AVM really made me think about what I eat and where it comes from. My only beef was that most of us don't have a whole bunch of land or the luxury of working from home to be able to grow/raise as much as they did. But overall, it did the job of making me think about what I eat, and put more effort into producing what I eat, which really is a pretty big deal.
I'm currently reading the Omnivore's Dilemma, and it has REALLY opened my eyes. I can't say that it really told me anything I didn't already suspect, but it totally drove the point home: the fact that the giant industrial/chemical plants are driving the small farmer out of business, all of the massive restrictions that the government whips up to make it difficult to farm on a small scale, & the industrial organic. I've actually met the guy who owns/runs the Horizon Organic Dairy (had dinner with him - how weird is that!). He is a business man through and through - absolutely no interest in organic, except that he knows it's a profitable industry.
Someone had mentioned a "how-to" book would be more helpful. I'd recommend the Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery. It is a REALLY helpful resource to have!
