“Agriculture is our wisest pursuit because it will in the end contribute to real wealth, good morals, and happiness.”
– Letter from Thomas Jefferson to George Washington
Sustainable Agriculture - Empowering Farmers and Combating Poverty
Small farmers often trek miles to the nearest water source and only bring back enough water for a small amount of crops.
It’s important to note that farming in developing countries is a large part of life. 90% of the economy is usually made up of agriculture workers. In the U.S., the number of agricultural workers makes up only a small percentage. Often, farmers face immense challenges such as plant disease, unproductive soil, drought, and pests. Lack of access to seeds, fertilizer, and pesticides add to the hardship. If innovations and efforts can be made to improve their standard of living, then the majority of poor would be given a better quality of life.
Quick Facts
- 75% of poor families don’t buy their food; they grow it.
- In developing countries, agriculture continues to be the main source of income, employment, and livelihood for 70-95% of the country.
- Climate change, drought, and unpredictable rainfall are some of the most common causes of food shortage – these consistently cause crop failure and can kill herds of livestock.
- The rise of food production has put a high demand on small farms in underdeveloped countries; many cannot keep up with market demands and the result is impoverishment.
- Area is key to agricultural growth, but land is scarce.
- One third of the food produced around the world is never consumed.
Sustainable Trade Development
Sustainable trade development is one of the best ways to combat poverty. Teaching the skills for farming not only gives people the skills to have a sustainable income, but it also allows them to stay in their homes as proud members of their community. They can pass these trade skills onto others in their families as well, benefiting society and the global economy as a whole. Without these skills people often end up living immoral lives on the street. Teaching basic farm skills not only eases hunger, but fulfills the mission of our apostolates in bringing a better quality of life, good morals, and a further step towards the conquest for Heaven.
Our Farms
The Fraternity of Saint Peter has initiated a number of different farm projects around the world. Sustainable crops for farmers and trade skill education have been a huge success! The rise of solidarity among the small villages Anolaima, Colombia, & Umuaka, Nigeria, has increased dramatically since the arrival of the FSSP priests and is ever growing. The villages produce crops of coffee, cacao, fruits, and vegetables, various kinds of animals, and even a fish pond for Tilapia (in Colombia). It also provides a way for the people to give to the local apostolate as monetary support is not always possible. The farms supply for education and personal formation. They are of immeasurable value. We are proud to say the Fraternity’s work brings great hope and helps one person at a time to being free from poverty.
“Work is, as has been said, an obligation, that is to say, a duty, on the part of man… Man must work, both because the Creator has commanded it and because of his own humanity, which requires work in order to be maintained and developed. Man must work out of regard for others, especially his own family, but also for the society he belongs to, the country of which he is a child, and the whole human family of which he is a member, since he is the heir to the work of generations and at the same time a sharer in building the future of those who will come after him in the succession of history.”
Catholic Social Teaching
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
At Mission Tradition, we take inspiration from Jesus’ actions of compassion and inclusiveness. Just as Jesus rescued the adulteress from stoning, ate with tax collectors and prostitutes, and healed the sick and the sinner, we strive to follow His example and address the needs of the marginalized.
We believe that human life is sacred, and the dignity of every person forms the foundation of a moral society. As followers of the Gospel, we are called to be people of great love, which includes prioritizing the needs of the poor and vulnerable in our mission.
One impactful way we do this is through sustainable agriculture. By focusing on the development of sustainable crops, we empower farmers and provide them with the means to improve their livelihoods. Additionally, we offer trade skill education, equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the agricultural sector.
Our commitment to sustainable trade development plays a crucial role in combating poverty. We firmly believe that by supporting farmers and providing them with sustainable opportunities, we can create a ripple effect that uplifts entire communities.
As part of our mission, we draw upon the longstanding tradition of Christians who have sought to apply the example and teachings of Jesus in social settings. Catholic social teaching is the result of this collective effort, guiding us to work towards justice, dignity, and solidarity in society.
By championing sustainable agriculture and trade skill education, we embody the core principles of Catholic social teaching and demonstrate our commitment to improving the lives of individuals and communities.
We Need Your Support
We hope you are inspired by our mission, and we invite you to learn more about how you can help us achieve our goals of bringing the fullness of Christ to the world. Please visit our pages and share them with your family and friends, and if you are able, please consider a gift to our missions, which rely on the generosity of our donors. Above all, we ask for your prayers.
