Consciousness of organics and local foods has made great strides. There are now more farmers markets across the nation than Wal-Mart stores. While local, sustainable and organic farming have become household words, a larger agricultural drama is unfolding — global and domestic food security are experiencing tremors.

Five farming situations - the four big crops, agriculture not producing enough grain, farmland and ethanol, export risk, and economic growth - all have one common theme: We have lost our way as it relates to food security. From a global perspective, the situation appears daunting. From a local and regional perspective, the situation is ripe for a new kind of economic and social revitalization.

To learn more about what you can do to participate, buy the May/June edition of Touch the Soil magazine at a retail outlet or subscribe online.