Great News! The Whole Foods Market in Raleigh on Wade Ave. has named CFSA the recipient of one of their 5% Days! Five percent of all sales on Tuesday, April 26th will go to benefit CFSA's work to support local, organic food and farming!
If you're in the neighborhood that day, please stop by and pick up a yummy treat (all food purchased for a good cause is calorie free!) or better yet, save your grocery shopping trip for that Tuesday and stock up!
Showing posts with label organic food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label organic food. Show all posts
2/03/2011
Food Matters Showing Feb. 4, 7:00, Raven's Wing
Food Matters is a feature length documentary film informing you on the best choices you can make for you and your family's health. In a collection of interviews with leading Nutritionists, Naturopaths, Scientists, M.D.'s and Medical Journalists you will discover...
How to use food as medicine
Who needs vitamins?
Is organic better?
How safe is our food?
Natural treatments for lowering Cholesterol
Foods that fight Anxiety and Depression
Natural therapies for Cancer
Which drugs might do more harm than good
The best ways to detox, lose weight and keep it off
[Also: potluck at 6:15, meditation at 5:30, yoga with Mark at 4:00]
How to use food as medicine
Who needs vitamins?
Is organic better?
How safe is our food?
Natural treatments for lowering Cholesterol
Foods that fight Anxiety and Depression
Natural therapies for Cancer
Which drugs might do more harm than good
The best ways to detox, lose weight and keep it off
[Also: potluck at 6:15, meditation at 5:30, yoga with Mark at 4:00]
1/03/2010
Organic More Nutritious
http://allalongtheedge.blogspot.com/2010/01/organic-food-is-more-nutritious-duh.html
12/30/2009
11/26/2009
Syngenta Goes on the Attack
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/11/25-7 [Agribusiness on the attack means they're feeling threatened. So this is good news, Folks! Happy organic Thanksgiving to you!]
9/23/2009
Press Release from High Mowing Farms
For Immediate Release
September 23, 2009
Local Seed Company Wins Lawsuit Against Genetically Engineered Crops
High Mowing Organic Seeds, a mail-order organic seed company based in Wolcott, Vermont announced today that it has won its nearly 20 month lawsuit against the USDA for the premature deregulation of Monsanto’s genetically engineered sugar beets. Additional plaintiffs include the Center for Food Safety, Organic Seed Alliance and the Sierra Club and were represented in addition, by Earth Justice attorneys. The groups filed the lawsuit in January 2008.
High Mowing’s founder and President, Tom Stearns says, “This ruling is a success not just for organic farmers but for all who have hope for a healthier food system in this country. All wise solutions to our agricultural challenges should serve our physical health, environmental health and the economic viability of farmers and the communities in which they live.”
The U.S. District Court for the northern district of California ruled that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) violated federal law by failing to prepare an environmental impact statement before deregulating genetically altered sugar beets.
Monsanto developed the biotech beets to be resistant to Monsanto's glyphosate herbicide Roundup, and promotes the sugarbeets as "Roundup Ready."
In 2009, 1.1 million acres were planted with GMO sugar beets and almost half of the sugar in the U.S. is made from beets.
Recently, the USDA has shown great signs of progress in support of local and organic food by elevating the National Organic Program to its own division and just yesterday, hiring Miles McEvoy as its head. The USDA, headed by Sec. Vilsack and Deputy Sec. Merrigan have also been making important announcements for the last week as they kick-off their new campaign, Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food. Stearns believes that these are critical and substantial changes within the department and “that a tipping point has been reached and that the USDA is now becoming part of the solution to re-building healthy food systems in this country.”
High Mowing is just one of dozens of farms and agricultural businesses in the Hardwick, Vermont region that have been collaborating with each other for many years. The NY Times, Gourmet Magazine, Eating Well Magazine and authors Michael Pollan, Bill McKibben, Sen. Patrick Leahy and many others have declared the region as a national model for healthy food systems and building economic development through value-added agriculture. In mid-September, camera crews and Chef Emeril Legasse and Dan Rather Reports filmed many activities of the region for their upcoming shows on healthy food systems.
For more information contact:
Tom Stearns, High Mowing Organic Seeds
tom@highmowingseeds.com
802-472-6174 ext. 114
September 23, 2009
Local Seed Company Wins Lawsuit Against Genetically Engineered Crops
High Mowing Organic Seeds, a mail-order organic seed company based in Wolcott, Vermont announced today that it has won its nearly 20 month lawsuit against the USDA for the premature deregulation of Monsanto’s genetically engineered sugar beets. Additional plaintiffs include the Center for Food Safety, Organic Seed Alliance and the Sierra Club and were represented in addition, by Earth Justice attorneys. The groups filed the lawsuit in January 2008.
High Mowing’s founder and President, Tom Stearns says, “This ruling is a success not just for organic farmers but for all who have hope for a healthier food system in this country. All wise solutions to our agricultural challenges should serve our physical health, environmental health and the economic viability of farmers and the communities in which they live.”
The U.S. District Court for the northern district of California ruled that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) violated federal law by failing to prepare an environmental impact statement before deregulating genetically altered sugar beets.
Monsanto developed the biotech beets to be resistant to Monsanto's glyphosate herbicide Roundup, and promotes the sugarbeets as "Roundup Ready."
In 2009, 1.1 million acres were planted with GMO sugar beets and almost half of the sugar in the U.S. is made from beets.
Recently, the USDA has shown great signs of progress in support of local and organic food by elevating the National Organic Program to its own division and just yesterday, hiring Miles McEvoy as its head. The USDA, headed by Sec. Vilsack and Deputy Sec. Merrigan have also been making important announcements for the last week as they kick-off their new campaign, Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food. Stearns believes that these are critical and substantial changes within the department and “that a tipping point has been reached and that the USDA is now becoming part of the solution to re-building healthy food systems in this country.”
High Mowing is just one of dozens of farms and agricultural businesses in the Hardwick, Vermont region that have been collaborating with each other for many years. The NY Times, Gourmet Magazine, Eating Well Magazine and authors Michael Pollan, Bill McKibben, Sen. Patrick Leahy and many others have declared the region as a national model for healthy food systems and building economic development through value-added agriculture. In mid-September, camera crews and Chef Emeril Legasse and Dan Rather Reports filmed many activities of the region for their upcoming shows on healthy food systems.
For more information contact:
Tom Stearns, High Mowing Organic Seeds
tom@highmowingseeds.com
802-472-6174 ext. 114
8/13/2009
Tomato, Basil Diseases
Tomato blight in the northeast. Important now for backyard growers to understand the signs of disease in their small plots, as the outcome could affect larger volumes of food grown elsewhere.
Our wet weather here in the Piedmont sets the stage for other diseases. This from Chatham County Organic Extension agent Debbie Roos:
"Bad news for basil growers: basil downy mildew was confirmed at a NC farm this week (unfortunately right here in Chatham County). Basil downy mildew is a very new disease and this is the first confirmed case in the state. Basil growers are at high risk for this disease. I posted photos and information on Cooperative Extension’s Growing Small Farms website at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/chatham/ag/SustAg/basildownymildew.html
Unfotunately, this can possibly affect a number of members of the Lmiaceae or mint family."
Wikipedia says this about the mints, a large and useful family:
Lamiaceae or Labiatae, also known as the mint family, is a family of plants.
The plants are frequently aromatic in all parts and include many widely used culinary herbs, such as basil, mint, rosemary, sage, savory, marjoram, oregano, thyme, lavender, and perilla. Some are shrubs, trees, such as teak, or rarely vines. Many members of the family are widely cultivated, owing not only to their aromatic qualities but also their ease of cultivation: these plants are among the easiest plants to propagate by stem cuttings. Besides those grown for their edible leaves, some are grown for decorative foliage, such as coleus.
The stems are frequently square in cross section, but this is not found in all members of the family, and is sometimes found in other plant families."
So, keep an eye on your gardens, and pull out sick plants to keep the spores from spreading to the rest of your garden and beyond. Early is better than later.
Our wet weather here in the Piedmont sets the stage for other diseases. This from Chatham County Organic Extension agent Debbie Roos:
"Bad news for basil growers: basil downy mildew was confirmed at a NC farm this week (unfortunately right here in Chatham County). Basil downy mildew is a very new disease and this is the first confirmed case in the state. Basil growers are at high risk for this disease. I posted photos and information on Cooperative Extension’s Growing Small Farms website at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/chatham/ag/SustAg/basildownymildew.html
Unfotunately, this can possibly affect a number of members of the Lmiaceae or mint family."
Wikipedia says this about the mints, a large and useful family:
Lamiaceae or Labiatae, also known as the mint family, is a family of plants.
The plants are frequently aromatic in all parts and include many widely used culinary herbs, such as basil, mint, rosemary, sage, savory, marjoram, oregano, thyme, lavender, and perilla. Some are shrubs, trees, such as teak, or rarely vines. Many members of the family are widely cultivated, owing not only to their aromatic qualities but also their ease of cultivation: these plants are among the easiest plants to propagate by stem cuttings. Besides those grown for their edible leaves, some are grown for decorative foliage, such as coleus.
The stems are frequently square in cross section, but this is not found in all members of the family, and is sometimes found in other plant families."
So, keep an eye on your gardens, and pull out sick plants to keep the spores from spreading to the rest of your garden and beyond. Early is better than later.
8/07/2009
USDA to Seek Independent Oversight of Organics
NATIONAL ORGANIC COALITION APPLAUDS USDA'S DECISION TO SEEK INDEPENDENT OVERSIGHT OF NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM
Action Ensures Consistent Enforcement of Organic Standards WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 6, 2009)
At the urging of the National Organic Coalition and others, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it will subject its National Organic Program (NOP) to a stringent audit and continued oversight by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). In a July 29 letter addressed to the National Organic Coalition, USDA Deputy Secretary, Kathleen Merrigan underscored the value of scrutinizing the NOP to strengthen the integrity of the program and the USDA organic seal. The NOP is USDA's regulatory body that develops, implements, and administers the USDA organic seal and national standards for organic agricultural products sold in the U.S. It accredits domestic and foreign certifying agents who inspect organic production and handling operations producing organic food sold in the U.S. as compliant with USDA organic standards. NIST's National Voluntary Conformity Assessment Systems Evaluation (NVCASE) program reviews accreditation programs such as the NOP to assess their ongoing conformity with international standards for management of accreditation program through onsite audit, evaluation of office system, and oversight of record keeping, enforcement, and corrective actions.
"Third-party recognition is important for many of USDA's audit-based programs," Merrigan said in her letter to the National Organic Coalition. "We understand the value of this step as we continue working to strengthen the integrity of the NOP and to build the organic community's trust in the program." Merrigan anticipates that the NIST review will begin October 1, 2009.
"We applaud USDA's willingness to submit its organic program to the rigors of these international norms and believe this will pave the way for continued growth and success of the U.S. organic industry," said Robynn Shrader, a National Organic Coalition founding member and CEO of the National Cooperative Grocers Association. In June, the National Organic Coalition met with Merrigan to discuss the need for greater consistency in the implementation of NOP rules. The coalition proposed that the NOP apply to NIST at the U.S. Department of Commerce for recognition of its accreditation function and to make a commitment to strictly comply with NIST requirements.
"USDA's organic seal is the best guarantee for people who want to eat healthy foods grown without the use of toxic pesticides, GMOs or artificial growth hormones such as rBGH," said Liana Hoodes, National Organic Coalition policy coordinator.
"We anticipate that the potential changes NOP will make to earn NIST recognition will result in greater consistency and integrity in USDA organic standards, greater fairness to organic farmers and handlers, and greater consumer confidence in the USDA organic label."
The National Organic Coalition (www.nationalorganiccoalition.org) is a non-governmental alliance of organizations working to provide a "Washington voice" for farmers, ranchers, environmentalists, consumers and progressive industry members involved in organic agriculture.In order for the NOP to be recognized by the NIST NVCASE program, National Organic Coalition anticipates NOP will be required to make significant modifications to its accreditation procedures.
"We think the USDA and the entire Obama Administration have sent a clear message that maintaining and improving the integrity of the organic industry is a national priority and that the USDA will continue to build a trusting alliance with the broader organic community as the NOP grows and matures," Hoodes added.
Media contact:Liana HoodesNational Organic CoalitionCell: 914-443-5759www.NationalOrganicCoalition.orgLiana@hvc.rr.com For a pdf of this release, or for a copy of the letter from Deputy Secretary Merrigan, go to www.NationalOrganicCoalition.org
Action Ensures Consistent Enforcement of Organic Standards WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 6, 2009)
At the urging of the National Organic Coalition and others, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it will subject its National Organic Program (NOP) to a stringent audit and continued oversight by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). In a July 29 letter addressed to the National Organic Coalition, USDA Deputy Secretary, Kathleen Merrigan underscored the value of scrutinizing the NOP to strengthen the integrity of the program and the USDA organic seal. The NOP is USDA's regulatory body that develops, implements, and administers the USDA organic seal and national standards for organic agricultural products sold in the U.S. It accredits domestic and foreign certifying agents who inspect organic production and handling operations producing organic food sold in the U.S. as compliant with USDA organic standards. NIST's National Voluntary Conformity Assessment Systems Evaluation (NVCASE) program reviews accreditation programs such as the NOP to assess their ongoing conformity with international standards for management of accreditation program through onsite audit, evaluation of office system, and oversight of record keeping, enforcement, and corrective actions.
"Third-party recognition is important for many of USDA's audit-based programs," Merrigan said in her letter to the National Organic Coalition. "We understand the value of this step as we continue working to strengthen the integrity of the NOP and to build the organic community's trust in the program." Merrigan anticipates that the NIST review will begin October 1, 2009.
"We applaud USDA's willingness to submit its organic program to the rigors of these international norms and believe this will pave the way for continued growth and success of the U.S. organic industry," said Robynn Shrader, a National Organic Coalition founding member and CEO of the National Cooperative Grocers Association. In June, the National Organic Coalition met with Merrigan to discuss the need for greater consistency in the implementation of NOP rules. The coalition proposed that the NOP apply to NIST at the U.S. Department of Commerce for recognition of its accreditation function and to make a commitment to strictly comply with NIST requirements.
"USDA's organic seal is the best guarantee for people who want to eat healthy foods grown without the use of toxic pesticides, GMOs or artificial growth hormones such as rBGH," said Liana Hoodes, National Organic Coalition policy coordinator.
"We anticipate that the potential changes NOP will make to earn NIST recognition will result in greater consistency and integrity in USDA organic standards, greater fairness to organic farmers and handlers, and greater consumer confidence in the USDA organic label."
The National Organic Coalition (www.nationalorganiccoalition.org) is a non-governmental alliance of organizations working to provide a "Washington voice" for farmers, ranchers, environmentalists, consumers and progressive industry members involved in organic agriculture.In order for the NOP to be recognized by the NIST NVCASE program, National Organic Coalition anticipates NOP will be required to make significant modifications to its accreditation procedures.
"We think the USDA and the entire Obama Administration have sent a clear message that maintaining and improving the integrity of the organic industry is a national priority and that the USDA will continue to build a trusting alliance with the broader organic community as the NOP grows and matures," Hoodes added.
Media contact:Liana HoodesNational Organic CoalitionCell: 914-443-5759www.NationalOrganicCoalition.orgLiana@hvc.rr.com For a pdf of this release, or for a copy of the letter from Deputy Secretary Merrigan, go to www.NationalOrganicCoalition.org
7/10/2009
7/02/2009
5/20/2009
Potluck in the Pasture, CCCC, Jun 7
“Potluck in the Pasture” celebrates Chatham’s agricultural and artistic heritage
PITTSBORO – Art and food lovers take note: ChathamArts celebrates the county’s unique agricultural and artistic heritage at the annual Potluck in the Pasture on Sunday June 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Central Carolina Community College’s (CCCC) two-acre Student Farm in Pittsboro (764 West Street). You’ll have a unique chance to see what’s growing at America’s first two-year sustainable farming program, share a potluck picnic of locally produced food, and meet local artists and musicians. You may also purchase farm fresh food and make a donation to ChathamArts, the nonprofit arts council. For more information: contact ChathamArts at www.chathamarts.org or 919.542.0934 or call Katy McReynolds, Potluck Coordinator, at 919.444.1900.
“This is our way to pay tribute to our farmers and artists who inspire and nurture us,” said Daryl Walker, director of the potluck project. “We hope the Potluck encourages more people to buy locally produced food and art and become more aware of the farmers and artists who contribute to our community and our economy.”
Two of the artists who will display their work are also working farmers: Mixed media painter Kristy Church is co-owner of Winfield Farm and portrait/landscape artist Tim Tron is co-owner of Grandview Farms. Other artists include: Cindy Bainbridge, Roger Dinger, Michele Mosca, Rita Spina and Diane Swan. Live music will be performed by Breadfoot (a.k.a. Stephan Meyers) and singer/songwriters Chris Kelley and Mike Slaton.
Visitors are asked to bring a potluck dish to share with at least one locally grown ingredient (and the recipe noting origin of local items), as well as a beverage, lawn chair or blanket, and a donation to ChathamArts, which supports diverse arts through gallery sales, and cultural programs in the schools and community.
Local food ingredients for your potluck dish are easy to come by in Chatham. They might come from your own garden or neighboring farms; from local farmers’ markets at the Chatham County Fairgrounds in Pittsboro or Southern Village (Thursdays), Fearrington Village (Tuesdays), or Pittsboro, Siler City, Carrboro and Sanford (Saturdays); or from Chatham Marketplace in Pittsboro, or Weaver Street in Southern Village and Carrboro.
CCCC’s Sustainable Agriculture Program was the first of its kind in the nation. Its two-year associate’s degree and certificate programs provide hands-on training in every aspect of sustainable, chemical-free farming, including vegetable and fruit production, animal husbandry, financing, management and marketing. It’s part of an array of innovative programs at CCCC encouraging sustainable energy, food, technology, building practices and public policies, earning the campus the new moniker “Green Central.”
Debbie Roos
North Carolina Cooperative Extension
919.542.8202
debbie_roos@ncsu.edu
www.growingsmallfarms.org
PITTSBORO – Art and food lovers take note: ChathamArts celebrates the county’s unique agricultural and artistic heritage at the annual Potluck in the Pasture on Sunday June 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Central Carolina Community College’s (CCCC) two-acre Student Farm in Pittsboro (764 West Street). You’ll have a unique chance to see what’s growing at America’s first two-year sustainable farming program, share a potluck picnic of locally produced food, and meet local artists and musicians. You may also purchase farm fresh food and make a donation to ChathamArts, the nonprofit arts council. For more information: contact ChathamArts at www.chathamarts.org or 919.542.0934 or call Katy McReynolds, Potluck Coordinator, at 919.444.1900.
“This is our way to pay tribute to our farmers and artists who inspire and nurture us,” said Daryl Walker, director of the potluck project. “We hope the Potluck encourages more people to buy locally produced food and art and become more aware of the farmers and artists who contribute to our community and our economy.”
Two of the artists who will display their work are also working farmers: Mixed media painter Kristy Church is co-owner of Winfield Farm and portrait/landscape artist Tim Tron is co-owner of Grandview Farms. Other artists include: Cindy Bainbridge, Roger Dinger, Michele Mosca, Rita Spina and Diane Swan. Live music will be performed by Breadfoot (a.k.a. Stephan Meyers) and singer/songwriters Chris Kelley and Mike Slaton.
Visitors are asked to bring a potluck dish to share with at least one locally grown ingredient (and the recipe noting origin of local items), as well as a beverage, lawn chair or blanket, and a donation to ChathamArts, which supports diverse arts through gallery sales, and cultural programs in the schools and community.
Local food ingredients for your potluck dish are easy to come by in Chatham. They might come from your own garden or neighboring farms; from local farmers’ markets at the Chatham County Fairgrounds in Pittsboro or Southern Village (Thursdays), Fearrington Village (Tuesdays), or Pittsboro, Siler City, Carrboro and Sanford (Saturdays); or from Chatham Marketplace in Pittsboro, or Weaver Street in Southern Village and Carrboro.
CCCC’s Sustainable Agriculture Program was the first of its kind in the nation. Its two-year associate’s degree and certificate programs provide hands-on training in every aspect of sustainable, chemical-free farming, including vegetable and fruit production, animal husbandry, financing, management and marketing. It’s part of an array of innovative programs at CCCC encouraging sustainable energy, food, technology, building practices and public policies, earning the campus the new moniker “Green Central.”
Debbie Roos
North Carolina Cooperative Extension
919.542.8202
debbie_roos@ncsu.edu
www.growingsmallfarms.org
11/29/2008
11/10/2008
7/22/2008
How the Affluent Go Local
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/22/dining/22local.html?ex=1217390400&en=82b184065dc466bd&ei=5070&emc=eta1
7/21/2008
Gotta Love Zucchini
http://organictobe.org/index.php/2008/07/19/grow-zucchini-and-slash-your-summer-food-budget-with-organic-recipes/
7/20/2008
Organic, Local, Seasonal, Low on the Food Chain
Eat foods that are at once organic, local, seasonal and low on the food chain. Local keeps down the transportation miles. Organic eliminates the high energy costs of pesticides and fertilizers. Seasonal foods do not need greenhouses or long periods of refrigeration. And the food chain matters, carbon-wise: the CO2 impact of a pound of beef can be 250 times as great as that of a pound of carrots.
Susan Burns, Global Footprint Network
Susan Burns, Global Footprint Network
4/23/2008
Edible Lawn--Eat Your Weeds, Children
http://www.gardensalive.com/article_mcgrath.asp?ai=1&bhcd2=1208943643
2/09/2008
10/26/2007
The Lies of Labels
A FOOD CHAIN RELEASE FROM METROFARM.COM
You buy the chicken labeled “100% Natural” because you want the best for your family. But up to 15% of that 100% Natural chicken’s weight may be salt water or seaweed! This leads us to ask, “Is there truth in labeling?”
This Saturday at 9am Pacific, the Food Chain with Michael Olson hosts Mike Adams from the Consumer Wellness Center for a conversation about food labeling.
Log on www.metrofarm.com to listen on your radio, computer or IPOD.
Topics include how labeling laws enacted to protect consumers are often used to mislead them; the different tricks labelers use to hide ingredients; and how to find the lies on labels.
Question of the Week: Is there truth in labeling?
You buy the chicken labeled “100% Natural” because you want the best for your family. But up to 15% of that 100% Natural chicken’s weight may be salt water or seaweed! This leads us to ask, “Is there truth in labeling?”
This Saturday at 9am Pacific, the Food Chain with Michael Olson hosts Mike Adams from the Consumer Wellness Center for a conversation about food labeling.
Log on www.metrofarm.com to listen on your radio, computer or IPOD.
Topics include how labeling laws enacted to protect consumers are often used to mislead them; the different tricks labelers use to hide ingredients; and how to find the lies on labels.
Question of the Week: Is there truth in labeling?
8/14/2007
Prioritizing Organic Purchases
http://www.grist.org/advice/ask/2007/08/08/buyingorganic/index.html?source=weekly
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