What a Day!

Today marks the beginning of a new political era, as Obama officially took the reigns of the empire…and we mailed our seed orders. I hope he plants the seeds to grow the necessary framework that encourages grassroots innovation and creativity, pushes policies that relocalize our food system, and empowers people to work together in producing the various needs for our communities. May he embrace Michael Pollen's idea of turning two acres of the White House south lawn into an organic garden. Food cuts through the left-right paradigm. It cultivates community, it's integral for our survival, and it's change in tangible form. Initiating a "Victory Garden" movement similar to the one that existed during World War II, would function to empower all of us to take more responsibility in producing our sustenance and ownership over improving our physical, emotional and spiritual health. Thus, the fable of Obama begins…

On the seed front, we collaborated with another farmer, Peter Chap, from down the road, to bundle our Fedco orders. I met Peter for the first time and feel blessed for the opportunity to pick the brain of a venerable elder agrarian. He’s been working the Soil in these foothills for many years and brings a rich and informed perspective to growing food and a willingness to share. After talking with him, I reaffirm our commitment to producing an eggplant this year!...and after receiving a few evaluations from our members, we hope to produce a ton more carrots. With year one under our belts, we have a much better understanding of seeding schedules, varieties, fertility needs, and the demands of the members’ taste buds.

And lastly, the Northeast Organic Farming Association's (NOFAVT) winter conference is scheduled for the weekend of February 141-15. This is always a great time where people gather from all over to talk and learn about how to take ownership over our survival. From how to grow a four season garden, compost food and yard scraps, "partnering with a family cow, making natural soaps, caring for honey bees, "fearless pruning", root cellaring, community food security issues, growing and processing healing herbs, etc.--you get the point. The conference offers an endless list of learning opportunities...as well as a great space to network and meet with all kinds of interesting and inspired folks! You can access NOFAVT by clicking on http://www.nofavt.org/