Have you ever wondered where the chicken on your plate came from? More specifically, what it took to transform a live animal into a topping for your sandwich? In this video, we explore the labor and love that goes into processing poultry. Similar to butchering, it is an intensive practice that involves slaughter, de-feathering, evisceration, cleaning, packaging, and chilling. Last month, I visited Jordan Farms in the Southern Tier region of New York to learn more about organic, on-farm processing at their NYS 5A inspected facility. A lot of dedication and time goes into farming at all levels of the food industry. If you can, try to personally connect with the food that nurtures you, and engage with those who are providing or handling your food. You can support our farmers by: - Purchasing products through localized food stores, farmer's markets, and community support agriculture (CSA) programs. - Examining the federal and state legal structures that govern the lives and well-being of farm workers and promoting the changes necessary for improved livelihood and well-being. - Educating yourself about the agro and industrial chemicals that farm workers and, to a lesser degree, produce consumers are regularly exposed to. - Investing in localized, sustainable, organic, and regenerative agriculture. - Knowing where your food comes from! Video by Eva Sideris | SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry | eksideri@syr.edu