FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

The Eat-Local Backlash

 

NEWS:

Global food crisis looms experts fear

Fate of increased Chesapeake Bay funding in Farm Bill in Senate's hands

Vt. Dairy Price Plan Gains Support

Maine school lunch goes local

A Baby Sitter for the Herd

 

EVENTS:

9/8: Pickling with Salt, Great Barrington, MA

9/9: Taste Organic Connecticut, Coventry, CT

9/9: Massachusetts Raw Milk Dairy Day, statewide

9/21-23: Common Ground Country Fair, Unity, ME 

9/24: Creating School Gardens, Hubbardston, MA

10/12-13: How to Create Successful Public Markets, New York, NY

10/27: Grass finished Natural and Organic Beef and Lamb, South Dartmouth, MA

11/3: NOFA CT, Organic Harvest Celebration & Annual Meeting, New Haven, CT

12/1: Good Food Now!  New York, NY

 

OPPORTUNITIES:

Executive Director, Poughkeepsie Farm Project, Poughkeepsie, NY

Grants and Communications Manager, Just Food, New York, NY

Program Educator, Green Teen Community Gardening Program, Beacon, NY

Community Gardening and Nutrition Program Manager, Isles, Inc., Trenton, NJ

Multiple Job Openings, The Food Trust, Philadelphia, PA

Multiple Job Openings, Community Food Resource Center, New York, NY

Grow-Off Show-Off Contest

Vermont Barn Grants

New Hampshire Integrated Pest Management Grant

Connecticut Agriculture Viability Grant

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

New York Farmland Protection Implementation Projects

New York Farm Viability Institute Applied Research Partnership Grants

Maine Farms for the Future Program

Pennsylvania Agriculture and Rural Youth Grant Program

Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Program

Northeast SARE Partnership Grant Program

 

 

*******************

FARM BILL UPDATE

*******************

As we reported in August’s Potluck News, the House has approved its version of the Farm Bill.  NESAWG has since posted a chart summarizing the “good” and “gaps” of the bill to its website here: http://www.nesawg.org/2007/08/house_farm_bill.html . The ball is now in the Senate’s court and, in particular, in the hands of Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin who is expected to release his proposal for the Senate bill in early September.  In the meanwhile, here’s a fun take on the battle for the next Farm Bill by the same folks who brought you the Meatrix:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvEarhyioYI  Who said farm bill politics had to be boring?

 

 

*******************

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

*******************

The Eat-Local Backlash

(Grist) - Attention farmers' market shoppers: Put that heirloom tomato down and rush to the nearest supermarket. By seeking local food, you're wantonly spewing carbon into the atmosphere. That's the message of a budding backlash against the eat-local movement. The Economist fired a shotgun-style opening salvo last December, peppering what it called the "ethical foods movement" with a broad-spectrum critique. Among the claims: organic agriculture consumes more energy than conventional, and food bought from nearby sources often creates more greenhouse-gas emissions than food hauled in from long distances.

 

More recently, in a New York Times op-ed piece, the historian James E. McWilliams sought to debunk the idea that choosing locally produced food automatically decreases one's carbon footprint. He warns that efforts to reduce "food-miles" -- the distance between farm and plate -- might actually support higher carbon emissions at the source. And in Britain, a debate over whether to withdraw organic certification from African imports based on their transportation impact has spurred coverage of the issue as well.

 

What often arises in the food-miles debate, I think, is a false dichotomy: local vs. long distance. But the most attractive model might be a regional one. McWilliams touches on it, albeit vaguely, with a mention of a "hub-and-spoke system of food production and distribution." Crucially, he clings to the notion that Western consumers can continue to commandeer the globe's bounty perpetually, season be damned.

 

Full article here: http://grist.org/comments/food/2007/08/16/eatlocal/

 

 

*******************

NEWS

*******************

Global food crisis looms experts fear

(The Guardian -UK) - Climate change and an increasing population could trigger a global food crisis in the next half century as countries struggle for fertile land to grow crops and rear animals, scientists warned yesterday. To keep up with the growth in human population, more food will have to be produced worldwide over the next 50 years than has been during the past 10,000 years combined, the experts said. But in many countries a combination of poor farming practices and deforestation will be exacerbated by climate change to steadily degrade soil fertility, leaving vast areas unsuitable for crops or grazing. Competition over sparse resources may lead to conflicts and environmental destruction, the scientists fear. The warnings came as researchers from around the world convened at a UN-backed forum in Iceland on sustainable development to address the organisation's millennium development goals to halve hunger and extreme poverty by 2015.  Full article here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/aug/31/climatechange.food

 

Fate of increased Chesapeake Bay funding in Farm Bill in Senate's hands

(Bay Journal) - The Senate this fall will consider whether its version of the Farm Bill should contain the sharp increases in Chesapeake Bay cleanup funding that were approved by the House in July. The House bill includes $212.5 million over five years in conservation funding specifically directed toward curbing nutrient and sediment pollution from farms in the Chesapeake region. In addition, it boosts spending for other nationwide conservation programs, which could bring tens of millions of additional funds to the region annually. The total value to the Bay over the five-year period covered by the bill could be about $500 million, supporters say. "This landmark effort represents a major new chapter in the Chesapeake Bay cleanup effort," said Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-MD, who earlier had introduced alternative legislation aimed at boosting support for Bay efforts. Parts of that were incorporated in the final bill. Full article here: http://www.bayjournal.com/article.cfm?article=3156

 

Vt. Dairy Price Plan Gains Support

(AP) - A plan by a group of Vermont dairy farmers to end steep swings in milk prices paid to farmers is gaining support around the country, organizers said. Under it, farmers would pay 15 cents for every hundred pounds of milk they produce into a fund that would be used to market milk internationally and manage the milk supply, which is often blamed for broad price swings. Last week, the California-based Milk Producers Council cooperative said it supported the plan in principle, according to Margaret Huessy-Laggis, of Hardwick, a member of Dairy Farmers Working Together, which is traveling the country seeking support. "Most of the farmers who we've met with ... they never want to put their families through what they went through in 2006," she said Tuesday. Full article here: http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/08/29/ap4065222.html

 

Maine school lunch goes local

(Bangor Daily News) - For their first course, diners can choose from Autumn Harvest Corn & Chevre Pudding, Maple Roasted Root Vegetables or Carrot-Ginger Soup. For the main course — make that the Maine course — offerings include Italian-Inspired Pasta with Maine White Beans & Veggies, Chicken Pot Pie with Maine Mashed Potatoes or an organic Barbecue Beef Burger. Sides include Aroostook Wheat Berry Salad, Heirloom Tomato Salsa and Carrot-Raisin Slaw. And for dessert, the mouth-watering lineup includes Pumpkin Snack Cakes, Wild Blueberry Cobbler and Maine Apple Gingerbread. If you think this sounds like a bistro menu, think again. This is a school lunch menu — yes, you read that right — school lunch, better known for such classics as rectangular pizzas, salami Italians on hamburger buns and sloppy Joes (or, as Adam Sandler would sing, "slop, sloppy Joes." But there was nary a sloppy Joe in sight — no hoagies and grinders, either — as Bangor chef Cheryl Wixson led a class for school food service workers last week at the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association’s Common Ground Education Center in Unity. Full article here: http://bangordailynews.com/news/t/lifestyle.aspx?articleid=153638&zoneid=14

 

A Baby Sitter For The Herd

(Hartford Courant) - The woman who calls herself the Fairy Barnmother wakes at dawn, slips into well-worn dungarees and mud-caked boots and hops aboard her new pickup truck to visit the farm animals. But unlike most farmers, she does not own many of the animals that she will feed, clean and comfort. Cathy Kerkes is a professional critter sitter, someone who travels from barn to barn to care for other people's livestock and pets. "I've got animals of my own, so I know how hard it can be," Kerkes said as she tossed hay bales to sheep on a recent Saturday morning. "You may love them, you may even need them to pay your bills, but animals can really tie you down. That's where I come in." Full article here: http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-barnmother0826.artaug26,0,1060289.story

 

 

*******************

EVENTS

******************* 

9/8

Pickling with Salt, Great Barrington, MA

Learn how to create delicious, nutritious pickles through the wonder of lacto-fermentation. Lacto-fermentation is the original and a healthy way of making pickles, sauerkraut, kimchee, and many other traditional foods. We will learn health benefits and make a batch of sauerkraut to take home and also sample some other fermented foods. Seth Travin has made sauerkraut for over 9 years and works at the SauerKraut Cellar at Hawthorne Valley Farm and sells to the Berkshire Mountain Coop. You will make and take home pickles & sauerkraut using organic veggies(bring 'em along!). Seth runs the Sauerkraut Cellar at Hawthorne Valley Biodynamic Farm. For more info, see: http://www.nofa.org/store/product.php?StoreID=1&ProdID=MASKLSPKL07

 

9/9

Taste Organic Connecticut, Coventry, CT

Fall Festival - Organic Farmer's Market - Children's Activities Educational Workshops - Music - Craft Vendors.  For more info, see: http://www.ctnofa.org/events/Taste/taste2007.htm

 

9/9

Massachusetts Raw Milk Dairy Day, statewide

On Sunday, September 9th, seven Massachusetts dairies that sell raw milk will open up their farms for tours and other activities. The farms are located throughout the state, from Foxboro to Williamstown, and each welcomes families and friends interested in learning more about dairy farms and raw milk. Activities will vary from farm to farm; some will offer milking demonstrations, cheese samples, wagon rides, picnic areas and petting animals, and all will include information about why raw milk is so good! Raw milk and other dairy products, as well as various local fruits, vegetables and meats will be available for sale. Support your local dairies on September 9th and learn why everyone’s talking about raw milk! For more info, see: http://www.nofamass.org/programs/organicdairy/pdfs/rawmilkday.pdf

 

9/21-23

Common Ground Country Fair, Unity, ME 

Downeast Magazine calls Common Ground "Maine's most authentic country fair, uniting, as it does, old-time folkways with progressive ideas about living the good life on a fragile planet." Organized by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, the Common Ground Country Fair brings together people to share knowledge about sustainable living; eat delicious, organic, Maine-grown food; buy and sell beautiful Maine crafts and useful agricultural products; compete in various activities; dance; sing and have a great time. For more info, see: www.mofga.org

 

9/24

Creating School Gardens, Hubbardston, MA

Start with a tour of the 70-foot diameter organic school garden. The Hubbardston Center School's garden program was developed using grant money, school and community involvement, and is student- maintained. Hear about the role the garden plays in hands-on learning at different grade levels and how the garden has provided nutritious snacks for the entire population of 480 students at this central Mass K-6 elementary school. Learn an introduction to organic gardening. Resources for beginners to learn more of the basics will be available. For more info, see: http://www.nofa.org/store/product.php?StoreID=1&ProdID=MASKLSSCH07

 

10/12-13

How to Create Successful Public Markets, New York, NY

Project for Public Spaces presents its acclaimed workshop on the four elements that make markets successful: the right mix of vendors and products; a strong sense of place; solid economic and operational underpinnings; and a firm commitment to the surrounding community. The course includes workshops and on-site tours of markets. For more info, see: http://www.pps.org/training/info/markets_training_course

 

10/27

Grass finished Natural and Organic Beef and Lamb, South Dartmouth, MA

Come to Woolly Mammoth Farm (1:30-4:30) and learn many of the vital aspects to finishing high quality lamb and beef in natural and organic systems. We will also go in depth in areas of preference for participants. Learn about production (feed, breed, water, fencing, and shelter), processing (how, where, value-added), and marketing. Matt Rulevich has been raising grass-finished lamb as Woolly Mammoth Farm since 1998 and now finishes beef and lamb on a 300 acre coastal farm in South Dartmouth.

 

11/3

NOFA CT, Organic Harvest Celebration & Annual Meeting, New Haven, CT

Events include an Organic farmers market and displays, Potluck meal, Annual meeting, a food for thought talk by Billie Best, and presentation of the NOFA CT Member of the Year award.  For more info, see: http://www.ctnofa.org/events/annual%20meeting/2007%20annual%20meeting.html

 

12/1

Good Food Now!  New York, NY

Please mark your calendars for Just Food's Regional Summit on Food, Farmers and Community Health at The New School.  This event will be organized in conjunction with NESAWG’s Annual Meeting and Resource Harvest.  Stay tuned to NEFOOD for more info on these exciting events.

 

 

*******************

OPPORTUNITIES

*******************

Executive Director, Poughkeepsie Farm Project, Poughkeepsie, NY

The Poughkeepsie Farm Project (PFP), a Mid-Hudson Valley, NY farm based nonprofit organization that works toward a just and sustainable food system by operating a member-supported farm, providing education and training about food and farming, and improving access to healthy, locally-grown food, is currently hiring an Executive Director. The Executive Director will work with PFP staff, youth participants, and community members to carry out PFP's food justice and education programs, while simultaneously acting as steward of PFP’s mission and directing and representing the organization. Last day to apply: September 15, 2007  For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/236297-149  

 

Grants and Communications Manager, Just Food, New York, NY

Just Food seeks a Grants and Communications Manager to cultivate relationships with foundations and the press. The position will be responsible for developing proposals, reports, and press releases as well as written, verbal and visual communications including print, electronic publishing, publicity, advertising and press materials. Last day to apply: September 8, 2007  For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/238150-5

 

Program Educator, Green Teen Community Gardening Program, Beacon, NY

Assist in the development, coordination and implementation of a city-based youth and teen (ages 7-17) gardening education program. Provide educational programming to underserved youth from the City of Beacon through gardening, ecology and food system activities in after school programs, during school hours, and in summer programs. Last day to apply: September 25, 2007 For more info, see:  http://www.idealist.org/en/job/233610-186

 

Community Gardening and Nutrition Program Manager, Isles, Inc., Trenton, NJ

Isles seeks a Community Gardening and Nutrition Program (CGNP) Manager to plan and implement activities of community gardening and nutrition for Isles, a nonprofit community development and environmental organization in Trenton, NJ. Last day to apply: September 29, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.idealist.org/en/job/233922-224

   

MULTIPLE JOB OPENINGS, THE FOOD TRUST, PHILADELPHIA, PA

The Food Trust is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization improving the supply of affordable food and good nutrition in the mid-Atlantic region. The mission of The Food Trust is to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food. For more info, see: http://www.thefoodtrust.org/php/about/jobs.php  

 

MULTIPLE JOB OPENINGS, FOODCHANGE, NEW YORK, NY

FoodChange (formerly known as the Community Food Resource Center) is dedicated to helping low-income New Yorkers gain and maintain access to nutritious food, income support and decent housing. For more info, see: http://www.foodchange.org/employment/employment.html  

 

Grow-Off Show-Off Contest

Contests. Contests. They’re everywhere. Athletes have the Olympics. Singers have American Idol. Survivors have, well, Survivor. Heck, even bakers have the Pillsbury Bake-Off. But what about home gardeners? We have talents too (aside from compost pile turning and pesto-making, that is) and it’s time we celebrated them. The Grow-Off Show-Off is a light-hearted, no-holds-barred talent contest for gardeners who cook, cooks who garden, and other garden-variety foodies. We’re looking for fresh, creative entries that communicate the multiple benefits – health, environmental, culinary, and community - of home-grown, home-made foods. The Grow-Off Show-Off is a project of Kitchen Gardeners International and is co-sponsored by Mother Earth News.  There are many prizes available including a $500 grand prize. For more info, see: www.growoffshowoff.org

 

Vermont Barn Grants

The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation has a 50/50 matching grants program to assist owners of historic agricultural buildings (barns, corn cribs, sheds, grist mills, etc.) Up to $10,000 can be awarded to assist the restoration and repair of these endangered buildings. This program encourages the continued use of farm buildings for agricultural use. Due date: October 2, 2007 For more info, see:http://www.historicvermont.org/financial/barn.html

 

NEW HAMPSHIRE INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT GRANT

This program awards grants, up to $5,000, to the best project proposals submitted to the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food. The purpose of this program is to "bring about the broadest possible application of the principles of IPM to agriculture, landscape and building maintenance, horticulture, arborculture, and any other areas in which economic poisons are employed". Due date: November 1, 2007 For more info, see: http://agriculture.nh.gov/programs/index.htm  

  

CONNECTICUT AGRICULTURE VIABILITY GRANT

The Agriculture Viability Grants Program (AVGP) encompasses two separate grants. The first grant is called the Farm Transition Grant. Producers, non-profits, and agriculture cooperatives may apply for this grant and may receive up to $50,000 matching. Non-profits who apply may use in-kind services as their match. The second grant is called the Farm Viability Grant and may only be used by municipalities, regional planning agencies, and association of municipalities. Due date: November 16, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.ct.gov/doag/cwp/view.asp?a=1368&q=317242  

 

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces the availability of approximately $7 million in block grant funds to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. State departments of agriculture interested in obtaining grant program funds are invited to submit applications to USDA. The SCBGP assists State departments of agriculture in enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Examples of enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops include, but are not limited to: Research, promotion, marketing, nutrition, trade enhancement, food safety, food security, plant health programs, education, "buy local" programs, increased consumption, increased innovation, improved efficiency and reduced costs of distribution systems, environmental concerns and conservation, product development, and developing cooperatives. Due date: October 11, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/scbgp.html

 

New York Farmland Protection Implementation Projects

The New York Farmland Protection Program is accepting applications for matching implementation funds from counties and municipalities with approved agricultural land protection plans. Due date: September 17, 2007 For more info, see: http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/RFPS.html

 

New York Farm Viability Institute Applied Research Partnership Grants

The Applied Research Partnership program supports practical, on-farm research efforts that are designed to result in measurable, beneficial impacts to participating farms within the lifespan of the project. The New York Farm Viability Institute seeks proposals for projects of no more than two years in duration that work directly with agricultural producers. Sectors of interest include, but are not limited to, field and horticultural crops, livestock, dairy, greenhouse, nursery, turf grass, equine, aquaculture and other agricultural enterprises. Proposals for up to $250,000 over the life of the project will be accepted from producer groups, researchers and educators at academic institutions, Cooperative Extension staff and other groups, agencies and businesses involved in research, development, technology adoption and business assistance in the agricultural sector. Due date: October 1, 2007 Full article here: http://www.nyfarmviability.org/downloads.asp#Focus%20Opportunity%20Grant%20Program

 

Maine Farms for the Future Program

Maine's Farm for the Future (FFF) program is a two-phase business assistance program that helps Maine farmers plan for the future of their agricultural enterprise. If selected for the program, the farmer will develop a business plan, with a team of professionals, for an idea that will increase the long-term economic viability of their farm. Once the business plan is completed the farmer is then eligible to apply for grant funds to complete the project. Due date: October 25, 2007 Full article here: http://www.maine.gov/agriculture/mpd/business/fff/index.html

 

Pennsylvania Agriculture and Rural Youth Grant Program

The purpose of the Agriculture and Rural Youth Grant Program is to fund projects, which will increase the knowledge and awareness of agricultural and rural issues in Pennsylvania, in particular among the youth of Pennsylvania. The Program awards direct grants up to $2,500 and matching grants up to $10,000. Eligible youth organizations are those which are primarily comprised of persons eighteen years of age or younger, and are organized within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to promote development in the areas of agriculture, rural community leadership, vocational training or peer fellowship. Due date: October 31, 2007 Full article here: http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/pagrows/cwp/view.asp?a=438&q=140654

 

Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Program

The goal of the Farmer grant program is to develop, refine, and demonstrate new sustainable techniques and to explore innovative ideas developed by farmers across the region. To apply, you must be a farmer in the Northeast SARE region, made up of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Grants average about $5,200, and are capped at $10,000. Due date: December 18, 2007 http://www.uvm.edu/~nesare/FGinfo.html

 

Northeast SARE Partnership Grant Program

The Partnership Grant is for agricultural professionals who work directly with farmers—specifically Cooperative Extension, NRCS personnel, non-governmental organizations, and others operating in the farm community—who are interested in developing on-farm demonstration, research, or marketing projects related to sustainable agriculture. Proposals should be relevant to farming and sustainability issues in the northeast region, and should offer both research and outreach components so that results will be available to the wider farm community. Due date: December 4, 2007 http://www.uvm.edu/~nesare/PARTinfo.html

 

 

 +*~*+~*~!~+*~+*~+*~+~++*~*+~*~!~+*~+*~+*~+~++*~*+~*~!~+*~+*~+*~+~++*~*+~

 

Potluck is a monthly e-newsletter sponsored by the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (NESAWG) and is supported in part by the Lawson Valentine Foundation and the Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation.  It is distributed via NEFOOD-L, the listserv for sustainable food systems in the Northeast generously hosted by Tufts University.  In case you know of someone who you think would be interested in receiving Potluck, please invite them to subscribe to NEFOOD-L by going here: https://elist.tufts.edu/wws/info/nefood

 

* * * * * * *

 

Roger Doiron, NEFOOD Listserve administrator, [email protected]