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Farm Preservation & Food Security

“Everything which we use to feed the life of man or beast, not a grain of it should be permitted to go to waste, but should be made to pass through the stomach of some animal; everything, also, which will fertilize our gardens and our fields should be sedulously saved and wisely husbanded, that nothing may be lost which contains the elements of food and raiment for man and sustenance for beast.”— Brigham Young

The Doctrine

The scriptures and teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offer profound insights into our responsibility as stewards of the Earth. The very essence of these teachings centers around prudence and respect for the resources that the Lord has bestowed upon us. Brigham Young beautifully elaborated on this, emphasizing the sanctity of these resources: “Everything which we use to feed the life of man or beast… should be made to pass through the stomach of some animal; everything, also, which will fertilize our gardens and our fields should be sedulously saved and wisely husbanded, that nothing may be lost which contains the elements of food and raiment for man and sustenance for beast.” His words illuminate the call to minimize waste and optimize use of all God has given us.

“Good farmers, who take seriously their duties as stewards of Creation and of their land’s inheritors, contribute to the welfare of society in more ways than society usually acknowledges, or even knows. These farmers produce valuable goods, of course; but they also conserve soil, they conserve water, they conserve wildlife, they conserve open space, they conserve scenery.” — Wendell Berry

However, our commitment as stewards extends beyond merely avoiding wastage. Wendell Berry in his book, Bringing it to the Table: On Farming and Food articulates the broad spectrum of our responsibilities, suggesting that good farmers “contribute to the welfare of society in more ways than society usually acknowledges, or even knows. These farmers produce valuable goods, of course; but they also conserve soil, they conserve water, they conserve wildlife, they conserve open space, they conserve scenery.” This powerful statement underscores the importance of preserving the environment holistically, thus serving society and the natural world.

Our choices around food production and consumption also play a significant role in sustainable stewardship. Principles from the Word of Wisdom guide us towards sustainable eating habits, suggesting we “eat meat sparingly” and “eat fruit in the season thereof”. Echoing this principle, President Joseph Fielding Smith stated, “Although there was no sin in the shedding of their blood when required for food . . . to take the life of these creatures wantonly is a sin before the Lord. It is easy to destroy life, but who can restore it when it is taken?” His words highlight the responsibility we bear not to take more than we need from the Earth.

In an era of industrial livestock production, President Ezra Taft Benson’s words in the 1974 Ensign ring true with renewed urgency. He cautioned, “May I remind you that it generally takes several times as much land to produce a given amount of food when grains are fed to livestock and we consume the meat. Let us be careful not to overdo beef cattle and other livestock projects on our welfare farms.” This serves as a potent reminder of the environmental implications of our food choices, urging us to consider the indirect costs of our dietary preferences and their effects on the planet’s resources.

Mormon Environmental Stewardship Alliance Position

The Mormon Environmental Stewardship Alliance (MESA) is committed to embodying Brigham Young’s call for absolute stewardship of the Earth’s resources. We echo his plea for conscientiousness and are compelled to ensure that nothing capable of providing sustenance to life is wasted. We assert that our planet’s abundance is a testament to God’s providence, which should be treated with reverence and respect.

Echoing Wendell Berry’s astute observations, we believe in the multifaceted contributions of responsible farmers. We appreciate their silent service in conserving soil, water, wildlife, open spaces, and even the aesthetic aspects of our natural world. MESA stands behind these farmers, advocating for them and promoting sustainable farming practices that enrich both our communities and our environment.

In matters of food consumption, we heed the wisdom of our scriptures and the teachings of President Joseph Fielding Smith. We promote moderation in meat consumption and advocate for the respect of life in all forms. We believe that taking life, particularly for frivolous reasons, is a sin. We stand for ethical food production and consumption, mindful of the interconnectedness of all life.

“May I remind you that it generally takes several times as much land to produce a given amount of food when grains are fed to livestock and we consume the meat. Let us be careful not to overdo beef cattle and other livestock projects on our welfare farms.” — Ezra Taft Benson

Furthermore, we heed President Ezra Taft Benson’s advice on the judicious use of land. Recognizing the disproportionate land and resources required for livestock farming, we advocate for more sustainable land-use practices and encourage plant-based diets.

Aligned with our divine responsibility, MESA actively promotes and advocates for community involvement and policy changes in favor of sustainable farming practices and food security. We believe that these collective efforts are pivotal in preserving our earth for future generations.

What Can You Do?

  • Support local agriculture: Regularly visit your local farmer’s market, and encourage others in your community to do the same. Use social media or local forums to spotlight local farmers and their produce.
  • Advocate for local food policies: Engage with your local government to support policies that favor local and sustainable farming practices.
  • Promote plant-based diets: Organize vegetarian potlucks or cooking classes to demonstrate the possibilities of plant-based meals. Advocate for the environmental benefits of reduced meat consumption.
  • Push for sustainable fabrics: Educate your community about the environmental impact of fabric choices. Encourage the use of locally sourced, sustainable fabrics, and support policies that encourage their production and use.
  • Initiate a community garden: Use this as a platform to educate others about sustainable farming practices and the importance of local food production. This is also an opportunity to foster a sense of community and collective responsibility.

Additional Resources

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