Agriculture has long been considered the backbone of the United States, providing food and resources for its citizens and contributing to its economic growth. However, as we delve deeper into the history of agriculture in the country, a darker truth emerges – one that is built on dispossession and enslavement.
According to Joshua Sbicca, director of the Prison Agriculture Lab, the very foundation of American agriculture is rooted in violence and oppression. The land that was once inhabited by indigenous communities was taken away through force and deceit, leading to their displacement and dispossession. This land was then used for agriculture, with the labor of enslaved Africans being the driving force behind its success.
The legacy of this violence and exploitation continues to live on in the modern-day agricultural industry, particularly in what is known as “agricarceral” farming. This term refers to the use of prison labor in agriculture, where incarcerated individuals are forced to work on farms for little to no pay. This practice has become a profitable business for corporations, with prisoners being treated as cheap and disposable labor.
The use of prison labor in agriculture is not a new phenomenon. In fact, it has been a part of the American agricultural system since the 19th century, with the convict lease system being a prime example. This system allowed private companies to lease prisoners from the state and use them for labor, often in dangerous and exploitative conditions. While the convict lease system was abolished in the early 20th century, the use of prison labor in agriculture has continued to thrive.
Today, the agricultural industry relies heavily on the labor of incarcerated individuals, with an estimated 300,000 prisoners working in agriculture across the country. These individuals are often forced to work long hours in hazardous conditions, with little to no protection or rights. They are also paid significantly less than minimum wage, making it difficult for them to support themselves and their families.
The use of prison labor in agriculture not only perpetuates the cycle of exploitation and oppression, but it also has a detrimental impact on the environment. Many of these farms use harmful pesticides and chemicals, which not only harm the health of the prisoners but also pollute the surrounding land and water sources.
Moreover, the reliance on prison labor in agriculture has also led to the displacement of small farmers and rural communities. As corporations continue to expand their operations and profit off the labor of prisoners, small farmers are pushed out of the market, leading to the loss of livelihoods and the destruction of local economies.
It is clear that the agricultural industry in the United States is built on a foundation of violence and exploitation. The legacy of dispossession and enslavement continues to haunt us, and it is time for us to acknowledge and address this issue.
One way to do this is by supporting and advocating for prison reform and the rights of incarcerated individuals. This includes fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to refuse work without facing repercussions. It is also crucial for corporations to be held accountable for their use of prison labor and to invest in sustainable and ethical farming practices.
As consumers, we also have the power to make a difference. By choosing to support local and sustainable farms, we can help break the cycle of exploitation and support small farmers and rural communities. We can also demand transparency from companies and hold them accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, the history of agriculture in the United States is a complex and troubling one. It is built on the dispossession and enslavement of marginalized communities, and this legacy continues to live on in the form of “agricarceral” farming. It is time for us to acknowledge and address this issue, and work towards a more just and sustainable agricultural industry. Let us not forget the past, but use it as a lesson to create a better future for all.
