August 2010
Potluck
News
A monthly digest of food and agriculture news compiled as
a service of the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group
T a b l e o f C o n t e n t s
1.) Two stories on vanishing of the bees
2.) Defining economic security in 2010
3.) Proposed changes in estate taxes for farmers and ranchers
4.) Why we need X-Ray Vision Carrots
5.) New report of statistics on U.S. farm ownership
6.) Chemicals in aquifer threaten water supply for Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey
7.) Two stories on the agricultural impact of horse racing
8.) Three stories on solutions for urban agriculture
9.) One farmer's perspective on poultry growing contracts
10.) Mushrooms used to make eco-friendly packaging
11.) Growing a green economy from green jobs to green ownership
12.) Livestock and poultry groups oppose ethanol subsidies
13.) Two stories on family-owned on-farm slaughterhouses
14.) A working conference to build our Northeast food system
+
JOBS JOBS JOBS
# # #
1.) Two stories on vanishing of the bees
Massachusetts to spray pesticide from the air over 300,000 acres
The state of Massachusetts has announced plans, starting August 4, to spray pesticide from the air over a significant area of the state in an effort to kill mosquitoes carrying the virus responsible for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). EEE is a disease that infects birds living in freshwater swamps and can be carried by mosquito bite to horses and humans. It can be fatal, especially to the young. As of early August 2010, there have been 15 mammal-biting mosquitoes detected yielding positive results for the virus, although only one horse has been found with it, and no humans. The state has called upon people to close up their houses and shut down their air-conditioners and fans to avoid exposure. They advise rinsing any homegrown fruits and vegetables, keeping pets indoors, and washing any exposed clothes or skin. The pesticide being used may kill bees and other beneficial insects. For more information contact Jack Kittredge, NOFA/Mass Social Action Coordinator, jack@nofamass.org, (978) 355-2853.
Vanishing of the Bees
Vanishing of the Bees is a new documentary film that follows commercial beekeepers as they strive to keep their bees healthy and fulfill pollination contracts across the U.S. The film features organic beekeepers Gunther Hauk, Dee Lusby, food activist and author Michael Pollan, and leading scientists. August 22nd is National Honeybee Day. The filmmakers have started a Bee the Change campaign to raise public awareness of the plight of honeybees.
2.) Defining economic security in 2010
The following statistics are from Foodlinks America, published 24 times a year by California Emergency Foodlink in Sacramento, CA.
3.) Proposed changes in estate taxes for farmers and ranchers
American Chronicle, July 24, 2010
U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (ID) and Mark Udall (CO) announced they have introduced bipartisan legislation designed to offer estate tax relief and encourage farmers and ranchers and others who choose to protect the rural character of their land when they pass it on to their children. The tax code currently allows landowners to exclude up to 40 percent of the value of their property from their taxable estate when that land is preserved by a permanent conservation easement that protects important natural and historic values. However, that exclusion is capped at $500,000 and is further reduced if the easement lowers a property´s fair market value by less than 30 percent. The American Family Farm and Ranchland Protection Act raises the exemption for land under a conservation easement to 50 percent, with up to a maximum exclusion of $5 million. Read more...
4.) Why we need X-Ray Vision Carrots...
Smart lunchroom solutions have been largely been overlooked in the quest to improve school food. Lunchroom changes – environmental changes – can lead a student to unknowingly make healthier lunch choices without knowing they were “nudged” in that direction by the way the lunchroom was designed. Smarterlunchrooms.org offers research-based articles on using behavioral economics to improve meal selection and help children make better food choices. Smarterlunchrooms.org is a project of Cornell Food and Brand Lab.
5.) New report of statistics on U.S. farm ownership
Structure and Finances of U.S. Farms: Family Farm Report, 2010 Edition
USDA Economic Research Service Economic Information Bulletin No. EIB-66, July 2010. Most U.S. farms — 98 percent in 2007 — are family operations, and even the largest farms are predominantly family run. Large-scale family farms and nonfamily farms account for 12 percent of U.S farms but 84 percent of the value of production. In contrast, small family farms make up most of the U.S. farm count but produce a modest share of farm output. Small farms are less profitable than large-scale farms, on average, and their operator households tend to rely on off-farm income for their livelihood. Read more...
6.) Chemicals in aquifer threaten water supply for Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey
Special Report: Delaware Drinking Water at Risk
By Jeff Montgomery, The News Journal, July 25, 2010
Tainted groundwater is spreading across thousands of acres in northern Delaware and has reached the Potomac Aquifer, which supplies drinking water to people across much of Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey. In some areas of the upper Potomac near Delaware City and New Castle, concentrations of benzene, vinyl chloride and chlorinated benzenes are so high that exposure poses an immediate health threat. Elevated levels of these industrial byproducts significantly increase the risks of cancer. Sustained exposure could kill.
...in September tests of water from a well twice as deep as those sampled in 2005 found four pollutants at levels up to 800 times higher than any previously reported. Concentrations of one toxic compound, benzene, were 5,200 times higher than levels considered safe by the federal government. Neither the EPA nor DNREC released the full report to the public at large, although the findings were posted six months ago by DNREC to a hard-to-find state Web page. No public hearing has been held to examine the new dangers. Read more...
7.) Two stories on the agricultural impact of horse racing
New Jersey's governor withdraws state support for horse racing
by Jane Meggitt and Jennifer Kohlhepp, Examiner, July 21, 2010
Gov. Chris Christie has decided to drain state support from New Jersey’s horse racing and breeding industry to try to give lifeblood to faltering Atlantic City casinos. The Rutgers Equine Science Center conducted a study of New Jersey’s equine industry in July 2009, which reported that 42,000 equines are housed at 7,200 facilities throughout the state, with nearly one-third of those horses in racing-related activities. The study valued the estate’s equine industry at $4 billion and said it generates $1.1 billion annually for the New Jersey economy. The study also found the industry responsible for 13,000 jobs and $160 million annually in federal, state and local taxes. The study further determined that there are 176,000 acres supporting equine facilities with equine-related agriculture, representing more than 20 percent of the state’s total 790,000 acres. Read more...
Kentucky's Annual Hats Off Day shows impact of horse industry
by Tom Eblen, Herald-Leader, July 28, 2010
Drive past the suburbs and you quickly see that horses are a big industry in Central Kentucky. But a lot goes on beyond the plank fences that you might not realize. In addition to farms, there are feed companies, tack and equipment suppliers, van fleets, sales and insurance agencies, fence-builders, farriers and some of the world's most advanced animal research labs and clinics. Kentucky's equine industry claims to provide more than 80,000 direct and indirect jobs and an annual economic impact of $4 billion, plus a good share of the state's $8.8 billion tourism industry. Read more...
8.) Three stories on solutions for urban agriculture
Rooftop gardening provides environmental benefits in urban areas
By David Runk, The Washington Post, July 27, 2010
Using heat from a forge that turns out car parts and hand tools, a Michigan manufacturer is developing an energy-efficient way to warm a year-round greenhouse on the company's roof. David Moxlow, president of Trenton Forging, started growing fruit and vegetables atop his plant southwest of Detroit in November; he has already harvested greens, peppers, broccoli, strawberries and tomatoes, which are shared with employees and visitors. The company is among a number nationwide that are developing technology and techniques for rooftop gardening as interest in local and homegrown food grows. Read more...
In poor areas, mini farmers markets an oasis
by Madeleine Baran, Minnesota Public Radio via Associated Press, July 29, 2010 8:47 AM
The Streetwerks market is part of a growing movement to open small-scale farmers markets in low-income Minneapolis neighborhoods where fresh produce is scarce. Organizers say the markets are starting to transform the diets — and the economy — of some of the city's poorest neighborhoods. The effort got its start three years ago, after a local group struggled to open a small market outside a low-income housing complex. The group asked the Minneapolis City Council to reduce fees and paperwork for markets with five or fewer vendors. Council members agreed, and the "mini market" was born. Since then, the number of markets has almost doubled each year. This summer, neighborhood groups are running 21 mini markets outside public housing high-rises, churches, and clinics. Most markets are open for two or three hours once or twice a week, often in the late afternoon when people are returning from work. Read more...
Citilicious, an animated cartoon on policy challenges for urban ag
The Sustainable Economies Law Center's Urban Agriculture Program just released Citylicious, a 9-minute cartoon movie about law and policy issues related to growing food in cities.
9.) One farmer's perspective on poultry growing contracts
Federal proposal to offer contract protections to chicken growers is opposed by companies
By Lorraine Mirabella, The Baltimore Sun, July 19, 2010
When Carole Morison got into poultry farming 23 years ago, she and her husband built chicken houses on their Pocomoke farm to specifications set by their biggest customer — Perdue Inc. — and made upgrades the industry giant required over the years. That relationship abruptly ended two years ago, when Morison refused to spend $150,000 on a permanent enclosure requested by Salisbury-based Perdue, which in her view would be too costly and unhealthy for the chickens. Perdue subsequently dropped Morison as a grower.
"If the chickens get up and move around and act like chickens do, they're using energy, which is wasting feed," Morison said. "They just want them to eat and gain weight, not waste food energy doing other things."
But the Morisons drew the line at a requirement to fully enclose the chicken houses with solid walls and install a new ventilation system and new electrical system to further control the atmosphere.
"It was an expensive upgrade that was not necessary," she said. "We didn't feel that was the best way to raise the chickens, totally shutting off the sunlight and fresh air." Read more...
10.) Mushrooms used to make eco-friendly packaging
By LiveScience Staff, Christian Science Monitor, July 28, 2010
A new product made out of agricultural waste and mushroom roots is now showing up in shipped products across the country. The composite material, called Mycobond™, requires just one-eighth the energy to produce and generates one-tenth the carbon dioxide of traditional foam packing material. Read more...
11.) Growing a green economy from green jobs to green ownership
Growing a Green Economy for All: From green jobs to green ownership
by Deborah B. Warren and Steve Dubb
The Democracy Collaborative at the University of Maryland, June 2010
The report provides the first comprehensive survey of community wealth building institutions in the green economy. Featuring ten case studies, the report identifies how public policy and philanthropy could build on these examples to create "green jobs you can own." Download report...
12.) Livestock and poultry groups oppose ethanol subsidies
National Cattlemens Beef Association press release July 16, 2010
The nation’s largest livestock and poultry trade associations today asked the Senate leadership to allow a 30-year-old tax credit and a protective tariff for ethanol to expire as scheduled at the end of the year. The request was made in a letter signed by the American Meat Institute, the National Turkey Federation, the National Chicken Council, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the National Pork Producer’s Council and the National Meat Association.
“Although we support the need to advance renewable and alternative sources of energy, we strongly believe it is time that the mature corn-based ethanol industry operate on a level playing field with other commodities that rely on corn as their major input,” the groups said in its letter. “Favoring one segment of agriculture at the expense of another does not benefit agriculture as a whole or the consumers that ultimately purchase our products.” Read more...
13.) Two stories on family-owned on-farm slaughterhouses
On-Farm Inspected Slaughterhouse and Butcher Shop in Vermont
The Jeffries family raises certified naturally grown pastured pigs at their Sugar Mountain Farm in Vermont. They sell fresh pork, nitrate/nitrite-free hot dogs, sausage and bacon year round, delivered locally to stores, restaurants and individuals throughout central and northern Vermont. After two years of work they have all of their permits, have spent 18 months apprenticing with local butchers, are working closely with the USDA and Vermont Agency of Agriculture, have their waste water design, installed upgraded underground electric service, and built a super insulated foundation with concrete super insulated walls. Read more, see photos and floor plan...
Upstate NY farmers turn to local slaughterhouses
By Drew Kerr (Glens Falls Post-Star), The Associated Press, July 16, 2010
When the owners of Eagle Bridge Custom Meat & Smokehouse opened the doors of their new slaughtering facility in November, they expected to kill no more than 1,200 animals by the end of their first year in business. Just over eight months later, they've easily surpassed 2,000 animals — including pigs, sheep, goats and cattle — and are booked solid through December. Read more...
14.) A working conference to build our Northeast food system
It Takes a Region (presented by the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group)
November 12-13, 2010
Pre-conference trainings on November 11
Desmond Hotel and Conference Center, Albany, NY
Don't miss it! This year, we'll build from the success of NESAWG's 2009 "It Takes a Region" conference. Once again, we'll look at exciting efforts underway in our region — including alternative supply chain networks, food system assessments, regional planning, infrastructure initiatives, and policy advocacy. We'll move our work forward and address pressing new issues in work groups, listening sessions, topical break-outs and open networking. We’ll continue to explore scale, size, geography and cross-sector partnerships. Watch for new features this year!
PRELIMINARY AGENDA and CONFERENCE INFORMATION
REGISTRATION OPENS SEPTEMBER 1. EARLY BIRD DEADLINE is OCTOBER 22. Scholarships and NESAWG member rates available.
BE A CONFERENCE SPONSOR: sponsor funds go toward scholarhips so everyone can participate. Contact Kathy Ruhf at nesawg@nesawg.org for more information.
JOBS JOBS JOBS
Rainforest Agribusiness Campaign Director
Rainforest Action Network
http://www.ran.org/content/rainforest-agribusiness-campaign-director
Please send resume and letter of interest to: resumes@ran.org, or HR,
Rainforest Action Network, 221 Pine St., Suite 500, SF, CA 94104, or
fax 415.398.2732. No phone calls, please.
Social Media Specialist
Organic Valley and Organic Prairie brands
CROPP Cooperative (Organic Valley and Organic Prairie brands) is seeking a Social Media Specialist to complement its Interactive Marketing Team. To apply visit the job listing at the following link: http://ov.coop/2phFOR
Policy Associate
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition seeks a Policy Associate to advocate before Congress and federal agencies, particularly USDA. Minimum of three years Hill/lobbying or agricultural policy experience required. The complete job description is attached as a Word doc. Please send resume, cover letter including an explanation of your interests in sustainable agriculture, writing sample, salary history, and references to Susan Prolman at sprolman@sustainableagriculture.net.
Program Associate, Start Farming
Northampton County, Pennsylvania
Northampton County Cooperative Extension Office
Applicants should visit http://psu.jobs/ to apply and for details, position #32425. Click - Job Opportunities. Click - Search Jobs. In the location pull down menu select – Eastern Part of Pennsylvania. The closing date for applications for this position is August 26, 2010.
Food Policy Coordinator
NYC Office of the Mayor
New York, NY
The Food Policy Coordinator is responsible for advancing the City’s efforts to promote access to healthy food, combat the epidemics of obesity and diet-related disease, and for overseeing efforts to create and implement a sustainability plan for New York City’s food system. The Food Policy Coordinator is also responsible for developing policies and building partnerships with City agencies and external stakeholders. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to: msobelson@cityhall.nyc.gov.
Executive Managing Director
New York Sun Works
Link to the idealist.org job posting:
http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/383818-171/c
The Executive Managing Director will guide the expansion of New York Sun Works. Our current focus is The Greenhouse Project, a program that is building 21st Century environmental science labs on urban school rooftops. These spacious facilities packed with hands-on equipment invite students to study ecological science, natural resources, and human productivity through the lens of sustainable food production.
Managing Director
FRESH New London, CT
FRESH New London (www.freshnewlondon.org) is a community-based, food security non-profit located in New London, CT. Our mission is to encourage and empower broad participation in the transformation of our food system from what it is to what it ought to be: healthy, just, sustainable, accessible, productive and beautiful! We are seeking a Managing Director for our organization. Please download the full job description at www.freshnewlondon.org or email Emily at freshnewlondon@hotmail.com.
Executive Director
CitySeed
New Haven, CT
CitySeed is looking to build upon its past successes and take its mission to the next level. We are looking for an Executive Director who shares our vision for our nationally recognized organization.The Executive Director (ED) will be responsible for the consistent achievement of CitySeed’s mission, strategies, policies, programs and financial objectives. Please send resume, cover letter and (3) references to jobs@cityseed.org.
A monthly digest of food and agriculture news compiled as
a service of the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group
T a b l e o f C o n t e n t s
1.) Two stories on vanishing of the bees
2.) Defining economic security in 2010
3.) Proposed changes in estate taxes for farmers and ranchers
4.) Why we need X-Ray Vision Carrots
5.) New report of statistics on U.S. farm ownership
6.) Chemicals in aquifer threaten water supply for Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey
7.) Two stories on the agricultural impact of horse racing
8.) Three stories on solutions for urban agriculture
9.) One farmer's perspective on poultry growing contracts
10.) Mushrooms used to make eco-friendly packaging
11.) Growing a green economy from green jobs to green ownership
12.) Livestock and poultry groups oppose ethanol subsidies
13.) Two stories on family-owned on-farm slaughterhouses
14.) A working conference to build our Northeast food system
+
JOBS JOBS JOBS
# # #
1.) Two stories on vanishing of the bees
Massachusetts to spray pesticide from the air over 300,000 acres
The state of Massachusetts has announced plans, starting August 4, to spray pesticide from the air over a significant area of the state in an effort to kill mosquitoes carrying the virus responsible for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). EEE is a disease that infects birds living in freshwater swamps and can be carried by mosquito bite to horses and humans. It can be fatal, especially to the young. As of early August 2010, there have been 15 mammal-biting mosquitoes detected yielding positive results for the virus, although only one horse has been found with it, and no humans. The state has called upon people to close up their houses and shut down their air-conditioners and fans to avoid exposure. They advise rinsing any homegrown fruits and vegetables, keeping pets indoors, and washing any exposed clothes or skin. The pesticide being used may kill bees and other beneficial insects. For more information contact Jack Kittredge, NOFA/Mass Social Action Coordinator, jack@nofamass.org, (978) 355-2853.
Vanishing of the Bees
Vanishing of the Bees is a new documentary film that follows commercial beekeepers as they strive to keep their bees healthy and fulfill pollination contracts across the U.S. The film features organic beekeepers Gunther Hauk, Dee Lusby, food activist and author Michael Pollan, and leading scientists. August 22nd is National Honeybee Day. The filmmakers have started a Bee the Change campaign to raise public awareness of the plight of honeybees.
2.) Defining economic security in 2010
The following statistics are from Foodlinks America, published 24 times a year by California Emergency Foodlink in Sacramento, CA.
- Economic insecurity defined: Households that experience at least a 25 percent decline in income from one year to the next and who lack an adequate financial safety net to replace this lost income are economically insecure.
- An insecure time in 2009: More than 20 percent of Americans were economically insecure in 2009.
- More than 15 of every one hundred Americans lost one-third of their income last year.
- Seven percent of Americans lost over half their income in 2009.
- Most households experienced economic insecurity due to the loss of income from employment or out-of-pocket medical expenses or both.
- No golden parachutes: Households often become economically insecure because they lack the financial resources to buffer a bout of unemployment or serious illness.
- Three out of six states with the largest yearly increase in nutrition assistance caseloads (between April 2009 and April 2010) are in New England: Idaho (42.5 percent), Rhode Island (39.1 percent), Nevada (36.7 percent), Utah (34.7 percent), New Hampshire (34.1 percent), Connecticut (33.3 percent), and Wyoming (30.3 percent).
3.) Proposed changes in estate taxes for farmers and ranchers
American Chronicle, July 24, 2010
U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (ID) and Mark Udall (CO) announced they have introduced bipartisan legislation designed to offer estate tax relief and encourage farmers and ranchers and others who choose to protect the rural character of their land when they pass it on to their children. The tax code currently allows landowners to exclude up to 40 percent of the value of their property from their taxable estate when that land is preserved by a permanent conservation easement that protects important natural and historic values. However, that exclusion is capped at $500,000 and is further reduced if the easement lowers a property´s fair market value by less than 30 percent. The American Family Farm and Ranchland Protection Act raises the exemption for land under a conservation easement to 50 percent, with up to a maximum exclusion of $5 million. Read more...
4.) Why we need X-Ray Vision Carrots...
Smart lunchroom solutions have been largely been overlooked in the quest to improve school food. Lunchroom changes – environmental changes – can lead a student to unknowingly make healthier lunch choices without knowing they were “nudged” in that direction by the way the lunchroom was designed. Smarterlunchrooms.org offers research-based articles on using behavioral economics to improve meal selection and help children make better food choices. Smarterlunchrooms.org is a project of Cornell Food and Brand Lab.
5.) New report of statistics on U.S. farm ownership
Structure and Finances of U.S. Farms: Family Farm Report, 2010 Edition
USDA Economic Research Service Economic Information Bulletin No. EIB-66, July 2010. Most U.S. farms — 98 percent in 2007 — are family operations, and even the largest farms are predominantly family run. Large-scale family farms and nonfamily farms account for 12 percent of U.S farms but 84 percent of the value of production. In contrast, small family farms make up most of the U.S. farm count but produce a modest share of farm output. Small farms are less profitable than large-scale farms, on average, and their operator households tend to rely on off-farm income for their livelihood. Read more...
6.) Chemicals in aquifer threaten water supply for Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey
Special Report: Delaware Drinking Water at Risk
By Jeff Montgomery, The News Journal, July 25, 2010
Tainted groundwater is spreading across thousands of acres in northern Delaware and has reached the Potomac Aquifer, which supplies drinking water to people across much of Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey. In some areas of the upper Potomac near Delaware City and New Castle, concentrations of benzene, vinyl chloride and chlorinated benzenes are so high that exposure poses an immediate health threat. Elevated levels of these industrial byproducts significantly increase the risks of cancer. Sustained exposure could kill.
...in September tests of water from a well twice as deep as those sampled in 2005 found four pollutants at levels up to 800 times higher than any previously reported. Concentrations of one toxic compound, benzene, were 5,200 times higher than levels considered safe by the federal government. Neither the EPA nor DNREC released the full report to the public at large, although the findings were posted six months ago by DNREC to a hard-to-find state Web page. No public hearing has been held to examine the new dangers. Read more...
7.) Two stories on the agricultural impact of horse racing
New Jersey's governor withdraws state support for horse racing
by Jane Meggitt and Jennifer Kohlhepp, Examiner, July 21, 2010
Gov. Chris Christie has decided to drain state support from New Jersey’s horse racing and breeding industry to try to give lifeblood to faltering Atlantic City casinos. The Rutgers Equine Science Center conducted a study of New Jersey’s equine industry in July 2009, which reported that 42,000 equines are housed at 7,200 facilities throughout the state, with nearly one-third of those horses in racing-related activities. The study valued the estate’s equine industry at $4 billion and said it generates $1.1 billion annually for the New Jersey economy. The study also found the industry responsible for 13,000 jobs and $160 million annually in federal, state and local taxes. The study further determined that there are 176,000 acres supporting equine facilities with equine-related agriculture, representing more than 20 percent of the state’s total 790,000 acres. Read more...
Kentucky's Annual Hats Off Day shows impact of horse industry
by Tom Eblen, Herald-Leader, July 28, 2010
Drive past the suburbs and you quickly see that horses are a big industry in Central Kentucky. But a lot goes on beyond the plank fences that you might not realize. In addition to farms, there are feed companies, tack and equipment suppliers, van fleets, sales and insurance agencies, fence-builders, farriers and some of the world's most advanced animal research labs and clinics. Kentucky's equine industry claims to provide more than 80,000 direct and indirect jobs and an annual economic impact of $4 billion, plus a good share of the state's $8.8 billion tourism industry. Read more...
8.) Three stories on solutions for urban agriculture
Rooftop gardening provides environmental benefits in urban areas
By David Runk, The Washington Post, July 27, 2010
Using heat from a forge that turns out car parts and hand tools, a Michigan manufacturer is developing an energy-efficient way to warm a year-round greenhouse on the company's roof. David Moxlow, president of Trenton Forging, started growing fruit and vegetables atop his plant southwest of Detroit in November; he has already harvested greens, peppers, broccoli, strawberries and tomatoes, which are shared with employees and visitors. The company is among a number nationwide that are developing technology and techniques for rooftop gardening as interest in local and homegrown food grows. Read more...
In poor areas, mini farmers markets an oasis
by Madeleine Baran, Minnesota Public Radio via Associated Press, July 29, 2010 8:47 AM
The Streetwerks market is part of a growing movement to open small-scale farmers markets in low-income Minneapolis neighborhoods where fresh produce is scarce. Organizers say the markets are starting to transform the diets — and the economy — of some of the city's poorest neighborhoods. The effort got its start three years ago, after a local group struggled to open a small market outside a low-income housing complex. The group asked the Minneapolis City Council to reduce fees and paperwork for markets with five or fewer vendors. Council members agreed, and the "mini market" was born. Since then, the number of markets has almost doubled each year. This summer, neighborhood groups are running 21 mini markets outside public housing high-rises, churches, and clinics. Most markets are open for two or three hours once or twice a week, often in the late afternoon when people are returning from work. Read more...
Citilicious, an animated cartoon on policy challenges for urban ag
The Sustainable Economies Law Center's Urban Agriculture Program just released Citylicious, a 9-minute cartoon movie about law and policy issues related to growing food in cities.
9.) One farmer's perspective on poultry growing contracts
Federal proposal to offer contract protections to chicken growers is opposed by companies
By Lorraine Mirabella, The Baltimore Sun, July 19, 2010
When Carole Morison got into poultry farming 23 years ago, she and her husband built chicken houses on their Pocomoke farm to specifications set by their biggest customer — Perdue Inc. — and made upgrades the industry giant required over the years. That relationship abruptly ended two years ago, when Morison refused to spend $150,000 on a permanent enclosure requested by Salisbury-based Perdue, which in her view would be too costly and unhealthy for the chickens. Perdue subsequently dropped Morison as a grower.
"If the chickens get up and move around and act like chickens do, they're using energy, which is wasting feed," Morison said. "They just want them to eat and gain weight, not waste food energy doing other things."
But the Morisons drew the line at a requirement to fully enclose the chicken houses with solid walls and install a new ventilation system and new electrical system to further control the atmosphere.
"It was an expensive upgrade that was not necessary," she said. "We didn't feel that was the best way to raise the chickens, totally shutting off the sunlight and fresh air." Read more...
10.) Mushrooms used to make eco-friendly packaging
By LiveScience Staff, Christian Science Monitor, July 28, 2010
A new product made out of agricultural waste and mushroom roots is now showing up in shipped products across the country. The composite material, called Mycobond™, requires just one-eighth the energy to produce and generates one-tenth the carbon dioxide of traditional foam packing material. Read more...
11.) Growing a green economy from green jobs to green ownership
Growing a Green Economy for All: From green jobs to green ownership
by Deborah B. Warren and Steve Dubb
The Democracy Collaborative at the University of Maryland, June 2010
The report provides the first comprehensive survey of community wealth building institutions in the green economy. Featuring ten case studies, the report identifies how public policy and philanthropy could build on these examples to create "green jobs you can own." Download report...
12.) Livestock and poultry groups oppose ethanol subsidies
National Cattlemens Beef Association press release July 16, 2010
The nation’s largest livestock and poultry trade associations today asked the Senate leadership to allow a 30-year-old tax credit and a protective tariff for ethanol to expire as scheduled at the end of the year. The request was made in a letter signed by the American Meat Institute, the National Turkey Federation, the National Chicken Council, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the National Pork Producer’s Council and the National Meat Association.
“Although we support the need to advance renewable and alternative sources of energy, we strongly believe it is time that the mature corn-based ethanol industry operate on a level playing field with other commodities that rely on corn as their major input,” the groups said in its letter. “Favoring one segment of agriculture at the expense of another does not benefit agriculture as a whole or the consumers that ultimately purchase our products.” Read more...
13.) Two stories on family-owned on-farm slaughterhouses
On-Farm Inspected Slaughterhouse and Butcher Shop in Vermont
The Jeffries family raises certified naturally grown pastured pigs at their Sugar Mountain Farm in Vermont. They sell fresh pork, nitrate/nitrite-free hot dogs, sausage and bacon year round, delivered locally to stores, restaurants and individuals throughout central and northern Vermont. After two years of work they have all of their permits, have spent 18 months apprenticing with local butchers, are working closely with the USDA and Vermont Agency of Agriculture, have their waste water design, installed upgraded underground electric service, and built a super insulated foundation with concrete super insulated walls. Read more, see photos and floor plan...
Upstate NY farmers turn to local slaughterhouses
By Drew Kerr (Glens Falls Post-Star), The Associated Press, July 16, 2010
When the owners of Eagle Bridge Custom Meat & Smokehouse opened the doors of their new slaughtering facility in November, they expected to kill no more than 1,200 animals by the end of their first year in business. Just over eight months later, they've easily surpassed 2,000 animals — including pigs, sheep, goats and cattle — and are booked solid through December. Read more...
14.) A working conference to build our Northeast food system
It Takes a Region (presented by the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group)
November 12-13, 2010
Pre-conference trainings on November 11
Desmond Hotel and Conference Center, Albany, NY
Don't miss it! This year, we'll build from the success of NESAWG's 2009 "It Takes a Region" conference. Once again, we'll look at exciting efforts underway in our region — including alternative supply chain networks, food system assessments, regional planning, infrastructure initiatives, and policy advocacy. We'll move our work forward and address pressing new issues in work groups, listening sessions, topical break-outs and open networking. We’ll continue to explore scale, size, geography and cross-sector partnerships. Watch for new features this year!
PRELIMINARY AGENDA and CONFERENCE INFORMATION
REGISTRATION OPENS SEPTEMBER 1. EARLY BIRD DEADLINE is OCTOBER 22. Scholarships and NESAWG member rates available.
BE A CONFERENCE SPONSOR: sponsor funds go toward scholarhips so everyone can participate. Contact Kathy Ruhf at nesawg@nesawg.org for more information.
JOBS JOBS JOBS
Rainforest Agribusiness Campaign Director
Rainforest Action Network
http://www.ran.org/content/rainforest-agribusiness-campaign-director
Please send resume and letter of interest to: resumes@ran.org, or HR,
Rainforest Action Network, 221 Pine St., Suite 500, SF, CA 94104, or
fax 415.398.2732. No phone calls, please.
Social Media Specialist
Organic Valley and Organic Prairie brands
CROPP Cooperative (Organic Valley and Organic Prairie brands) is seeking a Social Media Specialist to complement its Interactive Marketing Team. To apply visit the job listing at the following link: http://ov.coop/2phFOR
Policy Associate
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition seeks a Policy Associate to advocate before Congress and federal agencies, particularly USDA. Minimum of three years Hill/lobbying or agricultural policy experience required. The complete job description is attached as a Word doc. Please send resume, cover letter including an explanation of your interests in sustainable agriculture, writing sample, salary history, and references to Susan Prolman at sprolman@sustainableagriculture.net.
Program Associate, Start Farming
Northampton County, Pennsylvania
Northampton County Cooperative Extension Office
Applicants should visit http://psu.jobs/ to apply and for details, position #32425. Click - Job Opportunities. Click - Search Jobs. In the location pull down menu select – Eastern Part of Pennsylvania. The closing date for applications for this position is August 26, 2010.
Food Policy Coordinator
NYC Office of the Mayor
New York, NY
The Food Policy Coordinator is responsible for advancing the City’s efforts to promote access to healthy food, combat the epidemics of obesity and diet-related disease, and for overseeing efforts to create and implement a sustainability plan for New York City’s food system. The Food Policy Coordinator is also responsible for developing policies and building partnerships with City agencies and external stakeholders. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to: msobelson@cityhall.nyc.gov.
Executive Managing Director
New York Sun Works
Link to the idealist.org job posting:
http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/383818-171/c
The Executive Managing Director will guide the expansion of New York Sun Works. Our current focus is The Greenhouse Project, a program that is building 21st Century environmental science labs on urban school rooftops. These spacious facilities packed with hands-on equipment invite students to study ecological science, natural resources, and human productivity through the lens of sustainable food production.
Managing Director
FRESH New London, CT
FRESH New London (www.freshnewlondon.org) is a community-based, food security non-profit located in New London, CT. Our mission is to encourage and empower broad participation in the transformation of our food system from what it is to what it ought to be: healthy, just, sustainable, accessible, productive and beautiful! We are seeking a Managing Director for our organization. Please download the full job description at www.freshnewlondon.org or email Emily at freshnewlondon@hotmail.com.
Executive Director
CitySeed
New Haven, CT
CitySeed is looking to build upon its past successes and take its mission to the next level. We are looking for an Executive Director who shares our vision for our nationally recognized organization.The Executive Director (ED) will be responsible for the consistent achievement of CitySeed’s mission, strategies, policies, programs and financial objectives. Please send resume, cover letter and (3) references to jobs@cityseed.org.
© 2012 Created by NEFOOD.org Administrator.
