Month: October 2011

Cereal Crimes

Cereal Crimes, a report by Cornucopia Institute, explores the vast differences between organic cereal and granola products and so-called natural products, which contain ingredients grown on conventional farms where the use of toxic pesticides and genetically engineered organisms is widespread. Analysis reveals that “natural” products—using conventional ingredients—often are priced higher than equivalent organic products. This suggests that some companies are taking advantage of consumer confusion.

Melissa Lines: Farmer, Shepherdess, Educator, Marketer

Running a farm and raising fifty or more sheep, a handful of beef cattle, and two horses is not a job for the faint of heart. And Melissa Lines is NOT Little Bo Peep. It was a farm visit when she was 4 years old that convinced Melissa that she wanted to work with animals, but it took decades – and a corporate career – to bring her to the point where she could actually make it happen.

Op-Ed: Will Allen, Walmart, Winter, What Next?

What is our answer to the challenge? If we are not to “give-in” what is the alternative that provides real change? Changes not limited to short impact volunteerism, give-aways that often create more problems, photo ops and marginal deliverables, but what about real game changing, economy building, capacity improving, meaningfully sustainable, significantly equitable deliveries? That is a real question. Answer it with your next action.

All About Fruit – Taste Hundreds of Apple Varieties

Imagine a big room full of tables, each covered with samples of apples, pears, and grapes ready for you to taste. Best to bring a note pad and paper if you want to remember the ones you REALLY liked, because after tasting dozens of delicious fruit it will be hard to recollect which was which.

Just How Organic Are Organic Strawberries?

While organic crops are grown without conventional pesticides and other chemicals, berry “starts” are treated as non-fruiting nursery plants and they can be treated with chemicals at that stage and still be considered organic once they are moved organic land and grown to fruiting stage.

Stina Booth, Booth Canyon Orchard

Stina Booth, orchardist at Booth Canyon Orchard, talks about grafting and growing apples, pears and stone fruit (peaches, plums, apricots). Did you know you can graft multiple varieties of apples or pears on one trunk?