Trautman said area restaurants could serve and publicize more locally grown produce on their menus as a first step. This in turn might create a niche for them and increase the number of customers eating at their establishments.

Sustainable Glasgow members believe the local economy can only improve with more local involvement. The group met for the first time officially in September with a handful of original members. Their ranks have grown to more than 50 in the last two months. Members think the growing popularity of green issues will drive interest in the local food production initiative.

“Green’s going to be everywhere,” said member Dan Iacconi. “Costs will go down and quality will go up because of increasing competition.

“Everyone’s encouraged about this concept. It has the potential to grow exponentially. Everyone wants to buy local, safe food.”

The push for locally produced food and other products just makes good common sense according to members.

“How could you say this is a bad idea?” asked Ray.