An anticipated four degree temperature change is projected for North Dakota and the western Minnesota region, along with major drought potential. This may translate into a 34% loss in corn production from commercial varieties.  In short, the present reliance on monocrops, often highly supplemented by genetic engineering and fossil fuels offer little resilience opportunity for our communities.

The industrialized American food system is very reliant upon a fossil fuel economy. The food system may utilize up to l7% of the fossil fuels consumed in this country, whether as additives or in powering of farm machinery. Several reports suggest that we now may use up to l0-l5 calories of fossil fuels to produce one calorie of food, which is, at the least, unsustainable.

With the advent of peak oil production or a loss of fuel security- we are going to face more food insecurity. At present the US imports two thirds of its fossil fuels, and on a worldwide scale, new discoveries and technologies are not replacing our present use. The strategy for replacing fossil fuels with corn based ethanol, also will augment some of the food insecurity in our region. We are deeply interested in the restoration of traditional varieties of seeds which require less irrigation, fossil fuel additives, and are frost and drought resistant. Ancient varieties are a very significant part of our strategy.