Archive for the ‘Food-Nutrition-Health’ Category

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Organics: New NOSB Chairman is a Montanan

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

by Catherine Haug, February 5, 2012

The NOSB, or National Organic Standard Board:

  • Assists the Secretary of Agriculture in developing standards for substances to be used in organic production; and
  • Advises the Secretary on other aspects of implementing the national organic program.

See Montana Organic Association’s NOSB page for the summary of the NOSB’s Fall 2011 meeting.

We in Western Montana have a unique opportunity right now to effect the decisions of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), because the new NOSB chairman lives in Polson: Barry R. Flamm. His contact info: 295 Montana Landing, Polson MT 59860; (406) 883-2858; barryexplorer (at) yahoo (dot) com [NOTE: email address disguised for security).

According to the MOA’s Organic Matters Winter 2012 newsletter about Barry: (more…)

Posted in Food-Nutrition-Health, Organics | 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

20 Most-Healthful Foods in your Grocery Store

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

by Catherine Haug, February 6, 2012

With all the talk about what NOT to eat, perhaps you’d like to know what is good to eat, that you can find in your local grocer or farmers market. LiveStrong.com provides a list of 20 foods. Many of these foods help fight cancer, but then I think all natural, unprocessed foods play a role in fighting cancer, so I don’t focus on that. See also my earlier post, inspired by an article from Dr. Mercola: Most Healthful Foods.

Here’s the LiveStrong list below, with their information and my own comments (in purple) to make them even more healthful. (more…)

Posted in Food-Nutrition-Health | Comments Closed

“Just Label It” Campaign

Sunday, February 5th, 2012

Frankenfood

by Catherine Haug, February 5, 2012

Montana Organic Association has joined other partner organizations to support the FDA petition for mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE, GMO) foods. See JustLabelIt.org. See also the MOA’s GMO Page for lots more about this threat to the environment, and human health

I’ve added a new GMOs category in the right-hand column of our home page called GMOs, where you can find links to the Just Label It campaign and to all my earlier posts on GMOs.

Read on for a 3 minute video about this campaign, and a transcription of MOA’s short article about this problem and the Just Label It petition. (more…)

Posted in Food-Nutrition-Health, GMO, Health | 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

Scary Foods (or why we should support local food producers)

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

by Catherine Haug, January 26, 2012

Supporting local food producers (gardeners, CSAs, farmers, orchards, ranchers, dairies, etc.) is not only an excellent way to build a strong community, but also the best way to ensure the quality and healthfulness of the foods you and your family eat. A side benefit is a cleaner, sustainable environment and  reduced energy consumption. You can effect food production practices by voting with your dollars.

Given the basic truth of “you are what you eat,” I am astounded at the toxic and unhealthful junk so many of us eat without giving it a second thought. Big Ag and its control of our media have certainly done a good job at getting us to make unhealthy choices voluntarily and enthusiastically. The problem is endemic in our society and affects all aspects of our diet.

(more…)

Posted in Food-Nutrition-Health, Gardening, GMO, Health, Home & Ranch, Livestock, Shop Local | Comments Closed

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