Food Prices

I’m wondering how islanders are preparing for the coming jump in food prices. Despite our 80 day drought in the NW, we’ve had it easy compared to the rest of the country. By July, corn prices were up 40%, soybeans 25%, and they are still increasing. As a result, livestock farmers are killing hogs and cattle, simply because they can’t afford to feed them. We’ll soon see higher dairy, egg, and meat prices, and corn-based fuel will be effected as well.
But, despite all that, it’s not just our drought that’s causing trouble globally! There has also been early dryness in Russia’s wheat growing season, light monsoon rains in India, and drought in Africa’s Sahel region, all of which are contributing to likely food riots and increased starvation around the world. Further, given that this year has been the hottest on record worldwide, we cannot assume 2012 is an anomaly. I’m wondering...who else is preparing, and how? I’m also curious, as I drive past apple-laden trees...at what point does foraging and gardening shift from being a hobby or a "fun country thing to do," and become a necessary economic activity? A rise in food prices is the same as a drop in income. How many of us can handle another cut in our income and still pay our mortgage? Some bills can only be paid with American Dollars - others can be gained with trades, favors, and long walks in the woods with a gathering bucket. Every dollar not spent on food today is a dollar that might pay the electric bill next year when times are tougher. Long story short...the age of cheap food and energy is rapidly passing us by. What are we doing today that will help us all tomorrow?