ORGANIC FOODS MAY be healthier for you, but they can have a sickening effect on your wallet.
Produced without pesticides and other chemicals, organic produce, meat and dairy products can cost 50% to 100% more than their conventional counterparts, says Urvashi Rangan, a senior scientist and policy analyst with Consumer Reports' Greener Choices. Despite those mark-ups, studies touting the health and environmental benefits of organic foods... CLICK HERE FOR MOREHow can we make a difference in sustainable living
Talking with Tim LaSalle, the new CEO for The Rodale Institute, got me thinking again about change, and why some of us like it enough to risk some bumps while others of us would rather endure pain to avoid it.
Choosing to work in an organization dedicated to changing the way America farms gives staff at The Rodale Institute reason to wonder: How can we make a difference to the people who are one step away from taking sustainability seriously for the first time in their lives? CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Volunteer on an Organic Farm
WWOOF is dedicated to helping those who would like to volunteer on organic farms.
The aims of WWOOF are to ...
# enable people to learn first-hand about organic growing techniques
# to enable town-dwellers to experience living and helping on a farm
# to help farmers make organic production a viable alternative
# to improve communications within the organic movement.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
The aims of WWOOF are to ...
# enable people to learn first-hand about organic growing techniques
# to enable town-dwellers to experience living and helping on a farm
# to help farmers make organic production a viable alternative
# to improve communications within the organic movement.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Organic farming meets Free & Open Source Software?
Organic farming meets Free & Open Source Software? Learn organic
farming during a "guerilla coding" retreat. Learn programming,
networking and other home-grown computer skills while building an
organic garden. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
farming during a "guerilla coding" retreat. Learn programming,
networking and other home-grown computer skills while building an
organic garden. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
House Releases Not One, but Two Draft Farm Bills
Farm Bill Update
July 10, 2007
House Releases Not One, but Two Draft Farm Bills
While Congress has been in recess, Agriculture Committee staffers in both the House and Senate have been busy crafting the Farm Bill. Late Friday evening, Chairman Peterson released the full House Agriculture Committee’s draft of the Farm Bill, which includes a primary Farm Bill that is similar to the current levels of funding, and an amendment with additional cost priorities that will be included if offsets for the funding are found. On the House Farm Bill homepage, http://agriculture.house.gov/inside/2007FarmBill.html there is an explanation of the “En Bloc Amendment”, which contains all of the provisions that would come from the $20 billion Reserve Fund. For the purposes of this update, “Farm Bill 1” refers to all other components of the draft besides the En Bloc Amendment, and “Farm Bill 2” refers to the En Bloc Amendment.
The glass is both half full and half empty for many Farm Bill interests including nutrition, conservation, small farmers, and healthy food and communities. The analysis of specific CFSC priorities in the Farm Bill draft is outlined below. In general, the draft maintains the status quo, which is to say that it doesn’t do many of the changes needed to promote community food security or make relationships between farmers and consumers closer—favoring instead large-scale factory farms and corporate agribusiness.
GOOD NEWS!
In a late-breaking development, staff at CFSC today found out that the jurisdictional issue related to geographic preference language in the Farm Bill has been cleared up. We’d like to extend our thanks to Chairmen Miller and Peterson in the House for working this issue out. Rep. Kagen (D-WI, 3rd) will be offering an amendment in collaboration with other members on the committee to insert this language into the Farm Bill.
Analysis of the Farm Bill Drafts
At this point in the process, it is important to continue to emphasize mandatory funding for Community Food Projects, support for the amendment to insert geographic preference language, and introduction of the Healthy Food Enterprise Development program as utmost importance with members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees as well as the Democratic Leadership. The drafts include the following:
* Community Food Projects was reauthorized with $30 million in Farm Bill 1. We expect Rep. Boyda to offer an amendment to make the funding mandatory (i.e. not subject to the appropriations process).
* Geographic Preference language was not included in either Farm Bill, but will be offered as an amendment during the full committee meeting by Rep. Kagen.
* The Healthy Food Enterprise Development was not included in either Farm Bill. We expect Rep. Gillibrand (D-NY, 20th) to offer it as an amendment.
* The Farmers Market Promotion Program was authorized at $5 million in mandatory funding for each year of 2008-2010, and $10 million mandatory for 2011 and 2012, with greater than or equal to 10% of these funds to be used for EBT access at farmer’s markets.
* The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is maintained at $15 million in annual mandatory funding with an authorization for an additional discretionary $20 million in 2008 increasing annually to $75 million in 2012.
* Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program is in Farm Bill 2 at $100 million in reserve funding (offset required).
For more information on the conservation aspects of the Farm Bill, see the Sustainable Agriculture Coalition website (www.sustainableagriculturecoalition.org) for the latest analysis.
In order for the Farm Bill to be a fair bill, CFSC and many of our partners need to see increases in funding for small farmers, conservation, nutrition and anti-hunger, none of whom fared particularly well in the House draft that was just released by Chairman Peterson. We will continue to update you as things move related to the Farm Bill.
Timing Update:
According to Congress Daily PM on July 10, Harkin said he will not call a meeting of the full Senate Agriculture Committee to review and debate the Senate draft of the Farm Bill unless floor time was given to deal with the Farm Bill before the August recess. If this is the case, the Senate draft of the Farm Bill would not be debated until September.
Media & Other Opportunities
Online Farm Bill Town Hall with Rep. Kind and Blumenauer
On Thursday July 12th, Rep. Kind (D, WI-3rd) and Rep. Blumenauer (D, OR-3rd), who are both on the Ways and Means Committee will be hosting an online radio call-in show about Farm Bill reform. You can email in questions in advance to BlumenauerOnAir@mail.house.gov to be included in the conversation about the Farm Bill.
Listen to the show starting at 2:30 PM EST on July 12 at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/earl
Boston Globe link: http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2007/07/09/a_pro_food_farm_bill/
SF Chronicle link: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/07/10/MNGNUQTQIT1.DTL
Baltimore Sun link: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/bal-ed.farm09jul09,0,1517718.story?coll=bal-opinion-headlines
If you are receiving this update from another list and would like to be added to the CFSC Farm Bill update list, please go to www.foodsecurity.org and submit your name.
Thanks for your support and for contacting your members of Congress!
Take care,
Steph & Aliza
--
Community Food Security Coalition
110 Maryland Ave. NE Suite 307
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202.543.8602
Email: Steph@foodsecurity.org
www.FoodSecurity.org
July 10, 2007
House Releases Not One, but Two Draft Farm Bills
While Congress has been in recess, Agriculture Committee staffers in both the House and Senate have been busy crafting the Farm Bill. Late Friday evening, Chairman Peterson released the full House Agriculture Committee’s draft of the Farm Bill, which includes a primary Farm Bill that is similar to the current levels of funding, and an amendment with additional cost priorities that will be included if offsets for the funding are found. On the House Farm Bill homepage, http://agriculture.house.gov/inside/2007FarmBill.html there is an explanation of the “En Bloc Amendment”, which contains all of the provisions that would come from the $20 billion Reserve Fund. For the purposes of this update, “Farm Bill 1” refers to all other components of the draft besides the En Bloc Amendment, and “Farm Bill 2” refers to the En Bloc Amendment.
The glass is both half full and half empty for many Farm Bill interests including nutrition, conservation, small farmers, and healthy food and communities. The analysis of specific CFSC priorities in the Farm Bill draft is outlined below. In general, the draft maintains the status quo, which is to say that it doesn’t do many of the changes needed to promote community food security or make relationships between farmers and consumers closer—favoring instead large-scale factory farms and corporate agribusiness.
GOOD NEWS!
In a late-breaking development, staff at CFSC today found out that the jurisdictional issue related to geographic preference language in the Farm Bill has been cleared up. We’d like to extend our thanks to Chairmen Miller and Peterson in the House for working this issue out. Rep. Kagen (D-WI, 3rd) will be offering an amendment in collaboration with other members on the committee to insert this language into the Farm Bill.
Analysis of the Farm Bill Drafts
At this point in the process, it is important to continue to emphasize mandatory funding for Community Food Projects, support for the amendment to insert geographic preference language, and introduction of the Healthy Food Enterprise Development program as utmost importance with members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees as well as the Democratic Leadership. The drafts include the following:
* Community Food Projects was reauthorized with $30 million in Farm Bill 1. We expect Rep. Boyda to offer an amendment to make the funding mandatory (i.e. not subject to the appropriations process).
* Geographic Preference language was not included in either Farm Bill, but will be offered as an amendment during the full committee meeting by Rep. Kagen.
* The Healthy Food Enterprise Development was not included in either Farm Bill. We expect Rep. Gillibrand (D-NY, 20th) to offer it as an amendment.
* The Farmers Market Promotion Program was authorized at $5 million in mandatory funding for each year of 2008-2010, and $10 million mandatory for 2011 and 2012, with greater than or equal to 10% of these funds to be used for EBT access at farmer’s markets.
* The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is maintained at $15 million in annual mandatory funding with an authorization for an additional discretionary $20 million in 2008 increasing annually to $75 million in 2012.
* Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program is in Farm Bill 2 at $100 million in reserve funding (offset required).
For more information on the conservation aspects of the Farm Bill, see the Sustainable Agriculture Coalition website (www.sustainableagriculturecoalition.org) for the latest analysis.
In order for the Farm Bill to be a fair bill, CFSC and many of our partners need to see increases in funding for small farmers, conservation, nutrition and anti-hunger, none of whom fared particularly well in the House draft that was just released by Chairman Peterson. We will continue to update you as things move related to the Farm Bill.
Timing Update:
According to Congress Daily PM on July 10, Harkin said he will not call a meeting of the full Senate Agriculture Committee to review and debate the Senate draft of the Farm Bill unless floor time was given to deal with the Farm Bill before the August recess. If this is the case, the Senate draft of the Farm Bill would not be debated until September.
Media & Other Opportunities
Online Farm Bill Town Hall with Rep. Kind and Blumenauer
On Thursday July 12th, Rep. Kind (D, WI-3rd) and Rep. Blumenauer (D, OR-3rd), who are both on the Ways and Means Committee will be hosting an online radio call-in show about Farm Bill reform. You can email in questions in advance to BlumenauerOnAir@mail.house.gov to be included in the conversation about the Farm Bill.
Listen to the show starting at 2:30 PM EST on July 12 at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/earl
Boston Globe link: http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2007/07/09/a_pro_food_farm_bill/
SF Chronicle link: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/07/10/MNGNUQTQIT1.DTL
Baltimore Sun link: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/bal-ed.farm09jul09,0,1517718.story?coll=bal-opinion-headlines
If you are receiving this update from another list and would like to be added to the CFSC Farm Bill update list, please go to www.foodsecurity.org and submit your name.
Thanks for your support and for contacting your members of Congress!
Take care,
Steph & Aliza
--
Community Food Security Coalition
110 Maryland Ave. NE Suite 307
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202.543.8602
Email: Steph@foodsecurity.org
www.FoodSecurity.org
Send a message to Congress and help the Farm Bill
The Farm and Food Policy Project (FFPP) has launched a website which lets individuals sign an on-line letter to Congress to show support for policies which advance fresh, local, and healthy foods in the 2007 Farm Bill.
This is part of a push before Chairman Peterson’s mark-up for the Farm Bill begins May 21st. We will also have other “pushes” prior to the Senate “mark-up” and any floor votes.
The website http://healthyfarmbill.org/ sends email letters to individual’s Representatives and Senators based upon their address information. You can link to this website to compliment your existing outreach capability on Farm Bill issues.
The goal is to show general support to Congress of policies which advance fresh, local, healthy foods, and offer support for bills in the House and Senate being introduced just prior to the House Agriculture Chairman’s Farm Bill.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
VIsit a Farm near year!
Family Farms
There are almost two million farms in the USA. About 80% of those are small farms, and a large percentage are family owned. More and more of these farmers are now selling their products directly to the public. They do this via CSA programs, Farmers' Markets, Food Coops, u-picks, farm stands, and other direct marketing channels. Would you like to support your local farmer? Use our map to find a small farm near you!
Large scale chemical agriculture is poisoning our soils and our water, and weakening our communities. By buying direct from a family farm you can help put a stop to this unfortunate trend. By buying organic produce from your local farmer, you are working to maintain a healthy environment, a vibrant community, and a strong and sustainable local economy for you and your kids to thrive in.
CLICK HERE TO FIND A FARM NEAR YOU
There are almost two million farms in the USA. About 80% of those are small farms, and a large percentage are family owned. More and more of these farmers are now selling their products directly to the public. They do this via CSA programs, Farmers' Markets, Food Coops, u-picks, farm stands, and other direct marketing channels. Would you like to support your local farmer? Use our map to find a small farm near you!
Large scale chemical agriculture is poisoning our soils and our water, and weakening our communities. By buying direct from a family farm you can help put a stop to this unfortunate trend. By buying organic produce from your local farmer, you are working to maintain a healthy environment, a vibrant community, and a strong and sustainable local economy for you and your kids to thrive in.
CLICK HERE TO FIND A FARM NEAR YOU
The Summer 2007 (Vol. 19, No. 2) issue of Sustainable Agriculture is now available online
The Summer 2007 (Vol. 19, No. 2) issue of Sustainable Agriculture is now available online at http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/newsltr/newsletters.htm.
IN THIS ISSUE:
+ SAREP funds ag marketing grants
+ UC sustainable farming systems field day June 22 at Woodland farm
+ From the Director: University of California's sustainable agriculture programs: a cornucopia of talent
+ From cafeteria to Capitol Hill: Growing healthy kids, farms and communities
+ SAREP receives $1000,000 to extend sustainable table grape project
+ Organic farming/gardening apprenticeships at UC Santa Cruz
+ Resources: Health, safety in farm communities
+ Sources of Funding
+ Calendar
The newsletter is produced by the statewide University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program (UC SAREP), with assistance from ReproGraphics, UC Davis. If you have suggestions or comments, please contact us at sarep@ucdavis.edu. CLICK HERE FOR NEWSLETTER
IN THIS ISSUE:
+ SAREP funds ag marketing grants
+ UC sustainable farming systems field day June 22 at Woodland farm
+ From the Director: University of California's sustainable agriculture programs: a cornucopia of talent
+ From cafeteria to Capitol Hill: Growing healthy kids, farms and communities
+ SAREP receives $1000,000 to extend sustainable table grape project
+ Organic farming/gardening apprenticeships at UC Santa Cruz
+ Resources: Health, safety in farm communities
+ Sources of Funding
+ Calendar
The newsletter is produced by the statewide University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program (UC SAREP), with assistance from ReproGraphics, UC Davis. If you have suggestions or comments, please contact us at sarep@ucdavis.edu. CLICK HERE FOR NEWSLETTER
Jill's Tips this Barbecue Season
Hello!
With barbecue season upon us, why not grill yourself to great
health this summer?! Here are some tips:
1. Try portobello mushroom burgers in place of hamburgers.
They are tasty, meaty and have 1/10th the calories!
2. Don't fear corn on the cob. Yes, it's a carbohydrate, but
it's a good one, and if you count it as a grain instead of a
veggie, it starts looking very nutritious! You don't need
butter...fresh corn is very flavorful!
3. Avoid eating charred food. It's tasty, but contributes to
colon cancer.
4. Try alternative red meats that are very lean and high in
iron, like ostrich, emu and buffalo. Ostrich is especially
awesome--it tastes like beef and has less fat than chicken breast!
5. Grill extra chicken, veggies, fish, turkey, etc. so you can
eat it as leftovers on salads throughout the coming week.
6. If you need to use oil, spray it on. Drizzling and brushing
give you more than you need.
7. Find fun non-caloric drinks! Remember that when you drink
your calories they don't register with your appetite or raise
your metabolism for digestion. Alcoholic drinks will lower
your metabolism and increase your appetite.
My dear dad likes to say that a steak is finished when his glass
of Jack Daniels is empty...I hope YOU will say your grilled
veggies and ostrich are done when your sparkling water is empty!
Happy Summertime!
Jill
Jill Brook, M.A.
Diet for Health
1047 Foothill Blvd.
(818) 952-0668
www.DietforHealth.com
See Jill's nutrition tips at
http://jillsblog.dietforhealth.com
This email was sent to caroline@farmosafarms.org.
You can instantly unsubscribe from these emails by clicking the link below:
http://dietforhealth.cmail1.com/.aspx/u/203992/ut1dl1ji/
With barbecue season upon us, why not grill yourself to great
health this summer?! Here are some tips:
1. Try portobello mushroom burgers in place of hamburgers.
They are tasty, meaty and have 1/10th the calories!
2. Don't fear corn on the cob. Yes, it's a carbohydrate, but
it's a good one, and if you count it as a grain instead of a
veggie, it starts looking very nutritious! You don't need
butter...fresh corn is very flavorful!
3. Avoid eating charred food. It's tasty, but contributes to
colon cancer.
4. Try alternative red meats that are very lean and high in
iron, like ostrich, emu and buffalo. Ostrich is especially
awesome--it tastes like beef and has less fat than chicken breast!
5. Grill extra chicken, veggies, fish, turkey, etc. so you can
eat it as leftovers on salads throughout the coming week.
6. If you need to use oil, spray it on. Drizzling and brushing
give you more than you need.
7. Find fun non-caloric drinks! Remember that when you drink
your calories they don't register with your appetite or raise
your metabolism for digestion. Alcoholic drinks will lower
your metabolism and increase your appetite.
My dear dad likes to say that a steak is finished when his glass
of Jack Daniels is empty...I hope YOU will say your grilled
veggies and ostrich are done when your sparkling water is empty!
Happy Summertime!
Jill
Jill Brook, M.A.
Diet for Health
1047 Foothill Blvd.
(818) 952-0668
www.DietforHealth.com
See Jill's nutrition tips at
http://jillsblog.dietforhealth.com
This email was sent to caroline@farmosafarms.org.
You can instantly unsubscribe from these emails by clicking the link below:
http://dietforhealth.cmail1.com/.aspx/u/203992/ut1dl1ji/
Farm to School Champions Needed in California
Dear Farm to School Supporter:
The California Farm to School Taskforce is working to promote and expand farm to school throughout all of California. We are currently recruiting “Farm to School Champions” who will serve as local contacts for others interested in Farm to School. Specific Farm to School issues vary depending on one’s geographic location and professional role in the activities. Nobody has your unique story, perspective, and experiences in working with Farm to School. This is why we hope you will consider becoming a Farm to School Champion.
The only qualifications for becoming a Farm to School Champion are that you believe in the Farm to School program, you have had some experience working in Farm to School, and you are willing to share your story with others. As a Farm to School Champion your name and contact information will be listed on the California Farm to School website as a source for interested parties to contact for Farm to School information and experience.
There are benefits for you as a Farm to School Champion as well. These benefits include increased visibility of your program, company or organization; training opportunities; and the chance to enhance your own program by sharing with and learning from others who are connecting local agriculture with school environments to improve student health.
We know you wear many hats, but we ask that you consider donning yet another symbol of excellence as a Farm to School Champion. If interested, please visit http://www.farmtoschool.org/ca/champion.htm to sign up or contact me with any questions.
Thank you for your support for Farm to School,
-Moira Beery & The California Farm to School Taskforce
Center for Food & Justice
Urban & Environmental Policy Institute
Occidental College
Los Angeles, CA
Ph. (323) 341-5099
Fax (323) 258-2917
www.farmtoschool.org
www.uepi.oxy.edu
The California Farm to School Taskforce is working to promote and expand farm to school throughout all of California. We are currently recruiting “Farm to School Champions” who will serve as local contacts for others interested in Farm to School. Specific Farm to School issues vary depending on one’s geographic location and professional role in the activities. Nobody has your unique story, perspective, and experiences in working with Farm to School. This is why we hope you will consider becoming a Farm to School Champion.
The only qualifications for becoming a Farm to School Champion are that you believe in the Farm to School program, you have had some experience working in Farm to School, and you are willing to share your story with others. As a Farm to School Champion your name and contact information will be listed on the California Farm to School website as a source for interested parties to contact for Farm to School information and experience.
There are benefits for you as a Farm to School Champion as well. These benefits include increased visibility of your program, company or organization; training opportunities; and the chance to enhance your own program by sharing with and learning from others who are connecting local agriculture with school environments to improve student health.
We know you wear many hats, but we ask that you consider donning yet another symbol of excellence as a Farm to School Champion. If interested, please visit http://www.farmtoschool.org/ca/champion.htm to sign up or contact me with any questions.
Thank you for your support for Farm to School,
-Moira Beery & The California Farm to School Taskforce
Center for Food & Justice
Urban & Environmental Policy Institute
Occidental College
Los Angeles, CA
Ph. (323) 341-5099
Fax (323) 258-2917
www.farmtoschool.org
www.uepi.oxy.edu
USDA attempting to change organic definitions without consumer input!
ALERT: ANOTHER SNEAK ATTACK ON ORGANIC STANDARDS: USDA TO ALLOW MORE CONVENTIONAL INGREDIENTS IN ORGANICS
USDA & INDUSTRY TRY TO SNEAK BANNED CONVENTIONAL INGREDIENTS INTO ORGANIC BEER, SAUSAGE, & PROCESSED FOODS
Send a Letter to USDA Now
(note: scroll to the bottom of this webpage to send a letter to USDA now).
The USDA has announced a controversial proposal, with absolutely no input from consumers, to allow 38 new non-organic ingredients in products bearing the "USDA Organic" seal. Most of the ingredients are food colorings derived from plants that are supposedly not "commercially available" in organic form. But several of the proposed ingredients, backed by beer giant Anheuser-Busch, and pork and food processors, represent a serious threat to organic standards, and have raised the concerns of the Organic Consumers Association (OCA).
ALERT UPDATE (6/23/2007): Despite receiving more than ten thousand comments from consumers and family farmers opposing various aspects of a late May 2007 proposal, the USDA has approved an interim rule that will allow 38 new non-organic ingredients to be allowed in products bearing the "USDA Organic" seal.
The USDA's passage of this proposal has resulted in the following:
-Anheuser Busch will be allowed to sell its "Organic Wild Hops Beer" without using any organic hops at all.
-Sausages, brats, and breakfast links labeled as "USDA Organic" are now allowed to contain intestines from factory farmed animals raised on chemically grown feed, synthetic hormones, and antibiotics.
-Products labeled as "USDA Organic" and containing fish oil may contain toxins such as PCBs and mercury (note: nonorganic fishoil products have this same risk, but despite the USDA ruling, it is against the National Organic Standards to allow such toxins in organic foods). CLICK HERE FOR MORE
USDA & INDUSTRY TRY TO SNEAK BANNED CONVENTIONAL INGREDIENTS INTO ORGANIC BEER, SAUSAGE, & PROCESSED FOODS
Send a Letter to USDA Now
(note: scroll to the bottom of this webpage to send a letter to USDA now).
The USDA has announced a controversial proposal, with absolutely no input from consumers, to allow 38 new non-organic ingredients in products bearing the "USDA Organic" seal. Most of the ingredients are food colorings derived from plants that are supposedly not "commercially available" in organic form. But several of the proposed ingredients, backed by beer giant Anheuser-Busch, and pork and food processors, represent a serious threat to organic standards, and have raised the concerns of the Organic Consumers Association (OCA).
ALERT UPDATE (6/23/2007): Despite receiving more than ten thousand comments from consumers and family farmers opposing various aspects of a late May 2007 proposal, the USDA has approved an interim rule that will allow 38 new non-organic ingredients to be allowed in products bearing the "USDA Organic" seal.
The USDA's passage of this proposal has resulted in the following:
-Anheuser Busch will be allowed to sell its "Organic Wild Hops Beer" without using any organic hops at all.
-Sausages, brats, and breakfast links labeled as "USDA Organic" are now allowed to contain intestines from factory farmed animals raised on chemically grown feed, synthetic hormones, and antibiotics.
-Products labeled as "USDA Organic" and containing fish oil may contain toxins such as PCBs and mercury (note: nonorganic fishoil products have this same risk, but despite the USDA ruling, it is against the National Organic Standards to allow such toxins in organic foods). CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Grow Organics Today!
| ||||
"According to the subsidy data from the Environmental Working Group, one giant cotton farm collected $2.95 million through crop subsidies in 2005, nearly as much money as the federal government spent on its primary research program for organic agriculture last year -- $3 million." Dear Supporter, New York Times reporters aren't the only ones poring over the information in EWG's Farm Subsidy Database. The unfair funding distributions have everyone's attention and EWG Action Fund's Grow Organics Campaign for organics funding is taking off. Thanks to your generous support, we surpassed our goal and raised a total of $45,000! These vital funds will help our staff meet with lawmakers to gain support for crucial changes in the Farm Bill. But organics aren't safe yet. In just a two short weeks the full House will vote on a new Farm Bill, which could be the first to include significant funding for organics. To make this happen, our Representatives need to hear from us! Add your voice to the Grow Organics petition today. More than 17,000 of you have signed on to level the playing field for organic farmers with the petition so we're more than halfway to our goal! Now is the time to reach out to your social networks and get them involved in the campaign. The more signatures on the petition, the more powerful our demand for fair funding will be - so spread the word today. Help EWG Action Fund tell Congress to shift funding from chemical-based agriculture to more environmentally friendly organics. Here's what you can do:
At EWG Action Fund, we're working with other groups, bloggers, and our Congressional champions to spread the word about fair funding for organics. Our goal is to get 30,000 signatures by this Sunday, July 15 and deliver them to Congress next week. Let's win this victory for organics. Sandra Schubert P.S. If you haven't donated yet, it's not too late! Visit www.ewg.org/donate/organics to contribute to the campaign.
|
The marketing of foods targeting children in EU
Friday, 6 July 2007
The marketing of foods targeting children in EU
Jill's Tips!
Hello!
Everybody knows it's healthier to spread out your caloric intake
over the entire day with frequent small meals, but many people
still prefer to save up most of their calories for a big
indulgence once a day or week.
Here's why that makes you gain weight:
An average body can handle AT THE VERY MOST 800 calories at once
and every calorie above that gets turned to fat (it's less if you
are small, inactive, etc.)
So no matter how much you starve yourself before that big dinner,
you'll still store fat if you eat (and/or drink!) more than
800 calories. Unfortunately it's EXTREMELY easy to reach 800
calories at a restaurant or any time you consume alcohol or
dessert with a meal. The good news is that if you are eating
frequent, small meals throughout the day you won't want to
overindulge so much at dinner.
Happy light eating!
Jill
Jill Brook, M.A.
Diet for Health
1047 Foothill Blvd.
(818) 952-0668
www.DietforHealth.com
See Jill's nutrition tips at
http://jillsblog.dietforhealth.com
Great video on Gastronomy!
Check out our new "food for thought" video on youtube.com. Please share it if you find it of interest:
http://www.kitchengardeners.org/2007/06/the_history_of_gastronomy.html
Farm Bill Update
Farm Bill Update
July 2, 2007
Larger Farm Bill Issues Affect CFSC Priorities
I. Action Needed During July 4 Congressional Recess (July 2-5)
With Members of Congress in their home districts this week, it is an important time to contact your Member at a local event or at the district office, and request his or her support for maintaining the $30 million mandatory authorization of Community Food Projects, and the inclusion of geographic preference language in the final version of the Farm Bill.
This is an important moment to emphasize the value of our healthy and local food priorities for a cross-section of groups now interested in the Farm Bill- farmers, urban districts, rural communities, etc.; all this at fairly low cost legislative requests. As the Farm Bill process becomes increasingly complex, we must emphasize the value of policies to support healthy food systems to our legislators.
Talking points on CFSC main issues—for Community Food Projects, Geographic Preferences, and Healthy Food Enterprise Development program—will be available shortly on our website: www.foodsecurity.org/policy
II. New Timeline; Two Farm Bills
Chairman Peterson announced last Friday, June 29, that there will be two Farm Bills drafted by the House Agriculture Committee to account for the lack of new funding included in the Budget. One bill will include all of the items that fit in to the existing Farm Bill budget, and the other will include other items that are contingent upon offsets being found. The Chairman has indicated that he hopes this will make the process of moving a bill out of Committee easier. For more information about the 2 Farm Bill proposals, see this week’s Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Weekly Update at
Both bills will be released by Chairman Peterson on Friday July 6th, and the committee will meet on July 17th to debate the proposals, with space reserved for the Farm Bill on the House floor the week of July 26th.
The Senate schedule has not been released, but it is expected that the Senate Agriculture Committee will likely meet in mid-late July to review their own draft of the Farm Bill.
III. Groups Weigh In on Farm Bill
a. Last week, the U.S. Conference of Mayors passed a resolution sponsored by 12 Mayors from around the U.S. which resolved their support for reforming U.S. agricultural policy in support of health and nutrition for citizens and communities. The text of the Resolution is available at http://usmayors.org/75thAnnualMeeting/resolutions_full.pdf
Several groups are working to capitalize on the momentum of the resolution via a press release and coordinated op-eds with quotes from Mayors around the country.
b. Additionally, a letter to the Congressional Agriculture leadership from the Governors of Texas, New York, Florida and California outlined similar goals for a reformed Farm Bill to support the health of communities and farming. Click here for Press Release and the text of the letter: http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/press/pressreleases/PressRelease.2007-06-26.5150
c. A group of interested organizations and individuals has been working on bringing a health-based perspective to support healthy food & communities provisions in the Farm Bill. A series of calls during the past several weeks has helped to steer the IATP sign-on letter from health professionals that was released several weeks ago, and will be organizing a series of meetings with target Congressional staff next week. Please contact Thomas@foodsecurity.org or aliza.wasserman@gmail.com for more information or to get involved with this coordinating group.
IV. MEDIA Update
CFSC- supported Media
Seattle Post Intelligencer Editorial link: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/321838_farmed.html
WVTF Public Radio: The following is a series of excerpts from public radio commentary on June 26th on the Farm Bill from Appalachian Sustainable Development Association’s Anthony Flaccavento:
“The genius of [the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program] is that the same dollar simultaneously helps small family farmers and people of limited means. So often, federal programs seem designed to help one population, while creating problems and costs for others. But SFMNP is different, one of a new generation of federal programs that some
characterize as “multi-stakeholder”. That’s because they’re designed to serve
two or more groups at the same time, turning one person’s need into another’s
opportunity. Local farmers, for instance need better and more secure markets.
Lower income people, including seniors, need access to healthy, affordable food.
SFMNP helps both.
“Around here, we might call this multi-stakeholder approach “neighborliness”, or
just good common sense. But common sense is no small thing, when it comes to
federal farm and food policy...
“But there’s good news - and great opportunity -- at our doorstep. Programs
designed to assist small farms while improving food access to those most in need
are gaining support.
“With less than 2% of our population involved in raising food, it only follows that the other 98% of us need to get involved and contact our representatives if we want to create a food and farming system that’s good for farmers, good for people and good for the environment. Now --and I mean now -- is the best opportunity we’ve had to do that in more than 20 years.”
Other Media
-NYTimes Op-ed by Timothy Egan link:
Times Select subscribers: http://select.nytimes.com/2007/06/28/opinion/28egan.html?hp OR Full Text Available at: http://www.chefann.com/blog/?p=765
-Des Moines Register Editorial link: http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070701/OPINION03/707010301/1110
-Pittsburgh Post Gazette link: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07165/793909-109.stm
V. Other Farm Bill News
a. According to the National Journal’s Congress Daily, Senate Agriculture Chairman Harkin said last Tuesday he intends for Congress to pass a new Farm Bill with moderate reform, wanting to find money for conservation, rural development and nutrition priorities by limiting individual farm subsidy payments and by cutting back the program of direct payments to farmers.
b. With the expiration Saturday of the Fast Track Presidential authority over international trade negotiations, Rep. Kaptur says she will introduce legislation in July that would suspend NAFTA.
c. With the failure of the Senate immigration reform bill, according to Congress Daily last week, Senator Feinstein hopes that the AgJobs agricultural worker provisions may be potentially attached to the Farm Bill, although Congressional Agricultural leadership has expressed reservations about adding any additional components to an already complicated Farm Bill.
Thanks for your support and remember to CONTACT your Members of Congress during their recess THIS WEEK.
Happy 4th of July,Steph & Aliza
THE FINAL WORD
"Can somebody run down to the Energy and Water markup?"
-- Senate Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Subcommittee Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., when the lights went out briefly during her panel's subcommittee markup Tuesday.
--
Community Food Security Coalition
110 Maryland Ave. NE Suite 307
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202.543.8602
Email: Steph@foodsecurity.org
www.FoodSecurity.org
Local Harvest - Check it out!
Nancy's Nutrition Corner
"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food," Hippocrates.
Omnipotent Olive Oil
During the 1960s researchers began looking at different cultures to find links between diet and disease. In Greece, research revealed that a whopping 40 percent of the average male's caloric intake was from fat, however, most of the fat consumed was olive oil. CLICK HERE FOR MORE!
"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food," Hippocrates.
Omnipotent Olive Oil
During the 1960s researchers began looking at different cultures to find links between diet and disease. In Greece, research revealed that a whopping 40 percent of the average male's caloric intake was from fat, however, most of the fat consumed was olive oil. CLICK HERE FOR MORE!
Article1 Making a difference with organic blanks
About 1/3 of a pound of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used to produce a single pound of conventionally grown cotton fabric. Many of these chemicals find their way into the soil, air, water and the food we eat, adversely affecting all associated life. As a manufacturer, Article.1 recognizes its role and responsibility in helping the environment, and thus has created the Organics line.
Article.1 is dedicated to the environment and continues to develop 100% Organic cotton products, contributing to a sustainable society.
CLICK HERE for MORE
Here are some additional links to businesses and organizations that may be helpful:
Organic Exchange is a charitable organization committed to expanding organic agriculture.
SIMA is the surf industry's trade association which supports oceanic environmental efforts to ensure the growth of the sport.
America Recycles is a national all-volunteer, non-profit organization that encourages Americans to recycle and to buy recycled products.
The Organic Trade Association is a membership-based business association that promotes and protects organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public, and the economy.
1% For The Planet is an alliance of businesses committed to creating a healthier planet by donating at least 1% of their annual sales to environmental organizations worldwide.
Article.1 is dedicated to the environment and continues to develop 100% Organic cotton products, contributing to a sustainable society.
CLICK HERE for MORE
Here are some additional links to businesses and organizations that may be helpful:
Organic Exchange is a charitable organization committed to expanding organic agriculture.
SIMA is the surf industry's trade association which supports oceanic environmental efforts to ensure the growth of the sport.
America Recycles is a national all-volunteer, non-profit organization that encourages Americans to recycle and to buy recycled products.
The Organic Trade Association is a membership-based business association that promotes and protects organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public, and the economy.
1% For The Planet is an alliance of businesses committed to creating a healthier planet by donating at least 1% of their annual sales to environmental organizations worldwide.
Kellogg Agrees to Quit Advertising to Kids
Kellogg Agrees to Quit Advertising to Kids
Kellogg Cereal
On June 14th, the food maker Kellogg agreed to set nutrition standards for children's snacks and cereals or stop advertising them to young kids. One serving of a snack or cereal will contain less than 200 calories, no trans fat and less than two grams of saturated fat. Each serving will have less than 230 milligrams of sodium and no more than 12 grams of sugar. Any Kellogg product that does not meet these standards will no longer be advertised to children under the age of twelve.
Young children are very susceptible to advertising, especially television commercials featuring fun colors, happy kids and lots of sugar. My kids are growing out of that stage now, but for a few years they would beg for every sweet cereal that showed up between (and during) cartoons. Of course I can't really blame them; when I was a kid I was sure that Pink Panther Flakes had to become a mandatory inclusion to my childhood diet. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Kellogg Cereal
On June 14th, the food maker Kellogg agreed to set nutrition standards for children's snacks and cereals or stop advertising them to young kids. One serving of a snack or cereal will contain less than 200 calories, no trans fat and less than two grams of saturated fat. Each serving will have less than 230 milligrams of sodium and no more than 12 grams of sugar. Any Kellogg product that does not meet these standards will no longer be advertised to children under the age of twelve.
Young children are very susceptible to advertising, especially television commercials featuring fun colors, happy kids and lots of sugar. My kids are growing out of that stage now, but for a few years they would beg for every sweet cereal that showed up between (and during) cartoons. Of course I can't really blame them; when I was a kid I was sure that Pink Panther Flakes had to become a mandatory inclusion to my childhood diet. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
CFSC Farm Bill Update
CFSC Farm Bill Update
June 18, 2007
Nutrition Sub-Committee Draft Completed
Thank you for your interest in the Farm Bill and the efforts of the Community Food Security Coalition. This is our second in a weekly series of updates that contain a summary of relevant happenings around the country related to food security, local food, and the Farm Bill.
Sub-Committee Has Completed its Work on the Nutrition Title: Last Thursday the Nutrition Sub-Committee marked-up the Nutrition Title of the Farm Bill, including the following on CFSC priority issues:
* Community Food Projects (CFP) was in the mark at $30 million. We will continue working on this to ensure that the money is mandatory as it moves through the full committee.
* Geographic Preference/Local Procurement: The language that would clarify policy to allow schools to include a "geographic preference" in their bids for school foods, which would give schools flexibility to work with local farmers and pursue Farm to Cafeteria programs. This language was not in the mark because of a jurisdictional issue between the Agriculture Committee and Education & Labor Committee. An amendment was prepared but not introduced because of this jurisdictional issue. We will continue to work with staff and members from both committees to insure this can be introduced as an amendment in full committee.
* The Healthy Food Enterprise Development Program (HFED), which would provide funding for local food infrastructure, was not in the mark, nor does it have a firm champion yet. We are working with a number of members to see if this can be introduced as an amendment at full committee. Northeast Midwest Institute has been doing much of the advocacy for this new program.
* We have not asked anyone to offer an amendment funding Farm to Cafeteria in the Farm Bill at this point.
* The Direct to Consumer Marketing Assistance Program (formerly the Farmers' Market Promotion Program) has a number of members ready to offer an amendment at full committee, which would include a percentage of the funding for EBT at farmers' markets. The Sustainable Agriculture Coalition does the majority of the advocacy for this program.
Timeline for Legislative Action on the Farm Bill: Although schedules frequently change in Congress, here is our latest information on the timeline for the Farm Bill:
* June 26-28: House: Full Agriculture Committee meets to continue negotiations
* Week of July 9: Senate Full Agriculture Committee meets (very tentatively)
* Week of July 23: Scheduled Farm Bill debate on the House Floor
Other points of interest from the Nutrition Sub-Committee Bill:
* The Food Stamp Program was renamed the "Secure Supplemental Nutrition Access Program" (SSNAP).
* TEFAP has "reserve funds" to increase funding to $250 million
* Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) extended to 2012
* DoD Fresh will not spend less than $50 million in 2008, $75 million in 2009 and 2010, $100 million for 2011, and $125 million for 2012.
* The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program was expanded to $100 million
* The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program has mandatory funding of $15 million through 2012, and authorized discretionary funds of $20 million (total) for 2008, $30 million for 2009, $45 million for 2010, $60 million for 2011, and $75 million for 2012.
* The Congressional Hunger Center was authorized at $3 million
Media Update: To date, CFSC introduced op-eds have run in dailies around the country, including the Albuquerque Journal, the Des Moines Register, the Hartford Courant, the Detroit Free Press and the Cleveland Plain-Dealer. In the next couple of weeks, other newspapers are expected to run op-eds and related farm bill stories. CFSC supporters are encouraged to submit op-eds and LTEs as soon as possible. Model op-eds and LTEs are available.
Cleveland Plain-Dealer link: http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/stories/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1181897161245060.xml&coll=2
Other Farm Bill News
Agriculture Committee Chairs Split on Commodity & Conservation Titles:
Commodity Subsidies- Early last week, in response to efforts at farm bill reform by environmental and anti-hunger advocates converging in Washington, DC, Chairman Peterson, said "grain, soybean and cotton subsidies should not be siphoned to other programs." Previously, Chairman Peterson had announced plans to cut farm subsidy eligibility for farmers with 10 acres or less, citing their off-farm livelihoods and income, and this provision was included in the draft of the Commodity title released today on the House website. However, last week Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Tom Harkin said he was worried about this proposal, because it "could hurt specialty crop, organic, minority and socially disadvantaged farmers."
Conservation Payments- Harkin also split with Peterson on limitations for conservation payments. Whereas Peterson wants limits placed on conservation payments if they are also placed on payments for commodities, Harkin recognized the public good done by conservation, and only made an exception for EQIP- he followed up on past statements that large livestock operations should have to pay for their own environmental cleanup rather than receiving large amounts of government funding, saying that he's interested in proposals that would cut current aggregate limits for EQIP money.
Tomorrow, June 19, the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management will meet to mark-up the draft of its bill. Today, Chairman Peterson announced that the Sub-committee may vote on alternative farm bill proposals presented by Reps. Kind and Flake, the President's proposal and a buy-out proposal presented by Citigroup.
If you'd like to continue to receive CFSC Farm Bill Updates, please contact Steph Larsen at steph@foodsecurity.org or Aliza Wasserman at aliza.wasserman@gmail.com
Best,
Steph and Aliza
--
Community Food Security Coalition
110 Maryland Ave. NE Suite 307
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202.543.8602
Email: Steph@foodsecurity.org
www.FoodSecurity.org
June 18, 2007
Nutrition Sub-Committee Draft Completed
Thank you for your interest in the Farm Bill and the efforts of the Community Food Security Coalition. This is our second in a weekly series of updates that contain a summary of relevant happenings around the country related to food security, local food, and the Farm Bill.
Sub-Committee Has Completed its Work on the Nutrition Title: Last Thursday the Nutrition Sub-Committee marked-up the Nutrition Title of the Farm Bill, including the following on CFSC priority issues:
* Community Food Projects (CFP) was in the mark at $30 million. We will continue working on this to ensure that the money is mandatory as it moves through the full committee.
* Geographic Preference/Local Procurement: The language that would clarify policy to allow schools to include a "geographic preference" in their bids for school foods, which would give schools flexibility to work with local farmers and pursue Farm to Cafeteria programs. This language was not in the mark because of a jurisdictional issue between the Agriculture Committee and Education & Labor Committee. An amendment was prepared but not introduced because of this jurisdictional issue. We will continue to work with staff and members from both committees to insure this can be introduced as an amendment in full committee.
* The Healthy Food Enterprise Development Program (HFED), which would provide funding for local food infrastructure, was not in the mark, nor does it have a firm champion yet. We are working with a number of members to see if this can be introduced as an amendment at full committee. Northeast Midwest Institute has been doing much of the advocacy for this new program.
* We have not asked anyone to offer an amendment funding Farm to Cafeteria in the Farm Bill at this point.
* The Direct to Consumer Marketing Assistance Program (formerly the Farmers' Market Promotion Program) has a number of members ready to offer an amendment at full committee, which would include a percentage of the funding for EBT at farmers' markets. The Sustainable Agriculture Coalition does the majority of the advocacy for this program.
Timeline for Legislative Action on the Farm Bill: Although schedules frequently change in Congress, here is our latest information on the timeline for the Farm Bill:
* June 26-28: House: Full Agriculture Committee meets to continue negotiations
* Week of July 9: Senate Full Agriculture Committee meets (very tentatively)
* Week of July 23: Scheduled Farm Bill debate on the House Floor
Other points of interest from the Nutrition Sub-Committee Bill:
* The Food Stamp Program was renamed the "Secure Supplemental Nutrition Access Program" (SSNAP).
* TEFAP has "reserve funds" to increase funding to $250 million
* Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) extended to 2012
* DoD Fresh will not spend less than $50 million in 2008, $75 million in 2009 and 2010, $100 million for 2011, and $125 million for 2012.
* The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program was expanded to $100 million
* The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program has mandatory funding of $15 million through 2012, and authorized discretionary funds of $20 million (total) for 2008, $30 million for 2009, $45 million for 2010, $60 million for 2011, and $75 million for 2012.
* The Congressional Hunger Center was authorized at $3 million
Media Update: To date, CFSC introduced op-eds have run in dailies around the country, including the Albuquerque Journal, the Des Moines Register, the Hartford Courant, the Detroit Free Press and the Cleveland Plain-Dealer. In the next couple of weeks, other newspapers are expected to run op-eds and related farm bill stories. CFSC supporters are encouraged to submit op-eds and LTEs as soon as possible. Model op-eds and LTEs are available.
Cleveland Plain-Dealer link: http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/stories/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1181897161245060.xml&coll=2
Other Farm Bill News
Agriculture Committee Chairs Split on Commodity & Conservation Titles:
Commodity Subsidies- Early last week, in response to efforts at farm bill reform by environmental and anti-hunger advocates converging in Washington, DC, Chairman Peterson, said "grain, soybean and cotton subsidies should not be siphoned to other programs." Previously, Chairman Peterson had announced plans to cut farm subsidy eligibility for farmers with 10 acres or less, citing their off-farm livelihoods and income, and this provision was included in the draft of the Commodity title released today on the House website. However, last week Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Tom Harkin said he was worried about this proposal, because it "could hurt specialty crop, organic, minority and socially disadvantaged farmers."
Conservation Payments- Harkin also split with Peterson on limitations for conservation payments. Whereas Peterson wants limits placed on conservation payments if they are also placed on payments for commodities, Harkin recognized the public good done by conservation, and only made an exception for EQIP- he followed up on past statements that large livestock operations should have to pay for their own environmental cleanup rather than receiving large amounts of government funding, saying that he's interested in proposals that would cut current aggregate limits for EQIP money.
Tomorrow, June 19, the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management will meet to mark-up the draft of its bill. Today, Chairman Peterson announced that the Sub-committee may vote on alternative farm bill proposals presented by Reps. Kind and Flake, the President's proposal and a buy-out proposal presented by Citigroup.
If you'd like to continue to receive CFSC Farm Bill Updates, please contact Steph Larsen at steph@foodsecurity.org or Aliza Wasserman at aliza.wasserman@gmail.com
Best,
Steph and Aliza
--
Community Food Security Coalition
110 Maryland Ave. NE Suite 307
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202.543.8602
Email: Steph@foodsecurity.org
www.FoodSecurity.org
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