The Auburn Biodiesel Corp. intends to buy soybeans from Cayuga County farmers to produce both biodiesel fuel and soy meal.

The initiative will provide a stable business relationship and bankable income for local farmers currently struggling with fluctuating market prices for produce, grain corns and dairy.

All in all, the proposal is a win/win in that local farmers and the corporation will mutually benefit from the proposal.

The plan will create jobs and revive the local economy, maintaining farm culture.

It's brilliant business, but at the same time, it breaks my heart to think of Cayuga County possibly with fewer fresh produce fields.

Produce has always been cheap and fresh; particularly corn and apples, seasonally.

Over the next five years, if farmers switch from produce to soybeans, more and more produce will be shipped from warmer coastal states and I'm telling you, there is a huge difference between “farm fresh” and “truck fresh.”

Obviously, you have to change with the times, and more importantly you have to make a profit.

But there is something about roadside vegetable stands that makes me a little misty.

I love that I can buy squash from a folding table and a cash jar, on the honor system no less! It's comforting and thoroughly American.

Producing soybeans is a legitimate enterprise, but the endeavor seems very cold and corporate.

Why?

Frankly, there is nothing sexy about beans.

Cornfields are intimidating and impressive, especially when the tall stalks bend and move in unison with the wind.

And sunflower fields are unbelievable.

Heck, I even like the look of a good-sized pumpkin patch.

I certainly don't question the importance of biodiesel as a resource, but I've never had a hankering for a soybean in my life.

In the long run, it's a moot point.

Ultimately the biodiesel venture will improve the average Cayuga County farmer's way of life, the benefits of which certainly out way my being a vegetable snob.

Estabrook's column appears Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com