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Using our land wisely should be an inclusive conversation, and we believe the local food movement encompasses not just sustainable agriculture, but hunters, anglers, and other conservationist perspectives. AERO is partnering with the Montana Wildlife Federation and the Helena Hunters and Anglers Association to promote a discussion on sustainable food, harvesting, and land use. The 
Visit the cathedrals to food where delectables from the world over are on display. The gross over production and high price of food in western markets are being demonstrated in a new phenomenon: Food Halls. 
The intrinsic quality of the food system we uphold is reinforced by humane practices throughout; by fair and equitable agreements with farm/food workers, by respect for and restoration of natural ecosystems, by humane treatment of animals, and by collaborative and distributional structures that share resources sustainably, spread assets, and bring health. 
Anne Schwartz of Blue Heron Farm near Rockport was honored with the 2014 Steward of Sustainable Agriculture Award at this year’s EcoFarm Conference. The lifetime achievement award was presented to Anne in recognition of her commitment to sustainable agriculture and family farmers. 
Even in a short time – just the last few years – the shellfish industry in Washington State has deteriorated because of bad management and pollution. We can’t afford to let this gross negligence continue. 
Double speak by the media is distorting the very identity of “farmer” for the average American. In fact, most of our food production – the food chain we’ve become so dependent on and can’t do without – is controlled by only a half dozen “chemical corporations.” What is a farmer? A farmer is NOT a global chemical corporation! 
There are foodie magazines galore and even more than a few magazines focused on building a just and sustainable world, but not too many that combine both. The Winter 2013 issue of Yes! Magazine is just that – a focus on taking back our food, building food systems, and eating “like our lives depend on it!” 
It’s very strange to hear the FDA and food safety people talking about outlawing manure on organic farms. I grew up on an organic farm where I rolled around with my dog on the manure pile (well composted, of course) and, you know, my brother and I were the healthiest kids in school. It may turn out that all this manure may actually be worth a lot of money! 
This is my last word on the Initiative 522 GMO labeling failure in Washington State; it is time to move on. It’s always easy to criticize a campaign after it is over but with the Washington GMO Labeling Initiative 522, three serious weaknesses stand out that I believe kept us from winning our very just cause and that is too bad. |
 The Voice of Eco-Agriculture North America’s premier publisher on production-scale organic and sustainable farming. Learn more here. A Video You Don't Want to Miss!Clara Coleman, daughter of renowned farming pioneer Eliot Coleman, has a clear plan for a new collaborative farming model called the ARC Farming Project—Agrarian Resource Collaborative Farming. 
It is in response to today's particular agricultural challenges and embraces farmer entrepreneurial diversification. Watch the video here. |
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