Changing of the guard in the Grand Plaza and surrounds. Lots of color and lively energy!
Quito Ecuador
Changing of the guard in the Grand Plaza and surrounds. Lots of color and lively energy!
farmgirl in Ecuador
Wahoooo! Farmgirl is in Ecuador. So, what does that mean? Well, we arrived last night for a restful stay in our hotel, the JW Marriott. Today, after breakfast we took off for a city tour of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. We saw several churches and much of the city. One of the churches had 7 tons of gold in it! It was pretty amazing. We saw the changing of the guard at the presidential house. People watching was amazing - the colors, the styles, the buildings. So much eye candy.
As for food and organic agriculture, there were signs of growth everywhere. Several times we saw chocolate bars, restaurants, cafes all advertising for USDA or organic food. The movement is growing.
Tomorrow we head to Banos and Luna Runtun. I am most psyched to see more of this beautiful country.
In the high country they grow mostly potatoes and corn. The hills are very steep but these products grow relatively easily.
One of my favorite products was Coca Tea - designed for all sorts of inflictions. It has a gentle flavor and all sorts of benefits.
Pork is big here and so are empanadas. The food is wonderful and so are the people. Everyone had a smile and is very gracious and helpful.
Although much of my notes are not organic or food in nature, the colors and love in this country are unmatched.
I am looking forward to reaching Banos, Luna Runtun, Cuenca and then Galapagos. Luna Runtun has an organic farm - YUM!
Actually, all of the food has been great. Today we had Locro sopa - potato soup with cheese and avocado. Yum again.
OK - so the big thing in Luna Runtun is that we might see a tapir. OMG. a tapir. wowza. maybe some monkeys and more. We might even see a spectacled bear. That would be awesome. Its' all pretty incredible.
I'll share more - getting ready to leave the free wireless.
As for food and organic agriculture, there were signs of growth everywhere. Several times we saw chocolate bars, restaurants, cafes all advertising for USDA or organic food. The movement is growing.
Tomorrow we head to Banos and Luna Runtun. I am most psyched to see more of this beautiful country.
In the high country they grow mostly potatoes and corn. The hills are very steep but these products grow relatively easily.
One of my favorite products was Coca Tea - designed for all sorts of inflictions. It has a gentle flavor and all sorts of benefits.
Pork is big here and so are empanadas. The food is wonderful and so are the people. Everyone had a smile and is very gracious and helpful.
Although much of my notes are not organic or food in nature, the colors and love in this country are unmatched.
I am looking forward to reaching Banos, Luna Runtun, Cuenca and then Galapagos. Luna Runtun has an organic farm - YUM!
Actually, all of the food has been great. Today we had Locro sopa - potato soup with cheese and avocado. Yum again.
OK - so the big thing in Luna Runtun is that we might see a tapir. OMG. a tapir. wowza. maybe some monkeys and more. We might even see a spectacled bear. That would be awesome. Its' all pretty incredible.
I'll share more - getting ready to leave the free wireless.
Victory against Hunger Awards
Check out the latest from Farm to School:
The National Farm to School Network is extremely honored to have the 2008 Victory Against Hunger (VAH) Award’s theme be Farm to School. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to advocate for your program and be nominated for a VAH Award. It’s not about the money (even though every cent helps), it’s about raising awareness of a farm to school program to your Congressional representative for future supportive farm to school policy and press.
Get Nominated!
The nomination period is April 1st through June 6th, 2008 for organizations building innovative “farm to school” programs including anti-hunger and community food security groups, food banks and schools. Awards will be announced on July 1st.
Congressional offices send nomination letter to:
Victory Against Hunger, c/o Congressional Hunger Center
Hall of the States Building
400 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite G-100
Washington, DC 20001
CLICK HERE
Cal Poly CSA - a model of agricultural success
Cal Poly does it again. If you haven't seen it yet check out the PBS series with Huell Howser click here (and scroll down a bit) to buy the video California's Green #122 - ORGANIC FARM
"Huell's visits Cal Poly to see their student-run, certified organic farm which consists of approximately 11 acres of land."
www.calpoly.edu/~sarc/farm.htm
805-756-6139
to Purchase this Video
or call 1-800-266-5727.
to Purchase this DVD
or call 1-800-266-5727.
click here to check out Cal Poly's organic farm.
The Cal Poly Organic Farm (CPOF) provides students and the community a place to experience and explore organic and sustainable farming and gardening techniques. Furthermore, it serves as a classroom and laboratory to several Cal Poly courses and research programs. Faculty, staff and students jointly manage and steward the farm. The farm is also supported by grants, community members, the Horticulture and Crop Science Department and the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. CLICK here for more
These kids will inspire you to better health.
Rock on!
Blog Entry dated 4/22/08 5:01 PM
Interesting article in the Los Angeles Times about Food's effect on the atmosphere. Did you know that a cow belches about 145 pounds of methane per year? This isn't new but it's eye-opening. A reminder of what our food purchases mean to our future. Written by Kenneth R. Weiss, I have yet to find an online edition. The gist is about the total energy used to produce our food, such as one hamburger patty. I know that folks will find fault but I enjoy the simplicity of it. The article reminds us of a basic concept forgotten these past couple of generations, but food costs us something - we can either pay the extra 25 cents to our local farmers or save 25 cents and apologize to our grandchildren for the distruction of our environment.
Alma Rosa tops wine and organic industries
on my last trip wine tasting to the Santa Ynez valley I fell in love with Alma Rosa winery. Their wines were a true experience of delicacy for even the most hardened taster. Check them out: http://www.almarosawinery.com/club.html
Alma Rosa Winery - Keep up the great work!
Alma Rosa Winery - Keep up the great work!
Blog Entry dated 4/18/08 11:22 AM
Check out what our friend Bill sent us:
Tomatomania is here!
This is a website for true tomato lovers.
TomatoMania Schedule of events
Tomato seedlings - available now
Check it out!
Things considered
Farmgirl here, one of them at least. 2008 has already topped previous years but is moving by in a whirlwind. I can barely focus. My multiple sclerosis (MS) has been subdued BIG time. I attribute this to a variety of factors, one of which is nutrition. How can I talk about my improving health and not mention ShenTrition. You know me - no frills. I can barely take vitamins except if they are chewables. So what do I do? get hooked on a green drink called ShenTrition. I've taken it faithfully since Oct. 22, 2007. An odd thing to remember but I guess if you remember when you got sick why is it so odd to remember when you started to heal?
"The healthy snack food for stress". Someone called it that the other day. And I agree. I drink it every morning. I'm one of those that can live off coffee and run through the morning. I also get very sick. I drink coffee on occassion, but often it's herbal tea. Feeling the affects of ShenTrition remind me that my health is worth some changes.
Nutrition must be at the forefront of my life - I depend on it. I have become aware of what I'm ingesting and digesting. My body has changed. My illness is at bay. Nutrition and a little help from ShenTrition have helped me reach a new level in life.
With that in mind, I leave 4/27 for Ecuador and Galapagos. I will be checking out the agriculture and nutrition while I'm there and report back with my findings.
Keep me posted on your activities!
Taxes and the Equator
So, taxes are over basically and the Equator is coming up. Ecuador, Galapagos, here we come! watch this spot...
Food program brings together schools, farmers
By G. Jeffrey MacDonald, Special for USA TODAY
ORANGE, Mass — As lunchtime winds down on a snowy March day at Fisher Hill School, second-grader Kayla Lafrennie is taking tiny bites to savor every morsel of her dessert: a crisp apple from a nearby farm.
"They're sweeter than the ones you get at the grocery store — and no bruises," Kayla says CLICK HERE for MORE
Bourbon Beans - Celebrate Mardi Gras!
Check out Care2's delicious recipe for Bourbon Beans.
Celebrate Mardi Gras with bourbon-touched beans. CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE What better connection to the flavor of the event if you can't be on Bourbon Street to watch the parade? Citrus orange adds just the right zing for deep winter, making Orange and Bourbon Baked Beans fun for the Super Bowl too.
Celebrate Mardi Gras with bourbon-touched beans. CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE What better connection to the flavor of the event if you can't be on Bourbon Street to watch the parade? Citrus orange adds just the right zing for deep winter, making Orange and Bourbon Baked Beans fun for the Super Bowl too.
BREAK THE CHAINS OF TOXIC PESTICIDES AND CHILD SLAVERY ON VALENTINE'S DAY
BREAK THE CHAINS OF TOXIC PESTICIDES AND CHILD SLAVERY ON VALENTINE'S DAY
Tis that time of year when more than 20 million Americans are buying sweets and flowers for their loved ones on Valentine's Day. Unfortunately, these tokens of love aren't as sweet or pure as they may appear. Over 40 percent of the world's conventional chocolate (i.e. non-organic and non-Fair Trade) comes from Africa's Ivory Coast, where the International Labor Organization and US State Department have reported widespread instances of child slavery. Meanwhile, commercial flowers, most of which are produced in countries such as Colombia, are the most toxic and heavily sprayed agricultural crops on Earth. In order for you to deliver your bouquet to your beauty, poorly paid workers in Third World countries put in up to 18 hour work days for poverty wages during peak flower buying times such as Valentine's Day. But don't let the bad news squelch your Valentine's plans. Show your love by choosing Fair Trade and organic flowers and chocolate for your Valentine's Day gifts. Check out OCA's Buying Guide, watch an entertaining flash movie and take action against the 5 major chocolate and flower corporations: http://www.organicconsumers.org/valentines/
NEW MYPYRAMID PODCAST:
NEW MYPYRAMID PODCAST:
THE REAL SUPER MODELS ARE ALL ABOUT A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2008 -- "Most super models are not posing for the camera or walking the fashion runways. The real super models are the moms and dads who are modeling lifestyles that will be reflected by their sons and daughters," according to Dr. Brian Wansink, Executive Director of USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP).
In the second of a series of MyPyramid PodCasts released today, Wansink suggests how parents can model a healthy lifestyle in and around the home by building physical activity into their routines. The podcast, Just Get Moving for Your Health and Theirs, provides simple tips on how families can increase their level of physical activity.
Wansink offers the following tips: Take the stairs instead of the elevator; walk the dog; go for a bike ride; park at the far end of the lot when shopping for groceries; or get off the bus or subway one stop early. But whatever you do, just get moving for your health and theirs.
According to Wansink, "Our analysis of the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data found that 2 out of 3 adults routinely watch 2 or more hours of television every day, yet only 1 in 4 adults ever walk or bicycle to work or to do errands over a month's time. To overcome the lure of cable and computers, we must watch our diet, but just as importantly, we must become more active."
For simple but often overlooked tips, go to www.mypyramid.gov, and choose MyPyramid PodCasts for the latest information.
#
USDA News
oc.news@usda.gov
202 720-4623
THE REAL SUPER MODELS ARE ALL ABOUT A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2008 -- "Most super models are not posing for the camera or walking the fashion runways. The real super models are the moms and dads who are modeling lifestyles that will be reflected by their sons and daughters," according to Dr. Brian Wansink, Executive Director of USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP).
In the second of a series of MyPyramid PodCasts released today, Wansink suggests how parents can model a healthy lifestyle in and around the home by building physical activity into their routines. The podcast, Just Get Moving for Your Health and Theirs, provides simple tips on how families can increase their level of physical activity.
Wansink offers the following tips: Take the stairs instead of the elevator; walk the dog; go for a bike ride; park at the far end of the lot when shopping for groceries; or get off the bus or subway one stop early. But whatever you do, just get moving for your health and theirs.
According to Wansink, "Our analysis of the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data found that 2 out of 3 adults routinely watch 2 or more hours of television every day, yet only 1 in 4 adults ever walk or bicycle to work or to do errands over a month's time. To overcome the lure of cable and computers, we must watch our diet, but just as importantly, we must become more active."
For simple but often overlooked tips, go to www.mypyramid.gov, and choose MyPyramid PodCasts for the latest information.
#
USDA News
oc.news@usda.gov
202 720-4623
Natural Meat - What does it Mean?
ALERT OF THE WEEK:
PUT THE NATURAL BACK IN MEATS LABELED AS "NATURALLY RAISED"
Polls indicate that the average consumer believes meat labeled "Naturally Raised" comes from animals that have spent their drug-free lives freely roaming the pastures of a family farm, eating grass and hay, and being (at least somewhat) humanely slaughtered. A 2007 Consumer Reports survey found that 83% of consumers assume a "naturally raised" label means it came from an animal raised in a natural environment. In stark contrast, the USDA, bowing, as usual, to pressure from corporate agribusiness, has released a standard for "Naturally Raised" meats that is so weak and misleading it would apply to a cloned animal, weaned on pig or cow blood plasma, raised in the confines of a factory farm, and fed a steady diet of genetically engineered grains. The public comment period on this labeling standard only lasts until January 28, so take action now before yet another fraudulent label becomes as ubiquitous as corporate lobbyists on Capitol Hill. READ MORE
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_9692.cfm
PUT THE NATURAL BACK IN MEATS LABELED AS "NATURALLY RAISED"
Polls indicate that the average consumer believes meat labeled "Naturally Raised" comes from animals that have spent their drug-free lives freely roaming the pastures of a family farm, eating grass and hay, and being (at least somewhat) humanely slaughtered. A 2007 Consumer Reports survey found that 83% of consumers assume a "naturally raised" label means it came from an animal raised in a natural environment. In stark contrast, the USDA, bowing, as usual, to pressure from corporate agribusiness, has released a standard for "Naturally Raised" meats that is so weak and misleading it would apply to a cloned animal, weaned on pig or cow blood plasma, raised in the confines of a factory farm, and fed a steady diet of genetically engineered grains. The public comment period on this labeling standard only lasts until January 28, so take action now before yet another fraudulent label becomes as ubiquitous as corporate lobbyists on Capitol Hill. READ MORE
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_9692.cfm
Afterschool Nutrition Programs - Check 'em out!
|
The federal child nutrition programs provide crucial funding for meals and snacks in afterschool, summer, and before school programs. The federally-subsidized meals and snacks attract children to out of school time programs, which allow them to learn, and be active and safe while their parents are working. The food helps keep hunger at bay so that children are engaged and ready to learn. It also supports healthy eating, nutrition education, and physical activity. All are important parts of an afterschool program.
Jill's Diet's Tips!
Hello!
With Superbowl season upon us, it's time to remind you that you
shouldn't mix your salty and sweet snacks. Here's why:
When you eat only 1 flavor at a time, your brain gets easily
satisfied, which means you choose to stop eating before too long.
When you eat 2 or more complimentary flavors together (sweet &
salty, bitter & sweet) your brain NEVER GETS TIRED of eating! One
flavor enhances the experience of the other and your brain is so
happily overstimulated that you won't want to stop eating until
you are ready to burst!
Food producers and sellers know this and use this to boost sales.
Ever wonder why all coffee houses sell sweets or why there are
free salted peanuts at bars? Food companies even hide lots of
unnecessary salt in sweet cereals, just to make your brain demand
more. This all means that you can reduce your appetite and reach
satiety sooner if you stick to one flavor at a time.
Make sure to watch out for sweet beverages too because even diet
drinks will keep you from ever getting tired of a salty or savory
meal.
Have a good week!
Jill
Jill Brook, M.A.
Diet for Health
818-952-0668
www.DietforHealth.com
With Superbowl season upon us, it's time to remind you that you
shouldn't mix your salty and sweet snacks. Here's why:
When you eat only 1 flavor at a time, your brain gets easily
satisfied, which means you choose to stop eating before too long.
When you eat 2 or more complimentary flavors together (sweet &
salty, bitter & sweet) your brain NEVER GETS TIRED of eating! One
flavor enhances the experience of the other and your brain is so
happily overstimulated that you won't want to stop eating until
you are ready to burst!
Food producers and sellers know this and use this to boost sales.
Ever wonder why all coffee houses sell sweets or why there are
free salted peanuts at bars? Food companies even hide lots of
unnecessary salt in sweet cereals, just to make your brain demand
more. This all means that you can reduce your appetite and reach
satiety sooner if you stick to one flavor at a time.
Make sure to watch out for sweet beverages too because even diet
drinks will keep you from ever getting tired of a salty or savory
meal.
Have a good week!
Jill
Jill Brook, M.A.
Diet for Health
818-952-0668
www.DietforHealth.com
Hello Farm to School Community-
Here is a unique opportunity to consider as you plan for the 2008-09
school year. Part of building the National Farm to School Network is an
in depth evaluation on the impact of Farm to School programs. Four
schools/school districts will be chosen in the country for evaluation
services by the national evaluation team working from UNC. This could
be you and a school you are working with. This free service could
provide invaluable information to how your farm to school program is
impacting students, farms, and your community. www.farmtoschool.org
Below is a letter spelling out the opportunity and attached is a
nomination form. There is a quickly approaching deadline on submitting
your nomination. Please have forms returned to Michelle Markesteyn
Ratcliffe by January 31st. www.farmtoschool.org
You can submit your nomination form to michelle.markesteyn@gmail.com
Read further for more details! Call or email me if you have any
questions, or are concerned about meeting the deadline.
Also, check out the new National Farm to School Website for great
links to other programs in the region and up-to date information
www.farmtoschool.org
Michelle Markesteyn Ratlciffe, MSEL, PhD
Farm-to-School Manager, Ecotrust
Western Regional Lead for National Farm to School Network
michelle.markesteyn@gmail.com
503.476.6080
www.farmtoschool.org
school year. Part of building the National Farm to School Network is an
in depth evaluation on the impact of Farm to School programs. Four
schools/school districts will be chosen in the country for evaluation
services by the national evaluation team working from UNC. This could
be you and a school you are working with. This free service could
provide invaluable information to how your farm to school program is
impacting students, farms, and your community. www.farmtoschool.org
Below is a letter spelling out the opportunity and attached is a
nomination form. There is a quickly approaching deadline on submitting
your nomination. Please have forms returned to Michelle Markesteyn
Ratcliffe by January 31st. www.farmtoschool.org
You can submit your nomination form to michelle.markesteyn@gmail.com
Read further for more details! Call or email me if you have any
questions, or are concerned about meeting the deadline.
Also, check out the new National Farm to School Website for great
links to other programs in the region and up-to date information
www.farmtoschool.org
Michelle Markesteyn Ratlciffe, MSEL, PhD
Farm-to-School Manager, Ecotrust
Western Regional Lead for National Farm to School Network
michelle.markesteyn@gmail.com
503.476.6080
www.farmtoschool.org
Happy New Year! Health Tips from Jill
Happy New Year!
I hope you had a joyous holiday season and enjoyed every tasty
morsel that you ate! Now it's time to get your diet back on
track, so here's a quick review of ways to strengthen your will-
power:
1. Get enough sleep (7+ hours for most people)
2. Minimize stress
3. Prevent low blood sugar by eating small snacks every few hours
4. Pamper yourself with non-edible treats, like bubblebaths,
massage, etc.
Research shows that these things make a big difference! Give it
a try and remember that the *best* strategy is to minimize your
dependence on will-power by getting all tempting treats out of
your home ASAP!
All my best for 2008!
Jill
Jill Brook, M.A.
Diet for Health
818-952-0668
www.dietforhealth.com
This email was sent to caroline@farmos
California one step away from banning raw milk - take action NOW!
12/18/2007
From: The Organic Consumers Association (originally from OrganicPastures.com)
You are receiving this special news alert because you are subscribed to OCA's Organic Bytes
A new proposed rule in California (AB 1735) will ban raw milk sales as of January 2008. All key assembly representatives support overturning AB 1735.
However, your assemblymen have expressed concern that we do not have the support of the California Secretary of Agriculture, Mr. A.G. Kawamura.
He appears to be the last raw milk challenge standing.
Contact the CA Secretary of Agriculture immediately!
Please call him today and send out as many letters and faxes as possible.
A.G. Kawamura Secretary of Food and Agriculture
1220 N St., Suite 400
Sacramento, Ca. 95814
Phone: (916) 654-0321 or (916) 654-0433 Fax: 916-654-0403
The message to him should be very strong, yet respectful. The talking points we suggest may sound harsh but they reflect the truth (see "Background" below). The Secretary needs to know what has happened on his watch:
---Certain corrupt staff members within CDFA have personal prejudice against raw milk. They have participated and conspired in an illegal, secret, and silent process to deny California consumers their access to raw milk.
---Demand that the Ag Secretary use his power to immediately suspend or reverse AB 1735 and the "less-than-10 coliform" standard for raw milk in California.
---Demand that the CDFA staff who misrepresented raw milk science and snuck the groundless coliform standard into AB 1735 be dismissed immediately.
Background:
We have discovered that certain staff members in CDFA actually committed crimes by "introducing negative language into a bill which would be applied to an industry which it regulates." This is outrageous illegal activity; it defies written administrative policy and must not be tolerated within CDFA. The normal legal process requires CDFA to bring any legislative language to the attention of the governors office prior to contacting an assembly committee. CDFA misrepresented facts, claiming AB 1735 was so insignificant that it could be handled “as a consent item” and did not require discussion or debate. Other substantial and material misstatements of fact also occurred to keep AB 1735 secret and silent.
This is the big event we have all been working towards. It may be the last effort needed to overcome AB 1735. Please call today and send your letters.
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