Salon.com’s Growers and Producers section featured a variety of insightful pieces on the state of today’s food economy. Recent posts discuss growing food in a desert, bringing food stamps to farmers’ markets, and an expose of conditions of immigrant workers on some of America’s largest farms.
As a follow-up to our post yesterday about The Farmer’s Pledge, our commitment to sustainable agriculture and sustainable communities, I’d like to share this fascinating history of the organic movement and how the federal government came to regulate organic standards.
Be sure to click through the site to find out more about organic farming, the organic certification process, and sustainable agriculture.
As Brenda mentioned on the radio show this afternoon, Boulder Knoll Community Farm is proud to have signed to CT NOFA Farmer’s Pledge.
The Farmer’s Pledge is a commitment to farming, marketing and farm management in accordance with sound ecological and economic principles. It is separate and distinct from “Certified Organic.” There is no inspection process for the Farmer’s Pledge, but the farmers have signed the Pledge to show their commitment to its principles. CT NOFA administers the Farmer’s Pledge program in Connecticut.
The Farmer’s Pledge goes way beyond organic practices and represents our pledge to not only grow produce in a manner that is environmentally sustainable (no fertilizer or pesticides), but also to create a sustainable community by reducing our ecological footprint, to maintain healthy soils, and to connect with our community and support local farms.
[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]
Boulder Knoll on the Radio
- Our farmer Brenda and Boulder Knoll Community Farm were featured on WPKN 89.5 FM radio today. Thanks to DJ Richard Hill for arranging the interview!
Brenda was a featured guest on the “Organic Farmstand” show, and it was an informative hour featuring information on local agriculture, upcoming events, and delicious recipes. I’ve included the whole show here for you, but the portion with Brenda starts about half way though. Enjoy!
News from the Farm - February 10, 2010
Hi Everyone,
Join the CSA for 2010
CSA members from last year and those on the waiting list can sign up for the 2010 CSA starting Feb 15th. After March 1st, we open up to the rest of the world, so if you want to get in, sign up early. We have a few 60 hour and 30 hour work-intensive slots available (permission of the farmer required!). We’re increasing to 50 members this year, but we expect to fill up by the end of March. CSA members will get fruit grown by High Hill Orchard in Meriden as part of this year’s share. We’re planning for pick-your-own strawberries, raspberries and flowers. We’re going to be growing a lot of the crops that folks asked for - cukes, purslane, sweet potatoes, big sweet onions.
Website
Check out our updated website at http://www.boulderknollfarm.com. Along with information on the CSA, you can visit our “Updates” page to find recipes, storage tips and general ideas and questions. Email info@friendsofboulderknoll.com if you have anything to post. Read about additions and changes to the 2010 CSA and find out how to sign up.
Seed orders are done!
I’ve ordered from Fedco, Johnny’s Selected Seeds, Pinetree and Seed Saver’s Exchange. I also buy leeks and onions from Dixondale Onions in Texas and sweet potatoes from Tennessee. In a few weeks I’ll be starting tomatoes, peppers and eggplants and flowers and keeping them on heating coils in my basement under lights. When it gets a little warmer I’ll be growing lots of flowers and vegetables in a new hoophouse that I have at home.
Boulder Knoll Community Farm on the radio
Boulder Knoll Community Farm will be featured on WPKN 89.5 FM, Thursday, Feb 11 from 12 - 1 pm. Thanks to DJ Richard Hill for asking me for an interview.
Farm dinners by Caseus
Jason and Joe from Caseus Fromagerie Bistro in New Haven have promised a couple of on-farm dinners this season. Stay tuned for dates for those events. Check out their outstanding restaurant (and call ahead or you probably won’t get in!): Caseus Fromagerie Bistro, 93 Whitney Ave, New Haven CT 06510, ph 203.624.3373 (6.CHEESE) www.caseusnewhaven.com
CTNOFA Winter Conference
I encourage anyone interested in organic food, growing, and sustainable living to attend the winter conference of the CT Northeast Organic Farmers Association. I always have a great time listening to the keynote speaker (this year: Michael Shuman, author of The Small Mart Revolution: How Local Businesses Are Beating the Global Competition), attending workshops, shopping at the vendors’ booths and gorging myself at the potluck lunch. If you’ve never been, you’re in for a treat. For info go to http://www.ctnofa.org
Stay warm and dry!
Brenda Caldwell
Your cozy farmer
