RSS feed for the OCA New York forum http://organicconsumers.org/forum/index.php Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:51:03 -0800 5 http://organicconsumers.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=3095 http://www.cornucopia.org/2009/09/proposed...roduce-growers/

http://www.cornucopia.org/ProposedLeafyGre...ngAgreement.pdf


USDA Schedules Public Hearings to Obtain Citizens’ Concerns and Suggestions

The “Leafy Green Marketing Agreement,” which requires producers to follow a set of rules (metrics) in the name of food safety, has already shown to be injurious for the environment, biodiversity, and organic growers in California. The USDA is now considering a similar “Leafy Green Marketing Agreement” that would extend beyond California and Arizona to cover the entire United States—let’s help make this rule work for growers of all sizes!

The USDA has scheduled a series of hearing sessions, around the country, inviting you to this perfect opportunity to share your concerns and suggestions.

Click here to view the USDA announcement in the Federal Register.

Make your voice heard!—if you are able to attend, we urge you to speak on behalf of the organic and family-scale farming community. (See below for locations and dates.)

High Quality and Organic Growers Competitively Disadvantaged

Producers’ experiences in California, where these metrics have been in place for several years, reveal what is at stake. While food safety is a legitimate national concern, organic and small-scale farmers bear a disproportionate economic burden of these metrics. Consider this:
# An estimate from leafy green growers in California indicates an average expenditure of $18,000/ year per farm for food safety efforts.
# Metrics require the expense of regular laboratory testing of irrigation water, soil amendments, fertilizers and sometimes seeds and transplants.
# Growers must have someone regularly monitor fields for wildlife and domestic animal incursions and documentation of all their efforts and testing is required.
# Farms with more acreage generally spend more to comply with the metrics but can experience some economies of scale due to larger field sizes and existing staff—these burdens could force the safest farms out of business.
# Smaller farms often have smaller field sizes, grow more diverse crops and raise livestock as well. These farms don’t usually have staff available to help them comply with complicated record-keeping requirements nor can they afford to hire extra help. They incur higher expenses per acre due to their smaller field sizes and greater complexity and disproportionately high testing/inspection costs.
# The requirement to have traceability of the produce grown also poses significant financial and record keeping challenges for many growers—organic farmers are already required to do much of this—it is redundant for organic growers—and local direct marketers have a special relationship with customers facilitating trace back.

Biodiversity Threatened

The environmental impacts of the Leafy Green metrics have also been alarming. Since wildlife, non-crop vegetation (wild habitat), and water bodies could be viewed as food safety risks, many environmentally positive, conservation and habitat-oriented practices that growers have implemented in California have been forced to be destroyed or abandoned by growers threatened with the rejection of their crops.

If these metrics are adopted nationally, organic farmers across the nation could face difficulties balancing organic requirements, to promote biodiversity, with metrics seeking elimination of wildlife and non-crop vegetation.

Voluntary Regulations?

Although the USDA has defined this regulation as “voluntary,” it is important to realize that in California, this has not been the case. Large grocery chains and distributors have refused to purchase produce from growers unless they are a signatory to the “leafy greens” program, making this a defacto rule. Don’t let the voluntary nature of this program dissuade you from recognizing the impact this proposal could have on small, local and organic growers.

Make Your Voice Heard!

The USDA organized public hearings to glean citizens’ concerns and suggestions. The USDA invites you to present evidence at the hearing on the possible economic impacts of the proposal on small businesses.

When and Where:
# Monterey, California
September 22-24
# Jacksonville, Florida
September 30-October 1
# Columbus, Ohio
October 6
# Denver, Colorado
October 8
# Yuma, Arizona
October 14-15
# Syracuse, New York
October 20
# Charlotte, North Carolina
October 22

All hearing sessions are scheduled for 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Stay tuned! The Cornucopia Institute, in partnership with other public interest groups, will shortly issue a more comprehensive action alert including talking points, information to submit written comments, sample letters and detailed instructions and help regarding appearing at the public hearings (including the precise location of each hearing).

We encourage other NGOs that would like to collaborate on this project to contact us. A number of other groups have also invested in developing an excellent knowledgebase and networking together will leverage our work on behalf of family farmers and consumers.]]> Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:01:27 -0700 http://organicconsumers.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=3095 http://organicconsumers.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=3019 http://www.lavidalocavore.org/diary/2331/t...m-the-big-apple

Two Inspirational Local Food Stories from the Big Apple
by: Eddie C
Fri Aug 21, 2009 at 22:11:48 PM PDT

( - promoted by JayinPortland)

I woke up to a feature on my local cable channel this morning that shows so much hope for a once written off section of the South Bronx and then opened my local paper to read another New York Locavore story that made me laugh because it just seems so new York.

Starting with the fun story from Brooklyn, the home of the extremely successful Greenest Block in Brooklyn Contest that is sponsored by the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. An only in New York story as in the center of capitalism sort of initiative. What do you think about real estate brokerage that deals in back yards and turns those unused yards into organic gardens?

Actually the story Green business thumb: BK Farmyards turns little used spaces into booming produce gardens is less business and more inspiration than the introduction "They'll pimp your yard - with a farm" implies.
Eddie C :: Two Inspirational Local Food Stories from the Big Apple

A Brooklyn company is converting private backyards into organic farms and splitting the crops with homeowners.

Stacey Murphy, 35, founder of BK Farmyards in Park Slope, launched the enterprise in May and has landed two contracts.

She plants, tends and harvests the crops in exchange for a cash payment or a share of the fruits and veggies.

"I think there's a gap in the food system," Murphy said on Thursday. "There's available land that's underutilized, and people who want to use that land."

What a wonderful idea and Stacey Murphy has converted this exchange into a small business. The homeowners pay both a monthly maintenance fell and share the harvest.

"Growing vegetables is something we wanted to do, but we didn't have the time, energy or knowledge," said Adrienne Fisher, 50.

Her weed-ridden 600-square-foot yard was transformed by Murphy and her staff, who planted 33 types of vegetables and herbs - some 8,000 plants.

Fisher pays for a quarter of the farm's costs and gets a quarter of the yield - which should be about 250 pounds of veggies this season and some strawberries next season.

Startup costs were $900 - for soil, an irrigation system, and labor. And Fisher, who lives with her husband and three children, won't have to pay those next year.

Fisher also pays BK Farmyards $37.50 a month to tend and harvest the plot during the season from April 15 to Nov. 15.

The idea of a roving crew of urban apartment dwellers going from house to house to make a living is fascinating. It's like returning to our agrarian roots but taking the 'A' train to get there. Stacy and her BK Farmyards sells their share and broker some of the owner's produce at food cooperatives.

Meanwhile up in the Bronx there is "La Finca del Sur," Spanish for "The Farm of the South." NY1, my local news channel did a short feature today on this organic farm in a very unlikely area billing it as "the first female-operated urban farm in the South Bronx."

The goal is to provide the community with affordable, organic foods as well as promote health awareness.

"Staff people used to walk by and notice this land that was just sitting here full of weeds and garbage and they said this would be a great place for an urban farm," said community organizer Nancy Ortiz-Surun. "So it was just inspired individuals who live and work in the community who noticed that this could be something more than what it is."

The hard work began in April when volunteers cleared the land. The soil there is contaminated with lead from past industrial uses, so planting was done in raised beds separated from the ground by plastic sheeting, cardboard, mulch and special landscape fabric. New soil donated by the New York Botanical Garden was trucked in.

It seems like in almost every local food story in New York City lately, somewhere in the story there is something about sponsorship or education being generated by one of the Botanic Gardens in this city. The gardens have always been educational but the fast transformation to promoting Greenmarkets and local farming is really a great sign of changing times.

But the best part of this La Finca de Sur story is the community building. About twenty-five years ago, 138th Street near the Grand Concourse was one of the worst areas in the nation and now;

"By having this place where they can meet, they can grow food, they can empower themselves at the same time," said volunteer farmer Demetrio Surun. "I think that's great for us to at least do something for the community."

The volunteers who run La Finca Del Sur want their greenspace to also serve as a community gathering place.

"We're going to be having some cardio classes, we're looking into doing yoga and Tai Chi," said community organizer Regina Ginyard. "Classes for adults, we have children arts and crafts workshops, a farmers market on the works, so a lot of cool things are happening here."

"People can come and farm and relax and get healing and make art and connect with other people," says Ortiz-Surun.

About 50 volunteers are on hand, but more are needed. To get involved with the farm, call 1-8... or visit bronxfarmers.blogspot.com.

You gotta love it.
Tags: urban farms, (All Tags)
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Two Inspirational Local Food Stories from the Big Apple | 3 comments
by: you @ soon

If you've ever read The Bonfire of the Vanities (4.00 / 2)
In the book;

The story centers on Sherman McCoy, a white, multi-millionaire, New York City bond trader with a wife and young daughter. His life as a self-regarded "Master of The Universe" on Wall Street is destroyed when he and his mistress, Maria Ruskin, accidentally enter the Bronx at night while they are driving to Manhattan from Kennedy Airport. Finding the ramp back to the highway blocked by trash cans and a tire, McCoy exits the car to clear the way. Approached by two blacks whom they perceive - uncertainly, in Sherman's case - as predators, McCoy and Ruskin flee. Having taken the wheel of the car, which fishtails as they race away, Ruskin apparently strikes one of the two-a "skinny boy".

That area that Tom Wolfe picked for the downfall of Sherman McCoy, a ramp to the Bruckner Expressway that to this day locals still call "Sherman's Cut Off" is just a few blocks from where a new successful urban community farm now thrives.
by: Eddie C @ Sat Aug 22, 2009 at 01:28:08 AM CDT
by: you @ soon

Great diary, Eddie! (4.00 / 3)
I'll have to go check out the farm.

I wish I knew half what the flock of them know
Of where all the berries and other things grow,
Cranberries in bogs and raspberries on top
Of the boulder-strewn mountain, and when they will crop.
--"Blueberries" by Robert Frost
by: wide eyed lib @ Sat Aug 22, 2009 at 08:39:31 AM CDT
by: you @ soon

If you guys want give me a call when you go and I'll take you to another far more established Bronx farm that is close by.
by: Eddie C @ Sat Aug 22, 2009 at 09:02:23 AM CDT
]]> Sun, 23 Aug 2009 06:51:30 -0700 http://organicconsumers.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=3019 http://organicconsumers.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=2765 Posted on Monday, 15 of June , 2009 at 3:17 pm

ALBANY—Participants in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program can now use their monthly checks at New York farmers’ markets to purchase eligible fresh produce. New York is the first state in the nation to allow the use of WIC checks for fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets.

“Making farmers’ market produce available to WIC recipients is good for New York’s families and New York’s farmers. There are not enough healthy food options in many urban and rural communities throughout the State and that lack of affordable, nutritious food is hurting the health of New Yorkers,” said Gov. David Paterson. “This program will expand access to healthy food for some of the most vulnerable women, infants and children across the State.”

A pilot program conducted in 2006 by the Department of Health showed that WIC participants prefer fresh produce over canned or frozen products when fresh is available. In New York, approximately 520,000 women, infants and children participate in the WIC program every month. The program received approximately $420 million in funding from the federal United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) this year and is administered by the New York State Department of Health’s Division of Nutrition.

This effort complements Governor Paterson’s Healthy Food/Healthy Communities Initiative, which uses comprehensive strategies to expand access to fresh, nutritious food in underserved communities. The highlight of that initiative is the creation of a $10 million State revolving loan fund to help finance the construction of food markets in underserved communities, and was created in response to concerns that New Yorkers lack access to fresh, affordable foods. Research shows that the presence of fresh food options in communities helps people maintain a healthy weight and eat more fruits and vegetables.

The WIC program enhancement was recommended by The New York State Council on Food Policy and its implementation is a collaborative effort by the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and the Farmers’ Market Federation of New York.

WIC is a Federal program that provides grants to States for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk. Each month, WIC provides breastfeeding women a $10 check for vegetables and fruits; pregnant and postpartum women receive $8 and children between ages one and five receive $6. For more information about WIC benefits and eligibility, visit http://www.health.state.ny.us/prevention/nutrition/wic/.

The New York State Council on Food Policy is tasked with establishing new food policies for the State that will help ensure the availability of safe, fresh, nutritious and affordable food for all New Yorkers, and expanding agricultural food production. Each December the Council delivers a report to the Governor recommending, among other things, the many ways that New York State can strengthen agricultural food production, address diet-related health and nutrition concerns and promote awareness of the environmental, economic and health benefits of agriculture. For more information about the New York State Council on Food Policy, visit http://www.nyscfp.org/. 6-15-09



Help keep The North Country Gazette on the web. Subscribe to the NCG Daily Digest today or place your advertising with us. If you plan on being a regular reader, you will need a subscription to access the website. First time visitors are welcome, repeat visitors will need to sign up at www.northcountrygazette.org or be denied access. Shop on line with our affiiliate advertisers and help NCG continue to bring the news to you.]]> Tue, 16 Jun 2009 05:12:30 -0700 http://organicconsumers.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=2765 http://organicconsumers.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=2749 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:53:37 -0700 http://organicconsumers.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=2749 http://organicconsumers.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=2532 Keynote Speaker: Farmer Cheryl Rogowski

Sunday, March 08, 2009
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Teachers College, Columbia University
525 West 120th Street
New York, NY 10027
Between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue

SOLD OUT*SOLD OUT*SOLD OUT*SOLD OUT
Sorry - we cannot accomodate walk-ins

***PLEASE NOTE - March 8 is the first day of daylight savings time. Please mark this on your calendar so you won't miss the first hour!

This year we are thrilled to present black-dirt farmer and MacArthur "Genius Award" Winner Cheryl Rogowski as our Keynote Speaker. For more, visit THE BLACK DIRT BLOG, or tune in to her radio program on WTBQ.

Our workshop schedule is almost set!
1st Session topics will include:
How to Develop a Meat Share,
Caring for Your Share,
Supporting Your Farmer Beyond Membership,
an Investigation of Legal Issues Pertaining to CSA,
A Discussion of Farm Labor Issues, and
A Workshop on Food, Nutrition, and Culture.
2nd Session workshops topics include:
Viva La Volunteer!,
Advocating for Food Justice in the Obama Era,
How to Develop and Egg Share,
CSA-based Baby Food,
and Small Grant Opportunities in Brooklyn.

There will also be a panel discussion with CSA farmers when attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions to learn more about what it means to be a CSA farmer.

Stay for the EXPO! Meet additional product producers, taste and sample your way through some lovely local products, and learn about exceptional services and practices available to the CSA community. Make new friends and meet fellow CSA organizers from throughout the City!

EXPO Presenters: 5 Spoke Creamery, O'clock Ranch, Animal Welfare Approved, Bay Ridge CSA, Beartown Farms, Bobolink Dairy, Bounty, Breezy Hill Orchard , Cayuga Pure Organic, Castello di Borghese Vineyard & Winery, Clean Plate NYC , Clinton Hill CSA , Harlem Brewing Company , Immunitrition Inc and NTA Inc, Kezialain Farm, Local Fork, Martha Clara Vineyard , NY Market Maker, Open Space Institute Inc., Pampered Cow, Pure Indian Foods, Revolutionary Rickshaws, The River Garden, Sweet Deliverance, Tuv Haaretz Ansche Chesed, Hazon, Weston Price Foundation, Winter Suns Farm.

***Off-line registration available*** If you prefer to pay by cash or check, please call or email Paula Lukats at 212-645-9880 x 233 or paula@justfood.org to make arrangements.

***In The News*** Read about us on the BLOGs! The Green Fork, The Lighthearted Locavore, GRUB STREET




Ticket Type Description Price Quantity

student / fixed income Just Food is dedicated to ensuring that everyone who wants to participate in this event has a seat at the table. If you need additional scholarship assistance, please contact paula@justfood.org. $15.00 Sold Out

basic rate This is the basic admission rate for individuals. This covers the cost of lunch, materials, and a wine & cheese EXPO following the conference. $25.00 Sold Out

supporter Any fee paid over the $25 level will help us to provide scholarships to ensure that no one is turned away based on inability to pay. Your generosity is greatly appreciated! $35.00 Sold Out

EXPO Exhibitor This rate includes admission for 1 to the Conference, listing in the conference materials, plus an 8 foot table at the EXPO. You will be able to disseminate materials, sell your products, and talk about your products or services with CSA members from throughout the five boroughs. $40.00 Sold Out

supporter + Any fee paid over the $25 level will help us to provide scholarships to ensure that no one is turned away based on inability to pay. Your generosity is greatly appreciated! $
]]> Sun, 01 Mar 2009 06:50:51 -0800 http://organicconsumers.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=2532 http://organicconsumers.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=2530
1.there is a new group in walton called W(alton) A(rea)G(roup)for S(ustainability).
WAGS for short. http://groups.google.com/group/wags---walt...inability?hl=en if you cannot access it from the link, just log in to google and seek within groups for WAGS. please join and become active in our region, even if you post feedback.
2. we are at the ready to start workshops for building outside stoves on surrounding farms and homesteads. we hope to take groups around to each location and take a day to build custom "justastoves". this will enable the farm to avoid heating the house in summer and use the electric or gas stove less. feel free to google justastove. great project for anyone!
3. if anyone in this region is interested in adding your name to a list of people offering or seeking goods and services for barter or exchange, we are asking you to contact us through the group and get your listing activated. there is no limitation to the listing, just be willing to work within the group and expand our reach!
4. there will be a farmer's market available in walton each saturday from 8-4(tentative times)from the end of may to mid-october. stand cost is $15 per week and if you sign up for the entire year, you receive one week free. there might be a table for those who cannot make it each week, yet have offerings. the goods may be anything from crafts to food to baked items. no hot food, please. the location is in the parking lot of danny's restaurant. please call danny's directly and ask for courtney or wilma. contact them through the wags group.

that's all for now. i'll add new items as we go along into spring.

]]> Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:51:01 -0800 http://organicconsumers.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=2530 http://organicconsumers.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=2310 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:19:19 -0800 http://organicconsumers.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=2310 http://organicconsumers.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=2234 Mon, 20 Oct 2008 07:52:57 -0700 http://organicconsumers.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=2234 http://organicconsumers.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=2152 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:45:21 -0700 http://organicconsumers.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=2152 http://organicconsumers.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=1937 anyone out there in my region who is affected directly or indirectly by the drilling of natural gas in NYS? in my area, it will greatly impact the watershed region which feeds directly to new york city. the people of manhatten, are they even aware of the danger to their water source? thanks to many of the activists who are educating the public at open forums and in school auditoriums. Sat, 16 Aug 2008 06:16:10 -0700 http://organicconsumers.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=1937