STORE WARS

Not long ago in a supermarket not so far away... Help CUKE SKYWALKER and PRINCESS LETTUCE fight the dark side in this funny but poinant video from Free Range Films. May the farm be with you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVrIyEu6h_E

Food Democracy Now

This grassroots organization is leading the march
for Obama's next pick for Secretary of Agriculture. Intent that while farmers face harsh challenges regarding eneregy costs, inputs, land-use and legislative policies that undermine their ability to compete in the open market, there must be a push for better policies.

When Obama tapped former Iowa Governor & lawyer Tom Vilsack, who has backed genetic engineering (GMO foods) and has a close relationship with corporate agribusiness (i.e. Monsanto), many organic proponents screamed their opposition. The Organic Consumers Association, for instance, is pressuring Congress to reject the Vilsack nomination with mass petitions.

According to FDN, "The current system unnaturally favors economies of scale, consolidation and market concentration and the allocation of massive subsidies for commodities, all of which benefit the interests of corporate agribusiness over the livelihoods of farm families...we believe our next Secretary of Agriculture must have a vision that calls for: recreating regional food systems, supporting the growth of humane, natural and organic farms, and protecting the environment, biodiversity and the health of our children while implementing policies that place conservation, soil health, animal welfare and worker's rights as well as sustainable renewable energy near the top of their agenda."

Visit their sites at: http://www.fooddemocracynow.org/ and http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/642/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=1798

Fresh herbs are more popular than ever!

From the December 2008 Yearbook of Fresh Digest magazine:

"Now, instead of high sodium supplements like salt and garlic powder, more and more consumers are reaching for healthier, fresh herbs and spices at their local grocery store. So much, in fact, that fresh herbs and spices are one of the fastest growing categories amongst vegetables in the produce department.'

Fresh herbs and spices have experienced tremendous growth at the retail level', said Craig Agnew, Gourmet Garden, president for North America. 'The consumer has become increasingly aware of the importance of healthy eating and, at the same time, has developed a more sophisticated pallet that wants a fresher, better flavor'"

CHICKENS FIRST SNOW

These guys just turned 6-months old around Christmas. They are comprised of Plymouth Rock Whites, Plymouth Rock Barreds (speckled black) and New Hampshire Reds (similar to RI Reds). In thieir entire existence they have never seen snow before this moment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1DV4jy12AQ