As people begin to complain about food prices rising—particularly meat, milk, and eggs—I think it’s time to talk about a new marginal lands farming program. There are many people young and old who would like to dabble in farming. Why not give them a small patch of highway median on some of our lesser traveled highways? A training program would be needed of course, and some good fence. But there could be Highway Department inspectors who could ensure that everyone is going about grazing their small patch properly. These inspectors could be the former highway mowers who are now in need of new jobs (the sheep, chickens, and cows will keep the medians trimmed). With the high cost of fuel for Highway Department tractors, the whole program should save the government money (if that's any concern to them). 

What if in addition to this, we had a commons law that allowed people to farm unused lots? Near my house there is a space of several acres that is completely free of buildings. The land was cleared by a tornado several years ago; since the cleanup, no one has done anything with it. It is a large field that is mowed regularly, but used for no other purpose than future plans (none of which have come to fruition). It seems that in an age of rising gas and fuel prices people should be allowed to graze that land or at least plant gardens on it. Neither of these activities would hinder future development. When the landowners decide to do something with the land, they would be able to do it. But in the meantime, landless gardeners and farmers could use it to grow some local produce. 

This is all just dreaming of course. But it may be a dream closer to the border of waking than we think. What will it take? Five dollar a gallon gasoline (we're awfully close to that)? Eggs for seven dollars a dozen? The policies may take time. But policy almost always follows practice.  We should at least start contacting the owners of abandoned lots and say, "How about you let me take care of your land for a while?"