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.
USDA Provides Disaster Food Assistance to Southern California
http://www.usda.gov/2007/10/0305.xml
Contact:
USDA: Terri Teuber (202) 720-4623
Angela Harless (202) 720-4623
Food Assistance: Jean Daniel (301) 305-2286
USDA PROVIDES DISASTER FOOD ASSISTANCE TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
2,500 USDA Forest Service Firefighting Personnel Deployed
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2007-Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner today approved the State of California's request to operate a Disaster Food Stamp Program (DFSP) in San Diego County from October 21 to November 19, 2007. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Fire in California - Donate Now to Help
Farmosa Farms has created a special program for the victims of the California wildfires - Firestorm 07.
The program is called the "California Firestorm Relief Fund".
Farmosa Farms is collecting donations dedicated to help farmers and other agricultural folks get back up on their feet as soon as possible.
This is our Katrina. Bless you all for helping out!
Please send donations to:
Farmosa Farms
5279 Linda Vista Drive
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011-1649
818.585.5660
relief@farmosafarms.org
www.FarmosaFarms.org - promoting agriculture for good health
EIN - 0054638
California 501(c)3 founded in 2002
The program is called the "California Firestorm Relief Fund".
Farmosa Farms is collecting donations dedicated to help farmers and other agricultural folks get back up on their feet as soon as possible.
This is our Katrina. Bless you all for helping out!
Please send donations to:
Farmosa Farms
5279 Linda Vista Drive
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011-1649
818.585.5660
relief@farmosafarms.org
www.FarmosaFarms.org - promoting agriculture for good health
EIN - 0054638
California 501(c)3 founded in 2002
Farmgirl Detoxes
Just in time for the holidays and the coming year is the gift of wellness. As a perpetual seeker of healing and helpful places around town, I found Wholisti Center in Montrose as a definite must see, if you are ready. Ready to get real and start some major healing processes.
As you know, I have multiple sclerosis, an annoying disease brought on by not taking care of myself. I could say this about a lot of diseases but can speak truthfully only about my own experiences. One of my first healing processes, after being diagnosed, was studying and becoming certified as a holistic nutrition educator. During that same time I met Jill Brook, nutritionist, and we worked together to reduce my inflammation and get me back into the game of life. Jill has been an inspiration and fountain of knowledge for my progress.
School offered many options and programs from detoxing to digestion repair. It has all been necessary for the welfare of my health. This summer I did a new detox program - a tea and body work program through Wholisti Center in Montrose.
The first day of my new detox program involved an intestinal tea which I steeped too long. One thing to note is that you may want to by some psyllium seeds at Trader Joes. So the first day was a bit of a doozy. But wonderful and necessary!
And then the cleansing - apples upon apples in the morning. If you don?t like apples, the key is to find one you can tolerate. For me it?s an organic fuji. I sweated and stunk for the first few days. Next time I will know what to expect and will follow it more closely as I don?t think it?s quite detoxing to have a glass of wine now and then. So, I give myself a ?B? this time around. My main weaknesses: wine, strong, dark, decaf coffee and cheese. I started drinking herb tea in the morning but playing it by ear depending upon how toxic I was the night before. It?s a process and as I said, I would give myself a ?B? based on the average Sally and Joe Six-Pack. 0
After a few more days I started the liver tea. I definitely need the liver tea. And then, about a week or so had passed and my teas and face lotion being used plenty I thought, ?Hey, lazy bones, get up and go to yoga?. So I did. OK. It was very difficult in that I am completely out of shape/health/wholeness?. But boy did it feel good. What felt just as good was looking in the mirror that morning and saying, ?Darn, girl, you look much better?.
Skin looking rejuvenated, some of the toxins out, some still coming in. It?s a process....
As you know, I have multiple sclerosis, an annoying disease brought on by not taking care of myself. I could say this about a lot of diseases but can speak truthfully only about my own experiences. One of my first healing processes, after being diagnosed, was studying and becoming certified as a holistic nutrition educator. During that same time I met Jill Brook, nutritionist, and we worked together to reduce my inflammation and get me back into the game of life. Jill has been an inspiration and fountain of knowledge for my progress.
School offered many options and programs from detoxing to digestion repair. It has all been necessary for the welfare of my health. This summer I did a new detox program - a tea and body work program through Wholisti Center in Montrose.
The first day of my new detox program involved an intestinal tea which I steeped too long. One thing to note is that you may want to by some psyllium seeds at Trader Joes. So the first day was a bit of a doozy. But wonderful and necessary!
And then the cleansing - apples upon apples in the morning. If you don?t like apples, the key is to find one you can tolerate. For me it?s an organic fuji. I sweated and stunk for the first few days. Next time I will know what to expect and will follow it more closely as I don?t think it?s quite detoxing to have a glass of wine now and then. So, I give myself a ?B? this time around. My main weaknesses: wine, strong, dark, decaf coffee and cheese. I started drinking herb tea in the morning but playing it by ear depending upon how toxic I was the night before. It?s a process and as I said, I would give myself a ?B? based on the average Sally and Joe Six-Pack. 0
After a few more days I started the liver tea. I definitely need the liver tea. And then, about a week or so had passed and my teas and face lotion being used plenty I thought, ?Hey, lazy bones, get up and go to yoga?. So I did. OK. It was very difficult in that I am completely out of shape/health/wholeness?. But boy did it feel good. What felt just as good was looking in the mirror that morning and saying, ?Darn, girl, you look much better?.
Skin looking rejuvenated, some of the toxins out, some still coming in. It?s a process....
Food Security FARM BILL UPDATE
Countdown to the Senate
Farm Bill Review
Congress has been on recess for the Columbus Day holiday, so it has been a bit quiet here in Washington DC. The Senate Agriculture Committee is expected to meet to go over Chairman Harkin’s proposed Farm Bill the week of October 22, but no specific date has been set. We here at CFSC hope that you've had the opportunity to call or email our Senate Champions and thank them for their support! If you need a reminder, please see our update from last week.
This gives us a great opportunity to share with you some aspects of the Farm Bill that we don’t usually have the time or space to talk about in our regular updates. For one thing, we thought that it might be useful to point out that we have a document on our website that goes over the ten separate sections of the Farm Bill and what all is included in these ten different components of the legislation. You can check it out here. Along with these ten sections of the Farm Bill, there are some additional titles that have been proposed in the past and are coming up again in this round.
One of these proposals is a set of bills known collectively as the Competition Title. These proposals seek to combat increased concentration and lack of competition in the agricultural sector that occurs as a result of a few companies owning most or all of the components of the food production chain. Small farmers are hurt by concentration and consolidation because it lessens their bargaining power, enables prices to be manipulated, and restricts their options in negotiating contracts. The National Farmers Union found that the top four companies in the beef, pork, poultry, flour milling, and soybean crushing sectors controlled more than 40% of the market, which is the limit at which economists say that competition starts to decline. That report can be accessed here.
An agricultural market that lacks legitimate competition not only affects small farmers, but also consumers. When competition decreases, consumers can be faced with fewer choices, higher prices, and lower quality products. With the recent upsurge of food recalls, it is important to consider how the consolidation of food production can negatively affect food safety. In February of 2007, the Center for Food Safety, along with the National Black Farmers Association, criticized a Monsanto merger in a report found here.
The version of the Farm Bill that was passed in the House in July did not address competition in a meaningful way. A competition title was proposed for inclusion in the 2002 Farm Bill, but was blocked in part by the lobbying efforts of large livestock companies. More information about what is specifically contained in the bills known as the Competitive Title can be found on the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy’s “Understanding the Farm Bill” report.
Aimee Witteman from the Sustainable Agriculture Coalition also wrote a piece about the competition title on the Grist blog, found here.
While CFSC does not have an official position on the Competition Title, we do believe that promoting fair and active competition in the food system helps keep our food safe, the marketplace healthy, and family farmers on the land. We encourage you to follow the links above and become more educated on these proposals.
Farm Bill Chatter
Senate Dynamics
The “Washington Insider” section of DTN stated that Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) are working with other members of the Agriculture Committee to come up with enough votes to approve the alternative plan they have generated. The article states that Sen. Conrad has already wooed Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), by offering more funding for the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program, and he will continue to work on other members. The alternative plan is considered by some to be a direct challenge to proposals made by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA). (FarmPolicy.com, Oct. 10)
Meanwhile, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) made some comments regarding the Farm Bill process in the Senate so far. Sen. Grassley mentioned Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), who has a different approach from former Sen. Tom Daschle (D-SD) who worked aggressively on the 2002 Farm Bill. Sen. Grassley said Sen. Reid is pretty consistent in keeping out of committee work and relying upon the chairmen to get their work done. Sen. Grassley also defended Sen. Harkin's handling of the Farm Bill, stating “Harkin ‘can’t be condemned for not coming forth with a bill if he doesn’t know how much money he’s dealing with,’ says Grassley. Grassley urged Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin and Ranking Member Saxby Chambliss to use those dollars for conservation programs and value-added agriculture. He would also like to see some of the money go to the African-American farmers who were denied entry in the Pigford settlement case. (FarmPolicy.com, Oct. 11)
"Make the Farm Bill Fair"
A coalition of nine groups including Oxfam America, the Environmental Working Group, and Taxpayers for Common Sense are putting pressure on the Senate to institute meaningful reforms to commodity payment programs. The campaign includes a tagline "Make the Farm Bill Fair". Although united for reform, the groups making up the coalition have some different goals. Some, like Environmental Working Group and the Land Stewardship Project, based in Minnesota, want more money for land stewardship and rural development. Taxpayers for Common Sense would phase out crop supports altogether. (FarmPolicy.com, Oct 11)
Conservation Advocates Push Senators
Twenty-three conservation and environmental groups have co-signed a letter to U.S. senators telling them the Senate farm bill has to at least match the House farm bill on conservation spending or the proposal "falls short." The groups called on the Agriculture Committee to add at least $2 billion more in funding to the pot created by the Finance Committee package. The letter sent to Senate leadership as well as the leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee. A spokeswoman for Harkin said Thursday that he is still looking to spend more on conservation than the House bill, though he noted in a news conference last week that conservation was "under attack" by forces wanting to spend more money elsewhere in the bill. (Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Oct. 11th).
Specialty Crop Growers
An article in the Financial Times talked about the demands of specialty crop growers, which include increased money in research on issues specific to specialty crops, and also market development. They have not requested subsidy payments similar to what is received by crops like corn, wheat, and rice.
Specialty crop growers do support the current restriction on planting fruits and vegetables on acres that are considered "base acres" for commodity crops. They feel that landowners who receive commodity payments would have an unfair advantage over farmers who have traditionally only planted specialty crops, and therefore can't fall back on subsidy payments. This restriction has been a point of contention in the World Trade Organization, and there is some movement to do away with that planting restriction.
The Price of Food
Food prices are up, and many people have ideas as to why this is. Some factors may include the rising cost of oil, federal subsidies, a weak US dollar that raises the price of imports, higher commodity prices, and a larger global growing middle class increasing demand on foods, especially meat. Demand for wheat is also at a record high due to a shortage of supply, making the price skyrocket. Many of these issues were discussed on The Diane Rehm Radio Show last Tuesday, and the guests included Bruce Babcock (professor of economics and the director of the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development at Iowa State University), Dan Morgan (special correspondent, Washington Post and fellow, German Marshal Fund of the United States) and Lauren Etter (reporter, Wall Street Journal). You can listen to the show by clicking here. (FarmPolicy.com, Oct. 9)
Concerns Over Ethanol
Cornelia Dean reported in the New York Times on Oct. 11 that increasing the acres of crops grown for ethanol could harm water quality and leave some parts of the country more prone to water shortages. Corn is the most widely grown crop to produce fuel in the US, and it may cause more damage per unit of energy than other fuel crops. This makes conservation provisions in this coming Farm Bill more important than ever.
Alerts from Our Allies
Support the Efforts of other Organizations
Conservation Call-In Day, October 17: The Sustainable Agriculture Coalition along with national conservation and environment organizations will be participating in a nationwide call to action for the Senate to commit to conservation in the Farm Bill. They are asking that constituents call their Senators next Wednesday and ask them to:
"Provide at least $5 billion more for conservation in the farm bill, including $2 billion for the Comprehensive Stewardship Incentives Program."
Thanks for your support, and be sure to call our Senate champions to say thank you!
Sincerely,
Steph, Kacie, and Sarah
***
Community Food Security Coalition
110 Maryland Ave. NE Suite 307
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202.543.8602
Email: Steph@foodsecurity.org
www.FoodSecurity.org
USDA'S Conner Celebrates Schools' Work for Improved Nutrition
Jack Currie (703) 305-2281;
Keith Williams (202) 720-4623
USDA'S Conner Celebrates Schools' Work for Improved Nutrition
WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2007 - Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner today marked the opening of National School Lunch Week, highlighting local school wellness and school nutrition through the President's HealthierUS School Challenge. On Wednesday, October 17, Secretary Conner will travel to celebrate with students at Neabsco Elementary School Woodbridge, Virginia.
"Our schools are taking on the HealthierUS School Challenge, and combined with local wellness policies, have raised students' awareness of healthy nutrition," Conner said. "Agriculture offers healthy food choices as an important start to the day, while USDA provides nutritious snack, school breakfast and school lunch opportunities for many of these children."
The President's HealthierUS School Challenge recognizes elementary schools that voluntarily meet rigorous nutrition criteria established by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, awarding them either Gold, Silver, or Bronze status. As part of its National School Lunch Week celebration, USDA recognizes 46 schools in Prince William County, Virginia, with Gold status. The Prince William County schools are among 176 schools nationwide achieving Gold or Silver level distinction through the HealthierUS School Challenge.
The National School Lunch Program, administered by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, provides federal assistance to more than 101,000 schools and residential childcare institutions. More than 30 million children each school day are served nutritionally balanced, low-cost, reduced-price or free lunches through the program.
National School Lunch Week was established in 1963 to raise awareness and support for the National School Lunch Program and the role of nutrition education in the lives of children. Find out more about USDA school nutrition programs at www.fns.usda.gov.
#
USDA News
oc.news@usda.gov
202 720-4623
Keith Williams (202) 720-4623
USDA'S Conner Celebrates Schools' Work for Improved Nutrition
WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2007 - Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner today marked the opening of National School Lunch Week, highlighting local school wellness and school nutrition through the President's HealthierUS School Challenge. On Wednesday, October 17, Secretary Conner will travel to celebrate with students at Neabsco Elementary School Woodbridge, Virginia.
"Our schools are taking on the HealthierUS School Challenge, and combined with local wellness policies, have raised students' awareness of healthy nutrition," Conner said. "Agriculture offers healthy food choices as an important start to the day, while USDA provides nutritious snack, school breakfast and school lunch opportunities for many of these children."
The President's HealthierUS School Challenge recognizes elementary schools that voluntarily meet rigorous nutrition criteria established by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, awarding them either Gold, Silver, or Bronze status. As part of its National School Lunch Week celebration, USDA recognizes 46 schools in Prince William County, Virginia, with Gold status. The Prince William County schools are among 176 schools nationwide achieving Gold or Silver level distinction through the HealthierUS School Challenge.
The National School Lunch Program, administered by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, provides federal assistance to more than 101,000 schools and residential childcare institutions. More than 30 million children each school day are served nutritionally balanced, low-cost, reduced-price or free lunches through the program.
National School Lunch Week was established in 1963 to raise awareness and support for the National School Lunch Program and the role of nutrition education in the lives of children. Find out more about USDA school nutrition programs at www.fns.usda.gov.
#
USDA News
oc.news@usda.gov
202 720-4623
nutritional detoxing day 6
Already day six and just started my liver-cleansing tea. I started the intestinal tea five days ago. The first day was a bit crazy because I took the tea too long and didn't have any psyllium, which is a necessary fiber to take. I love vegetables but am actually tired of greens. It's been collards, dandelion, chard, spinach, cauliflower, squash...everything...steamed. And the apples. ugh. So many apples. Luckily I found a great organic fuji at trader joes (I missed our local farmers market last week). This week I found some awesome asian pears but have eaten all of them and it's only Monday!
So, what to expect? I didn't know. And it's been a process. The first day I was getting over a cold, and the first few night have been interesting. Sweat and chills. Toxic smells. Not to mention all of those apples coming out. I could feel it immediately, as my body pushed the toxins out. Five days later and five pounds lighter! Not physical pounds (well maybe, don't weigh myself too often) but unhealthy mental pounds. Between the meditations, the teas, the mood swings, the addictions wearing off, my energy is growing inside. Blood is pumping stronger. Skin is clearing. Muscles relaxing. Ahhhhh....
If only it weren't for all of those apples!
So, what to expect? I didn't know. And it's been a process. The first day I was getting over a cold, and the first few night have been interesting. Sweat and chills. Toxic smells. Not to mention all of those apples coming out. I could feel it immediately, as my body pushed the toxins out. Five days later and five pounds lighter! Not physical pounds (well maybe, don't weigh myself too often) but unhealthy mental pounds. Between the meditations, the teas, the mood swings, the addictions wearing off, my energy is growing inside. Blood is pumping stronger. Skin is clearing. Muscles relaxing. Ahhhhh....
If only it weren't for all of those apples!
Farmgirl detoxes
It's Fall and time to detox!
Whatever your means or ways, take this time to make a change in your diet or shopping habits. I am currently on a tea-detox system combines with body work and yoga. It's unbelievable. After the summer, when my multiple sclerosis gets horrid in the heat, my body is craving the cleansing. It's a complete Dosha light switch! This year I am adding something new to my ever changing routine by adding a detox program through Wholisti Center in Montrose, California. I have already had several small "cleansings" and followed a bit of a building diet to feel at my strongest before I began.
WholistiCenter is new but watch this spot. The website will be arriving and if you live in the Montrose, California, area, I would definitely check it out. If you don't know where Montrose, California, is then you don't live nearby. But I will share my experiences as I go.
Whatever your means or ways, take this time to make a change in your diet or shopping habits. I am currently on a tea-detox system combines with body work and yoga. It's unbelievable. After the summer, when my multiple sclerosis gets horrid in the heat, my body is craving the cleansing. It's a complete Dosha light switch! This year I am adding something new to my ever changing routine by adding a detox program through Wholisti Center in Montrose, California. I have already had several small "cleansings" and followed a bit of a building diet to feel at my strongest before I began.
WholistiCenter is new but watch this spot. The website will be arriving and if you live in the Montrose, California, area, I would definitely check it out. If you don't know where Montrose, California, is then you don't live nearby. But I will share my experiences as I go.
USDA CONCLUDES GENETICALLY ENGINEERED RICE INVESTIGATION
Release No. 0284.07
Rachel Iadicicco (202) 720-2511
Angela Harless (202) 720-4623
USDA CONCLUDES GENETICALLY ENGINEERED RICE INVESTIGATION
WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2007--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Bruce Knight today announced the conclusion of the genetically engineered rice (GE) investigation. The investigation, which was conducted by USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Investigative and Enforcement Services in coordination with USDA's Office of the Inspector General, focused on the unintentional release of trace amounts of regulated genetically engineered rice detected in two commercial varieties of long-grain rice. READ MORE
Acting Secretary Chuck Conner will deliver remarks to the National Chicken Council.
Release No. 5094.07
CONTACT: Press Office (202) 720-4623
ACTING SECRETARY CHUCK CONNER DELIVERS REMARKS
TO THE NATIONAL CHICKEN COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, October 3, 2007-- Acting Secretary Chuck Conner will deliver remarks to the National Chicken Council.
WHO: Acting Secretary Chuck Conner
WHAT: Remarks to the National Chicken Council
WHEN: Thursday, October 4, 2007
8:00 a.m. EDT
WHERE: Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
1250 South Hayes Street
Arlington, VA
USDA News
oc.news@usda.gov
202 720-4623
LocalHarvest Newsletter - one of Farmgirl's Favorites!
LocalHarvest Newsletter
September 30, 2007
Time conscious readers will notice that although the calendar already has a toehold on October, we're only now sending out the September newsletter. Why? In a word, the boss-man has been out of town. Backside glued to a motorcycle seat for over two weeks, truth be told, and having the time of his life. Guillermo Payet, LocalHarvest's founder and chief brain, writes a little about his farm-hoppin' adventures in the article below, but who can stuff so much fun into 500 words? If you want to get the true flavor of his trip, you'll have to check out our blog, where the best stories of the trip are told, and some great photos tell the rest.
Bike2Barn 2007 Farm Tour
On September 13, my sweetheart Amber and I left Santa Cruz, CA for a two week long trip across the southwestern United States. We nicknamed the trip "Bike2Barn 2007", since we traveled on a motorcycle, stopping to visit Localharvest member farms along the way. We had many reasons for taking this trip, including the desire to take an adventurous vacation, visit farms, make new friends, learn about the land, and eat good food.
Read on...
>From the LocalHarvest Catalog
Our Thanksgiving turkeys are quickly finding good homes with family-farming fans all across the country. Ready to reserve yours? You can try to find a local turkey in our directory or through our catalog, which includes birds available for local pickup and those available by mail-order. Hurry, they won't last long!
If watching this month's video makes you as hungry for artisan cheeses as it made us, you'll be happy to know about our fine selection of handcrafted cheeses - cow, sheep, goat, we have them all.
And please do visit our catalog for more goodies!
Quote of the Month, from Sandor Katz
From an interview with Sandor Katz, author of Wild Fermentation and The Revolution Will Not Be Microwaved, published in "Grist".
All the problems of globalized commodity agriculture and foods traveling thousands of miles from farm to the plate, those are the result of people sort of thinking bigger and bigger, and I think the solutions come from people thinking smaller. And that's why community gardens and community-supported agriculture and community kitchens and things like that are all part of the solution, because they enable people to focus on their needs and their community's needs and satisfying those needs. I really think we need to just focus on small things within our realm that we can actually do."
Video: On Dairies Worth Supporting - and Avoiding
Ever fighting the good fight, the staff at the Cornucopia Institute has been working long and hard to force the giants of the organic dairy industry to comply with the USDA organic rules. Thanks to their advocacy, the USDA recently found Aurora Organic Dairy to be in "willful violation" of the organic standards. Among other things, Aurora was cited for illegally confining cattle, and knowingly selling non-organic milk as organic. Aurora is the nation's largest private label dairy operation; its milk is sold under store brands for Trader Joe's, Wal-Mart, Target, Costco, Wild Oats, and Safeway and other supermarket chains.
Obviously, this bad behavior has the potential to erode consumers' trust in the organic label. We still believe strongly in organic dairy ... but we're being more careful about where we get it. As if we needed it, this is just one more reason to support small, locally run dairy operations. Want to see the real thing? The good folks over at Farmers Almanac TV have produced a number of great videos, including this one featuring our friends at Strauss Family Creamery.
Watch the Video
Nancy's Nutrition Corner: Alluring Apricots
Historically, many recipes and love potions included the essence of apricot for its aphrodisiac qualities. Today, most people enjoy apricots for their incredibly pleasing taste and bountiful amount of carotenoids like beta-carotene and lycopene.
Read on...
Recipe Corner: Apricots - By Lorna Sass
My favorite apricot memory goes back about five summers, when I had the good fortune to "house sit" for two weeks in Sante Fe. The house was large and comfortable, but the great cause for celebration was the enormous apricot tree in the side yard.
Read on...
As always, thanks for your interest in and support of LocalHarvest.org! See you next month, and until then, take good care and eat well!
Contact Information
email: newsletter@localharvest.org
web: http://www.localharvest.org
September 30, 2007
Time conscious readers will notice that although the calendar already has a toehold on October, we're only now sending out the September newsletter. Why? In a word, the boss-man has been out of town. Backside glued to a motorcycle seat for over two weeks, truth be told, and having the time of his life. Guillermo Payet, LocalHarvest's founder and chief brain, writes a little about his farm-hoppin' adventures in the article below, but who can stuff so much fun into 500 words? If you want to get the true flavor of his trip, you'll have to check out our blog, where the best stories of the trip are told, and some great photos tell the rest.
Bike2Barn 2007 Farm Tour
On September 13, my sweetheart Amber and I left Santa Cruz, CA for a two week long trip across the southwestern United States. We nicknamed the trip "Bike2Barn 2007", since we traveled on a motorcycle, stopping to visit Localharvest member farms along the way. We had many reasons for taking this trip, including the desire to take an adventurous vacation, visit farms, make new friends, learn about the land, and eat good food.
Read on...
>From the LocalHarvest Catalog
Our Thanksgiving turkeys are quickly finding good homes with family-farming fans all across the country. Ready to reserve yours? You can try to find a local turkey in our directory or through our catalog, which includes birds available for local pickup and those available by mail-order. Hurry, they won't last long!
If watching this month's video makes you as hungry for artisan cheeses as it made us, you'll be happy to know about our fine selection of handcrafted cheeses - cow, sheep, goat, we have them all.
And please do visit our catalog for more goodies!
Quote of the Month, from Sandor Katz
From an interview with Sandor Katz, author of Wild Fermentation and The Revolution Will Not Be Microwaved, published in "Grist".
All the problems of globalized commodity agriculture and foods traveling thousands of miles from farm to the plate, those are the result of people sort of thinking bigger and bigger, and I think the solutions come from people thinking smaller. And that's why community gardens and community-supported agriculture and community kitchens and things like that are all part of the solution, because they enable people to focus on their needs and their community's needs and satisfying those needs. I really think we need to just focus on small things within our realm that we can actually do."
Video: On Dairies Worth Supporting - and Avoiding
Ever fighting the good fight, the staff at the Cornucopia Institute has been working long and hard to force the giants of the organic dairy industry to comply with the USDA organic rules. Thanks to their advocacy, the USDA recently found Aurora Organic Dairy to be in "willful violation" of the organic standards. Among other things, Aurora was cited for illegally confining cattle, and knowingly selling non-organic milk as organic. Aurora is the nation's largest private label dairy operation; its milk is sold under store brands for Trader Joe's, Wal-Mart, Target, Costco, Wild Oats, and Safeway and other supermarket chains.
Obviously, this bad behavior has the potential to erode consumers' trust in the organic label. We still believe strongly in organic dairy ... but we're being more careful about where we get it. As if we needed it, this is just one more reason to support small, locally run dairy operations. Want to see the real thing? The good folks over at Farmers Almanac TV have produced a number of great videos, including this one featuring our friends at Strauss Family Creamery.
Watch the Video
Nancy's Nutrition Corner: Alluring Apricots
Historically, many recipes and love potions included the essence of apricot for its aphrodisiac qualities. Today, most people enjoy apricots for their incredibly pleasing taste and bountiful amount of carotenoids like beta-carotene and lycopene.
Read on...
Recipe Corner: Apricots - By Lorna Sass
My favorite apricot memory goes back about five summers, when I had the good fortune to "house sit" for two weeks in Sante Fe. The house was large and comfortable, but the great cause for celebration was the enormous apricot tree in the side yard.
Read on...
As always, thanks for your interest in and support of LocalHarvest.org! See you next month, and until then, take good care and eat well!
Contact Information
email: newsletter@localharvest.org
web: http://www.localharvest.org
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
