Archive for the ‘Agriculture’ Category

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Pledge for Honeybees

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

Honeybee

by Catherine Haug, February 28, 2012

Perhaps one of the most important things we can do to honor Earth Day (which is coming up on April 22), is a small thing: sign the pledge for honeybees, to save them from Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), and then take the appropriate actions in your yard.

There has been a lot of research about CCD, and a lot of debate as to its cause, whether pesticides or pests (pathogens). But one thing is certain: pesticides play a very important role in CCD.

Sign the Pledge for Honeybees, and see below for more info and links to other articles on bees and CCD. (more…)

Posted in Agriculture, Community, Ecology, Gardening, Landscaping | Comments Closed

Fresh: the film about moving toward sustainable food supply

Sunday, February 26th, 2012

by Catherine Haug, February 26, 2012

Dr. Mercola featured this documentary film in his newsletter today. You can view it on his website FOR FREE through March 3, 2012. It’s a little more than 1 hour in length. Go to Polyculture vs Monoculture: Fresh, the Film. Mercola writes:

The documentary “FRESH” celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system.

The film demonstrates how we can collectively transform the current “industrial agricultural paradigm” into a healthier, more sustainable way of feeding the world, while restoring the health of our ailing planet.

You can also view the trailer for this movie: Fresh (the movie): Trailers. And you can support the film by purchasing a copy or making a donation.

If you miss the free viewing deadline, you may be able to Find a screening in our area, or host a screening. If you choose to host a screening and would welcome ESP members, let me know and I’ll publish an event notice.

Posted in Agriculture, Ecology, Food-Nutrition-Health, Gardening, Livestock | Comments Closed

GMOs: Government People who Worked for Monsanto

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

by Catherine Haug, February 15, 2012

One of the reasons it is so hard to get our government to stop the expansion of approved GMO crops, or even to label foods containing GMO ingredients, is because so many of our government officials are former counsel to, or employees/executives of Monsanto. That’s like the fox protecting the hen house….

Now there’s a very revealing diagram that shows these relationships. I know the print is small, but it comes with a magnifying glass icon that allows you to make the print bigger. Go to: GMO Relationships: Monsanto to Federal Government to see the diagram.

Go to the Just Label It campaign to sign the petition, if this issue is important to you. This link is also on our home page in the right hand column under “GMO”

Posted in Agriculture, Food-Nutrition-Health, GMO | 1 Comment »

Colorado’s Boulder County Outlaws GMO Crops – We can too

Thursday, February 9th, 2012

by Catherine Haug, February 7, 2912

Boulder County in Colorado recently approved a transition process that would eventually ban GMO crops from county open space. This action came after citizen outcry that led to a policy recommendation crafted by the county’s Food and Agriculture Policy Council, despite fears the county would lose farmers and revenue.

“Currently, about 16,000 acres of county-woned land are planted with genetically engineered corn [primarily Bt corn]; the new rule will mean these crops will be transitioned out in favor of traditional GMO-free farming practices.”

See Second committee votes to phase out Boulder County GMOs (1) and Colorado [county] bans GMO crops (2) for more on this story.

But corn isn’t the only GE/GMO crop grown in the US. Soy, canola and most recently sugar beets and alfalfa are the primary crops, but unless this madness is stopped, more will surely follow suit. GMO papaya and zucchini are also sold in the produce section of many grocery stores. GMO sweet corn is awaiting approval.

The problem is that you don’t know if a product is GMO because it is not required to be labeled. My response to this problem is to buy only Certified Organic version of the suspect crops. However, even products that are “Made with Organic” can contain GE/GMO ingredients because up to 30% of the total ingredients (by weight) can be non-Organic. See my earlier posts: Natural vs Organic Labeling and Reading Food Labels for more.

Posted in Agriculture, Community, GMO | Comments Closed

Why a Decrease in Organic Grain Production?

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

Field of Wheat

by Catherine Haug, February 4, 2012

(photo from Wikipedia)

Montana Organic Association’s Organic Matters Winter 2012 edition reports that organic grain production in Montana as well as Washington, Idaho and North Dakota is down significantly. Over 30,000 acres of Montana land has reverted to non-organic management over the past 2 years; this is over 20% of the total organic crop land in the state.

In an article that is the first of a three-part series, Amy Grisak explores why this is happening. I’ve transcribed the entire article below, but the bottom line for many organic farmer is weeds, especially bindweed. This weed is prolific, chokes out the grain crops, and manages to survive despite the organic methods tried to control it.

Paperwork, wind erosion and business issues affecting cash flow are additional significant issues facing Montana’s organic grain farmers.

The issue that has me wondering why, is the extraordinary time the farmers have to sit on their product – as much as two years – before a buyer steps up. Perhaps there is not a strong enough market for organic grain? (more…)

Posted in Agriculture, Ecology, Organics | Comments Closed

Swallow Crest Farm to return to CSA format

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

by Catherine Haug, February 1, 2012

Julian Cunningham of Swallow Crest Farm is pleased to announce he is returning to the CSA format for 2012, after the 2011 season of farmers markets and building construction. For more information, see:

In the past Julian has encouraged CSA members to come help out at the farm; while this is not a requirement of membership, it is a great way to get exercise, meet other members, and learn Julian’s Organic methods. For more information,

This year, as in the past, I will share a half-share with the Blacklers. The food is delicious; sometimes you get something you’ve never tried before (but be brave and try it!), but in my opinion, you always get your money’s worth. Sometimes I’ve been hard pressed to eat up my bounty before the next week arrives. Plus you get opportunities to bulk-purchase certain foods, such as Organic Flathead Cherries, or vegetables that can be stored through the winter in your root cellar.

See also Julian’s presentation for ESP last year: Gathering Summary: Gardening in NW Montana, by Julian Cunningham, Apr 20, 2011.

What is a CSA? (more…)

Posted in Agriculture, Community, Food-Nutrition-Health, Shop Local | Comments Closed

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