Discussions

Texas Senate Approves Cottage Foods, Farmers Market, and DSHS Better Communications Bills

Alexandra Landeros — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:29:20 -0500

Texas Senate Approves Cottage Foods, Farmers Market, and DSHS Better Communications Bills Significant Growth in Support for Local Food Movement at Capitol Yesterday, the Texas Senate voted to pass HB 970, the Cottage Foods Bill sponsored by Senator Robert Deuell (R-Greenville); HB 1382, the Farmers Market Bill (also sponsored by Senator Deuell); and HB 1392, the DSHS Better Communications Act sponsored Senator Jane Nelson (R-Grapevine). All three bills will now go to the Governor for signing.

HB 970 expands on last session's cottage foods law, allowing cottage food producers to make low-risk foods – such as baked goods, jams and jellies, dried herbs, dried fruits and vegetables, granolas, dry mixes, pickles, and coffee/tea mixes – and sell at places such as farmers markets and community events, as well as from home.

“Patrons at farmers markets will soon be able to take advantage of a much wider selection of locally produced foods. It’s all part of preserving our local foods and local culture, while keeping our money in our local economy,” said Kelley Masters, owner of Home Sweet Home Bakery and founder of the grassroots cottage foods movement Texas Baker’s Bill.

HB 1382, known as the “Farmers Market” Bill, establishes clear, reasonable standards for sampling at farmers’ markets and farm stands, replacing the current overly burdensome and confusing regulations. The bill also clarifies the requirements for cooking demonstrations and exempts educational demonstrations from permit fees.

“How wonderful for a farmer to be able to slice a black Spanish radish or a kohlrabi for a shopper to taste just as they do at farmers' markets across the country. This education is so important in our mission to encourage families to eat more fruits and vegetables while increasing farmers' revenues,” said Carla Jenkins, manager of the Cedar Park and Mueller Farmers' Markets.

The DSHS Better Communications Act, HB 1392, directs the DSHS to respond within 30 days to inquiries about how the law applies to a farmer’s or food producer’s specific circumstances, so they can comply in good faith. Farmers and small-scale food producers have faced serious problems in the past because of the inability to determine what is actually required under the regulations.

“DSHS often gives our direct-to-consumer businesses multiple answers to the question of what types of permits we need or, if questioned as to why we fit into specific categories of permits, simply won't give an answer at all. Family ranches that are providing safe and healthy meats to consumers want to be in compliance – we just need clear direction, and this bill would make that a reality,” said Amy Greer, owner and operator of Winters Family Beef.

Both the cottage foods and farmers’ market bills have been supported by the Farm-to-Table Caucus, founded in the spring of 2012 by Representative Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin) and Representative Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham), to educate members of the Texas House of Representatives on issues relating to the growing, harvesting and consumption of Texas foods.

The 83rd Texas Legislature marks significant progress in support for the local food movement at the Capitol. In 2011, only three local foods bills were even filed, and only one passed; this session, nine bills were filed and three of them passed. In a session remarkable for the number of bills that died without being voted on, this success rate reflects the legislators’ awareness of their constituents’ support for local foods.

For more information visit www.farmandranchfreedom.org/texas-local-food-bills-2013

Gluten Free 101 @ Sprout's Fort Worth

Danae Fentie — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:12:58 -0500

Victim is as Victim Does.

Danae Fentie — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:25:06 -0500

This week I was going to discuss better digestion (don’t worry I will get to it soon ) but there seems to be an area of enlightenment more dear to my heart. A few weeks ago I spoke of being vulnerable and accepting to what life has to offer you in the moment. Well, over the past week, life has offered me a strong dose of heartache in the form of missing someone very dear to my heart. This person had very quickly become one of the most important people in my life. Their very presence illuminated my own and it was as if we had always known each other. Bliss has a way of freezing time, yet reality has a way of violently shaking things up. Deep breath…accept what life is offering you in the moment.

Due to extenuating circumstances this kindred spirit had to leave my life unexpectedly and not on the best of terms. Shortly after this person had left it was brought to my realization that there were areas of this person that had not been illuminated to me. It was as if someone had stamped on my already fragile heart. I had been duped. Someone I had let into the corners of my heart had not been the honest, forthright person I had thought. My vulnerability and humility had been used against me in order to gain more of my trust and help. This realization only opened the flood gate of memories…countless situations in which I had given much more than I had received. My head and heart were left feeling extremely confused. How can my compassion and vulnerability, qualities I humbly possess, are used in a way that left me feeling so incredibly empty?

Wallowing in this self-pity of victimization I decided to go to mediation and ask my heart to help me understand this situation. I began asking her how she wanted to change so that we could end this pattern of abuse. My heart told me there was no need to change my compassion and vulnerability. She told me that I am only a victim if I so choose to be and those individuals that use my generosity for their advancement are the real victims. Borrowing someone else’s courage and humility can only take you so far, you must fuel these fires with flames from within.

It is amazing how the answers of my heart are guiding me in healing and reframing my recent loss of someone dear. I was not a victim here. I felt the love between them and myself. I saw their heart when I looked into their eyes. So for them I weep, for their loss of love and knowing. I pray that they be lifted up and believe again that love and peace is their divine right. That it is okay to be in the presence of love, they are worthy. I am worthy. I am not a victim and never have been. I have been the recipient of others’ rage, insecurities, ridicule and so on; yet they were not my own. They were reflections of themselves. My compassion will be a gift I always offer. It will not be tarnished because someone else does not know how to receive it. There are endless numbers of people waiting for an ounce of compassion in their lives. I will not let myself become a paralyzed victim of hate. That is my mission here, to look love in the face and always follow her guidance, NO MATTER WHAT. Loss is something we will all be faced with but the way we receive it is totally up to us. Whenever this person crosses my mind I will send them loving thoughts, pray for their happiness, and let them be. For that is true love, allowing someone to fly free. Allow yourself to fly free. Let go of your old opinions of yourself. Allow yourself to reframe the way you look at your insecurities. Viewing life through the eyes of love will give you an entirely new perspective of life. Loving even the moments that leave sharp pains in your chest, because the true origin of that pain is the expansion of your heart. We are all so much more powerful than we care to admit. Our bodies are our temples and when we accept this we naturally eat in way that nourishes our bodies. We also choose careers and relationships that nourish our mind and soul. If you want to learn more ways to live a luminous life contact me at missnutrish@gmail.com to schedule a FREE nutrition & lifestyle consultation.

Texas House Votes to Pass Cottage Foods Bill: Progress for Local Food Movement

Alexandra Landeros — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:33:14 -0500

Yesterday, the Texas House of Representatives voted to pass HB 970, the “cottage foods” bill sponsored by Representative Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin).

HB 970 expands on last session's cottage foods law (SB 81), allowing cottage food producers to make other non-potentially hazardous foods in addition to baked goods, including jams and jellies, dried herbs, dried fruits and vegetables, granolas, dry mixes, pickles, and coffee/tea mixes. It also expands on the previous bill that allowed sales from home, by allowing sales at locations such as farmers markets and community events, ultimately making a positive impact on the local economy.

“Being able to market their low-risk products at farmers markets and other community events would allow home producers to build a meaningful business,” said Kelley Masters, owner of Home Sweet Home Bakery and organizer of the grassroots movement, Texas Baker’s Bill. “Some producers with high quality, unique products will use this opportunity as a springboard to a larger commercial operation, with a proven, successful product.”

A second local food bill, HB 1392, the DSHS Better Communications Act, was also voted to pass by the House yesterday.

“The DSHS Better Communications bill, by Representative Susan King (R-Abilene), addresses one of the major problems that small farmers and local food producers face: knowing what they have to do to comply with the laws,” explained Judith McGeary, Executive Director of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance.

“The regulations are written with large industrial facilities in mind, so it can be very unclear what a small producer has to do. Right now, our members are left to guess how the law applies to their factual situation, with the potential of fines if they guess wrong,” added McGeary.

The third local foods bill, HB 1382 – scheduled for a House vote on Tuesday, May 7 – establishes clear, reasonable standards for sampling at farmers’ markets and farm stands, replacing the current overly burdensome and confusing regulations. The bill, by Representative David Simpson (R-Longview), also clarifies the requirements for cooking demonstrations and exempts educational demonstrations from permit fees. Passage of the bill would facilitate increased sales, by encouraging people to try unusual fruits and vegetables.

Both the cottage foods and farmers’ market bill have been supported by the Farm-to-Table Caucus, founded in the spring of 2012 by Chairman Eddie Rodriguez and Vice-Chair Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham), to educate members of the Texas House of Representatives on issues relating to the growing, harvesting and consumption of Texas foods. The bi-partisan Caucus is the first of its kind in the nation.

For more information visit www.farmandranchfreedom.org/texas-local-food-bills-2013.

Help us take action on other pending local food issues? Visit the links below!

Texas Animal ID

Texas Raw Milk

Keller Farmers Market Grand Re-Opening Saturday

Brian Cummings — Thu, 02 May 2013 13:43:26 -0500

The Keller Farmers Market reopens this Saturday, May 4, for the 2013 season, with market hours continuing to be every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon.

Visitors on opening day will be treated to a seed plant for children, a cooking demonstration hosted by Chef Bob Stephenson and Chef Carlos Arevalo of FnG Eats and music by The Bo Brothers. Friends of the Keller Library and Greyhounds Unlimited will be in the community tents.

Look for more farmers and new food vendors among the anticipated 25 vendors, with offerings of produce, meat, eggs, wine, chips, tamales & enchiladas, salsa, pasta & sauces, breakfast pastries, desserts, olive oil, pet food, honey, artisan bread, roasted chicken, wood fired pizza, andthe arrival of Mister Softee of Texas ice cream at 10 a.m. to cool it down.

Artisans this week include handcrafted soaps and body products and beautiful recycled wood items by Woods Unique. For more information about the market and the month's scheduled activities, visit the market's website.

White Rock Local Market Announces Summer Workshop Series

Brian Cummings — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:38:06 -0500

White Rock Local Market’s 2013 Summer Workshop Series highlights local growers and artisans with fun and informative classes held at First Unitarian Church of Dallas. Proceeds from the series will benefit programs offered by White Rock Local Market including Love Your Farmer volunteer days, cooking demos, Sprouting Healthy Kids - a hands-on gardening and nutrition after school program, SNAP/Lone Star food stamp program and White Rock Local Garden.

Texas Worm Ranch’s Heather Rinaldi instructs “Summer Garden Survival” May 25 (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) Keep vegetable gardens producing with summer hearty plants, water-wise techniques and healthy soil. Learn Heather’s tricks for pest and disease control and maintaining summer plant health. Plan a Fall Harvest while getting hands on experience in planting and take home sweet potato slips, basil transplants and pumpkin seeds. Cost is $40 per person and $30 for members of White Rock Local Market.

On June 22 (9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) Kathy Neumuller from JJ&B Jams and Jellies and Karen Phelps from In a Pickle walk you through the process of canning and pickling summer’s bounty during “You Can Pickle That!” Demonstrating hot bath canning, brine and spices for quick pickling as well as shelf safe pickling, students will pickle their own vegetables and preserves. $50 per person and $40 for WRLM members includes a light lunch.

Learn the basics from some of the best brewers in Texas during “In Heaven There is No Beer…” Home Brewing 101 on July 20 (11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.). Ty Wolosin and Kevin Sykes from Wind Hill Organics demonstrate a partial or mini-mash technique easily done at home. Workshop includes lunch from Luscher’s Post Oak Red Hots, beer tastings and discussion from Lakewood Brewing Company, take home instructions and basic supplies. Cost is $75 per person and $50 for WRLM Members.

Reservations are required for all classes. A package of three classes may be purchased for $150 or $120 for members of WRLM. For more information and to purchase tickets go here. call 214-797-4989 or sign up at the WRLM information desk on a market day. First Unitarian Church of Dallas is located at 5700 Preston Road, Dallas 75205.

White Rock Local Market is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt organization sustained by contributions and memberships. Individual memberships for 2013, from Seeds ($25) to Beyond Organic ($1,000) and everywhere in between are on-sale here. Membership benefits vary.

White Rock Local Markets are open from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 through December 8. The first and third Saturdays of the month markets will be located at Lakeside Baptist Church, 9051 Garland Road. Markets on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at the Green Spot are located at 702 North Buckner Boulevard.

Protect small farmers, ranchers, and backyard poultry owners!

Alexandra Landeros — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:39:30 -0500

The Texas Legislature is considering a bill to authorize the Texas Animal Health Commission to adopt federal Animal ID regulations, one of which would require every chicken to have a permanent leg band with a unique ID number when it is sold or moved to a new location. While commercial hatcheries and large confinement operations would be exempt, the requirement would impact both small farmers and people with backyard chickens.

The bill also gives the agency a blank check to adopt other federal regulations governing animal ID for all kinds of livestock animals, including goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, and horses. The federal regulations govern the movement of animals between states, which is not a frequent occurrence for small farmers. But imposing those same regulations on every movement within the state could cause significant problems for small farmers.

No one knows what federal rules may be adopted next year or 5 years from now, which means that the Texas Legislature is buying into the federal regulations without even knowing what they will be!

Tagging animals, without having any connection to disease control measures, is unnecessary and time-consuming. This creates a significant burden for small farmers, ultimately making it more difficult for them to remain viable sources of local food for the community.

TAKE ACTION

1. Call your Texas State Senator ASAP! SB 1233 is set for a vote this Thursday, April 25, so time is short!

You can find out who represents you at www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx or by calling the Capitol Switchboard at 512-463-4630. The switchboard can connect you to your Senator’s office, and the call takes just a couple of minutes.

Message:
“Hi, my name is _____ and I am a constituent. I urge Senator ______ to vote against SB 1233, the Animal ID bill. While the bill sounds like it limits the Texas Animal Health Commission’s authority, it actually does the opposite – it is giving the agency renewed authority to adopt Animal ID rules. This is bad for backyard poultry owners and small farmers, and it’s ultimately bad for the community they provide food for. The state’s animal ID programs should be tied to actual disease control measures, not simply tagging animals for the sake of tagging. I urge you to oppose SB 1233 and HB 2311.”

2. Call your Texas State Representative. If we can’t stop it in the Senate, we need to stop it in the House. Again, you can find out who represents you at www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx or by calling the Capitol Switchboard at 512-463-4630, which can connect you directly to your Representative’s office.

Message:
“Hi, my name is _____ and I am a constituent. I urge Representtaive ______ to vote against HB 2311 / SB 1233, the Animal ID bill. While the bills sound like they limit the Texas Animal Health Commission’s authority, they actually do the opposite – they are giving the agency renewed authority to adopt Animal ID rules. This is bad for backyard poultry owners and small farmers, and it’s ultimately bad for the community they provide food for. The state’s animal ID programs should be tied to actual disease control measures, not simply tagging animals for the sake of tagging. I urge you to oppose HB 2311 and SB 1233.”

3. Call all of the members of the House Calendars Committee (if you live in Austin, we encourage you to visit): their office numbers along with maps are listed here. They are responsible for scheduling bills for a vote on the House floor and can prevent the bill from ever coming to a vote in the House of Representatives.

If you are in one of their districts, please ALSO ask your friends and family in the area to call. Calls from constituents have the greatest impact! (note that the zip codes are often “split” among multiple districts).

MORE INFORMATION

Requiring animals to be tagged, with no connection to any testing or other disease control measure, is not the answer for animal health or food safety.

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) already has extensive powers to address animal diseases and to include animal ID as part of those programs. This bill, however, gives the agency authority to require animal identification solely for the sake of identification, unrelated to any real animal disease control measure.

Back in 2005, the Texas Legislature adopted a law that allowed the TAHC to impose mandatory National Animal Identification System (NAIS). NAIS would have required that anyone who owned even a single livestock or poultry animal register their property, individually ID each animal (in most cases with electronic ID such as microchips or RFID), and report their movements to the government.

The TAHC rushed forward with the first stage of NAIS, ignoring protests from hundreds of small farmers and animal owners. It was only when legislators stepped back in to stop the agency that they slowed down.

The outcry against NAIS was so great all over the country that the U.S. Department of Agriculture withdrew the program in 2009. When NAIS died, so did the agency’s legal authority to impose animal identification requirements unrelated to disease control programs.

The mandatory NAIS statute in Texas is defunct. At this moment, the TAHC can only legally require identification when it is connected to a disease control program.

HB 2311 and SB 1233 breathe new life into the statute, however, and gives the TAHC authority to require tagging by itself, with no connection to any disease control measure.

The original intent behind the bills was to address the fact that TAHC has been overstepping its bounds, most recently by issuing a mandatory cattle ID rule that requires cattle – even those going direct to slaughter – to be ear tagged. But the bills have been amended to undermine that original intent, and they now grandfather in the agency’s illegal regulation!

The same Agribusiness groups that supported mandatory NAIS are supporting this new bill. They want to give the state agency – which has a track record of ignoring the interests of small farmers – authority to mandate federal regulations on every farmer and animal owner within our state.

We need both farmers and consumers who care about small and diversified livestock farms – which are healthy sources of local food – to speak up!

Please call your Texas State Representative and Senator to urge them to vote NO on HB 2311 and SB 1233, the Animal ID bills. You can find out who represents you at www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx or by calling the Capitol Switchboard at 512-463-4630.

MYTHS AND TRUTHS

The proponents of the Animal ID bill are fighting back with lies and half-truths. Beloware some of the inaccurate statements made by the Animal ID proponents. Be armed with the truth when you call!

CLAIM 1: The bill limits the agency’s authority.
TRUTH: Right now, the Texas Animal Health Commission has no authority to adopt mandatory animal ID requirements. It lost that authority in 2009, when the USDA withdrew the plans for the National Animal Identification System. This bill gives the agency new authority to impose more regulations on small farmers and animal owners.

CLAIM 2: We’re protected by the language that the state requirements can be “no more stringent” than the federal.
TRUTH: If the agency uses the authority given by this bill and applies the federal standards on an in-state basis, many small farmers and backyard poultry owners will be placed under significant burdens. Federal regulations only apply when the animals cross state lines, limiting their impact. Those same regulations become much more burdensome if they apply to every single movement in-state, such as neighbors selling or giving animals to each others. The federal agency comes up with a lot of bad rules, and the Texas Legislature should not simply buy into them, without even knowing what they are!

CLAIM 3: The bill doesn’t include poultry.
TRUTH: While the language of the bill does not mention poultry (or any other species), it does specifically reference the federal animal disease traceability program. You can read the federal rule here — it clearly includes requirements for tagging poultry, including keeping records for 2 years. When asked, the agency testified that the bill would give it authority for animal ID for all of the species within its jurisdiction, which includes poultry, sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, bison, and horses.

CLAIM 4: We need this bill so the agency can deal with dangerous diseases like avian flu.
TRUTH: The agency has ample authority to address animal diseases. There are seven chapters in the Texas Agriculture Code that give TAHC authority to address animal disease through testing, vaccination, quarantines, and more. The agency can even include animal ID as part of those disease control measures.

This bill is about requiring identification solely for the purpose of tracking, unrelated to any disease control program.

CLAIM 5: Small farmers were consulted in developing this bill.
TRUTH: Small farm advocates have been cut out of the process. While we knew about the original version of the bill — which had both pro’s and con’s — we were never told about the Committee Substitute version, which is significantly worse than the original, until it was unveiled at the Senate Committee hearing. At no time did the bill sponsors or any of the industry groups writing the Committee Substitute version of the bill even tell us that they were working on amendments.

On the agency side, the Texas Animal Health Commission has never included FARFA or the Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association in any working group or informal meeting.

Please call your State Senator, State Representative, and the members of the House Calendars Committee today and tell them to vote NO on Animal ID, HB 2311 / SB 1233.

A Tale of Tiny Tomato Plants

Tom Motley — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:41:22 -0500

A Tale of Tiny Tomato Plants by Tom Motley

by Tom Motley

My friend in Desert, Texas, Bill Brummett, raises dwarf Nigerian goats. The tiny white kids are honestly about the size of the little stuffed critters in my niece’s massive collection of My Little Pony toys from her childhood.

Bill is also an old-school gardener, so his rich, goat-manure compost is always put to good use. We have traded tips, seeds and labor over the years on many mutually beneficial farm projects. Like me, he planted and tended crops and gardens with his North Texas family from childhood through high school.

Unlike me, Bill never rushes the transplanting of his young, vulnerable tomato plants. A bad habit I started back when I had a farm in Collin County and another in Hunt County was that I would set out my delicate tomato and basil plants too early. My purpose was not without merit, as my intention was to show up at all the four DFW Farmers Markets I served back then with ripe, delicious produce before anybody else, not to mention delivering to restaurant chefs truly local organic items early in the season. But if I misjudged potential low temperatures and failed to cover the crops, goodbye baby basil and tiny tomato plants.

When asked, Bill always advises rookie farmers and gardeners not to set out tiny tomato plants before April 12^th, period. “Anywhere in North Texas, just don’t plant tomatoes too early” he would counsel.

I hate to be the one to say it, and it breaks my heart, but I must at least suggest that this crazy spring weather of 2013 may be the undoing of Bill’s longtime reliable method. The high temperature in our McKinney gardens the other day was 85 degrees. The next night’s low for us was 30 degrees!

Being cautious like Bill, I didn’t jump the gun this year, and I waited to transplant all my tiny tomatoes until Monday, April 15^th. No sweat, I thought. I’ll just sit back, and watch ‘em grow, right? NOT.

So, Becca and will yet again be dragging out the frost-cloth covers to protect the new tomato and basil plants for tonight’s low thirties’ temps. The rest of the plants should be okay, but all the tomatoes and the gorgeous little Genovese and Thai Sweet Basil plants will be in for a very rough night, even under the best frost cover. Basil basically doesn’t like any temperature under 45 degrees, covered or not.

As my farming family has always done, we hope and pray for good soil, sun and rain. Should I plant too early and nature sends a freeze, it’s my own fault that plants will suffer.

This spring, my tiny tomato plants include Nyagous (a dark Russian heirloom), Black Prince (amazing flavor, and a favorite of our customers), and two no-fail varieties, Patio and Celebrity.

Fresh out of the garden, all the above are richly rewarding in taste, texture and color.

With some of the tomato transplants, Becca wanted to try a new procedure this year. She’s planted some of the plants so that almost all the leaves on the trunk are covered with compost, straw, etc. She’s read that his method will supposedly encourage the (covered) lower branches to become roots themselves, strengthen the central trunk, and produce bigger yield.

The one thing I’ve always been careful about over the years, regarding tomato transplants, is to insure that I strip off the lowest two branches of leaves to encourage growth of the trunk’s lower girth. But, like most humans, I am not infallible. So I am curious to see what impact on productivity and plant strength my wife’s new method may have. I’m all for any increased organic output. We’ll report later on results of these plants, comparing the old method and the new.

My Granny Wilson grew awesome tomatoes. I won’t go into detail about how she carefully instructed me and my cousins, when we were four and five years old, exactly which plants we were to enhance whenever we needed to relieve ourselves outside. God help the male child who watered the wrong plant, in my Granny’s eyes. (For interested readers, carefully review the list of contents on the package or jar of whatever fertilizer you’re using. In some form or other, the word urea will likely show up).

Nature is organic, and uses everything we are made of.

April 23^rd, 2013

Collin County Farmers Market Opens Saturday

Brian Cummings — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:01:31 -0500

The Collin County Farmers Market @ Fairview Farms, the first market in the city of Plano, will open for business at 8 a.m., Saturday, April 20^th at Fairview Farms, 3314 North Central Expressway in Plano.

More than 30 vendors have signed up to participate in the market with 25 of them expected to be on hand for opening day. “We’ll have a wide selection of vendors offering local meats, eggs, produce and other artisan goods," explained Kari Gates, the market founder and owner of Spring Creek Organic Farm. More information and a list of vendors for opening day can be found on the market's website.

Market day activities will include pony rides, a bounce house, face painting and for the older kids a bungee jump. Musical entertainment will also be included.

Other markets open Saturday include:

Cowtown Farmers Market in Fort Worth, where the first 100 people to stop by the Chipotle booth will receive a free $10 token that can be used at the market. The marker will also feature several dog-centered events including pet adoptions by TOA Animal Rescue; free nail trims for dogs by Happy K-9 Self-Serve Dog Wash and Grooming; treats for dogs with special dietary needs by Hambone and Dogs; and a visit from Fort Worth Police Department K-9 unit, Kelev, and his partner, Officer Harald Cussnick
Grand Prarie Farmers Market, which is also featuring dogs as a main attraction by teaming up with Prairie Paws Animal Shelter to host an “Adopt-A-Pet-Day.”
White Rock Local Market at Lakeside, which is the every-other-week food and artisan market, and which will be the last chance to sign up for the market's Chili Cook Off on April 27.
The Grapevine Farmers Market, which is touting free samples of pickled baby beets and a new vendor, Moon Enterprises Flavored Popcorn.
The Coppell Farmers Market, where you can buy tickets for their annual farm to table dinner (always a sell-out).

Also open this Saturday are the McKinney Farmers Market, the Arlington Farmers Market, the Four Seasons Market in Richardson and the perennial and soon to be privatized Dallas Farmers Market where David McMillan of the Meddlesome Moth will be conducting a cooking class about peas.

Raw Milk Bill - HB 46 - Stuck in Committee: What You Can Do To Help

Brian Cummings — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:11:46 -0500

HB 46, the raw milk bill, has gotten stalled in Committee. The Texas Medical Association is lobbying hard to kill it, and they have convinced several Committee members to vote against the bill. Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance is organizing people to make phone calls to their State Representatives. We need a flood of phone calls – as soon as possible – from the grassroots to counter them!

The raw milk bill (HB 46) will allow licensed farmers to sell raw milk off-the-farm, at farmers’ markets and consumers’ residences. Right now, consumers have to drive all the way to the farm every time they want raw milk. This bill will help raw milk farmers expand their markets, and help raw milk consumers get reasonable access to raw milk.

Even if you have called before, please call again! (And if you haven’t yet called, it’s more important than ever to do so). This action alert is very time sensitive; please call as soon as possible this week.

TAKE ACTION #1

Call your State Representative to urge him or her to co-author HB 46, to expand raw milk access in Texas. You can find out who represents you at www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us or by calling the Texas Capitol Switchboard at 512-463-4630. Having more co-authors is very important to show the level of public support.

If your Representative is on the Public Health Committee, it is vital that you call – and that you get as many of your friends and neighbors as possible to call! Be sure to mention the fact that you are a constituent when you call. The list of Committee members and the zip codes they represent is on the next page of this alert.

SAMPLE MESSAGE: “My name is _____ and I am a constituent. I am calling to urge Representative ____ to co-author HB 46, the raw milk bill. Raw milk is very important to me and my family. (Add a sentence or two about why you care.) Can you tell me where my Representative stands on this issue?”

More talking points are at the end of this alert. The most important points you can make are the ones that matter to you – the legislators want to know why you care about this issue. You can also see who has already co-authored the bill at the end of the Public Health Committee members list.

TAKE ACTION #2

After you call your own Representative, email all of the Committee members to urge them to vote yes on HB 46. The list of Committee members and their email addresses are below.

MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE:

Note: Zip codes are often “split” among several legislators. You can double check who represents you at www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us

Garnet Coleman (Part of Harris County – Zip Codes 77002, 003, 004, 006, 007, 010, 019, 021, 033, 048, 061, 075, 087, 089, 098) – Phone: 512-463-0524 / Email: Garnet.Coleman@house.state.tx.us

Nicole Collier (Part of Tarrant County – Zip Codes 76012, 76102, 76103, 76104, 76105, 76107, 76110, 76111, 76112, 7615, 76119, 76120, 76133, 76134, 76140) – Phone: 512-463-0716 / Email: Nicole.Collier@house.state.tx.us

Philip Cortez (Part of Bexar County: 78002, 006, 023, 039, 052, 073, 211, 224, 226, 227, 236, 242, 245, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255) – Phone: 512-463-0269 / Email: Philip.Cortez@house.state.tx.us

Sarah Davis (Part of Houston – Zip Codes 77002, 004, 005, 006, 007, 008, 019, 024, 025, 027, 030, 046, 056, 057, 081, 096, 098, 401) – Phone: 512-463-0389 / Email: Sarah.Davis@house.state.tx.us

Bobby Guerra (Part of Hidalgo County: 78501, 78503, 78504, 78539, 78572, 78573, 78574, 78577) – Phone: 512-463-0578 / Email: Bobby.Guerra@house.state.tx.us

Susan King (Jones, Nolan, and Taylor Counties) – Phone: 512-463-0718 / Email: Susan.King@house.state.tx.us

Lois Kolkhorst (Austin, Burleson, Colorado, Fayette, Grimes, Lavaca, and Washington counties) – Phone: 512-463-0600 / Email: Lois.Kolkhorst@house.state.tx.us

Jodie Laubenberg (Part of Collin County – Zip Codes 75002, 75048, 75069, 75074, 75087, 75094, 75098, 75166, 75173, 75189, 75407) – Phone: 512-463-0186 / Email: Jodie.Laubenberg@house.state.tx.us

NOTE: Rep. Laubenberg is a joint author on the raw milk bill. Please be sure to say “thank you!”

Elliott Naishtat (Part of the City of Austin – Zip Codes 78701, 78703, 78704, 78705, 78712, 78731, 78735, 78745, 78746, 78751, 78752, 78756, 78757, 78758, 78759) – Phone: 512-463-0668 / Email: Elliott.Naishtat@house.state.tx.us

J.D. Sheffield (Comanche, Coryell, Erath, Hamilton, McCulloch, Mills, San Saba, and Somervell counties) – Phone: 512-463-0628 / Email: J.D.Sheffield@house.state.tx.us Bill Zedler (Part of Tarrant County: 76001, 76002, 76017, 76028, 76036, 76060, 76063, 76123, 76134, 76140) – Phone: 512-463-0374 / Email: Bill.Zedler@house.state.tx.us

NOTE: Rep. Zedler is a joint author on the raw milk bill. Please be sure to say “thank you!”

SPECIAL THANKS to Representative Dan Flynn, the author of HB 46, and his joint and co-authors: Representatives Dennis Bonnen, Jodie Laubenberg, Bill Zedler, Lance Gooden, Bryan Hughes, Phil King, Lyle Larson, George Lavender, Rick Miller, John Otto, Eddie Rodriguez, David Simpson, Steve Toth, Mike Villareal, and James White.

And thank you to each of you, for taking the time to speak up for our farmers and our food. We do not have the money the other side has. Instead, we have real people who care about our food system. Thank you!

MORE INFORMATION:

Background

Under current law, farmers can legally sell raw milk in Texas directly to consumers under a Grade A Raw for Retail license. Texas Grade A Raw for Retail dairies are subject to regulations that meet or exceed all regulatory standards for pasteurized milk.
Agency regulations limit the sales to “the point of production, i.e., at the farm.” This marketing restriction burdens both farmers and consumers. Farmers who invest significant resources to become licensed face unfair limitations. Consumers who want unprocessed food must expend significant time, gas, and money on long weekly drives.
Texas raw milk farmers have an excellent safety record. CDC data from 1998-2008 show that there were only two reported illnesses attributed to raw milk in Texas during that time. Since 2008, there have been 4 additional illnesses allegedly linked to raw milk, for a total of 6 illnesses in 15 years.
Approximately 12,500 foodborne illnesses were reported in Texas between 1998 and 2010, traced to such foods as mangos, cake, beans, lettuce salads, salsa, pot pie, chicken salad, hot dogs, deli meats, and beef brisket.
Raw milk has a better safety record in Texas than many foods, including strawberries (29 illnesses), chicken soup (47 illnesses), and turkey (852 illnesses).

The Impact of HB 46

The bill does only one thing: removes the on-farm restriction on the sale of Grade A raw milk.
The bill makes no other change to the existing regulatory requirements for licensed raw milk producers that have been successful in protecting the public’s health in Texas.
Sales will continue to be limited to direct-to-consumer transactions, as they are currently.
The bill will not allow sales of raw milk in grocery stores.

Advantages

Improves the safety of raw dairy by allowing producers to transport it to consumers under safe conditions, rather than relying on consumers to remember to take coolers and ice.
By allowing a producer to make a single trip to serve multiple customers, rather than having each customer drive to the farm, the bill reduces vehicle miles, benefiting air quality, traffic congestion, and public safety.
Benefits rural economies because direct farm-to-consumer sales of raw milk can mean the difference between a net loss on the farm and a reasonable income for the farm family.
No negative impact on conventional grocery store sales. (Supporting data available)

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact: Judith McGeary, FARFA – (254) 697-2661 / Judith@FarmAndRanchFreedom.org

Dallas' New Green Grocer on Greenville Avenue Sells Local Organic Food

Brian Cummings — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:13:54 -0500

By Minnie Payne

(Reprinted with permission from GreenSourceDFW)

Folks in and around Dallas’ Greenville Avenue, and otherwise, are now privileged to have Green Grocer, another source of locally grown fresh organic food, as well as, among other things, a variety of beer and wine, eggs, meat, cheeses, chocolates, and coffee.

“We’re working with Artizone.com, who was the reason we opened our Dallas store,” says Cassie Green, co-owner. “We work with them at our original five-year-old Chicago store, and they advised us that Dallas is ripe for the Greenville Avenue location.” Artizone.com offers some 60 different vendors from which to shop, and they will deliver to your door. Green and her co-owner husband, Gary Stephens, now reside in Dallas, with Green commuting occasionally to check in with their great Chicago staff.

Green says that as every health conscious person knows, eating organic food is healthier and safer. She informs that they have very high standards as to their products being fresh, healthy and unique and that because produce is handled less, locally grown products don’t have to stand up to the rigors of shipping. Getting peaches so ripe that they fall apart as you eat them, figs that wouldn’t have been smashed if they were sold using traditional methods, and melons that were allowed to ripen until the last possible minute on the vine are all good reasons for buying locally.

Produce that is purchased in a supermarket or big-box store usually has been in transit or cold-stored for days or weeks, while fresh/tasty produce purchased from local vendors has often been picked within 24 hours of your purchase. “We buy direct from as many small local vendors as possible,” Green advises. “We also try to make shopping a fun adventure, and our employees are happy to offer suggestions and recipes for cooking.” And if you’re looking for a particular or different kind of vegetable/fruit other than the commonly ones found at supermarkets, there’s a good possibility of finding it, because local farmers are free to try small crops of various fruits and vegetables.

According to Sustainable Connections, several studies have shown that another plus is that when you buy from independent, locally owned businesses rather than nationally owned businesses, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms, which continue to strengthen the economic base of the community. And who doesn’t want to strengthen their community’s economy nowadays?

Dale Hudspeth, owner of Hudspeth Farm in Forestburg, Texas, furnishes beef, poultry and pork to Green Grocer and says their products are delivered in freezers to Green Grocer in a matter of a few days after being processed. “We’re proud to say that our beef is grass fed and our poultry and pork lead pastured lives,” informs Hudspeth. “They are humanely raised and all meat is processed at a USDA inspected plant. “Our approximately 1,000-acre farm has been in the family over 100 years.”

Green says that in short, if you’re looking to eat healthy, fresh, organic food, Green Grocer can help you.

Green Grocer
3614 Greenville Ave
Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 643-6209

New Plano Farmers Market to Open at Fairview Farms April 20

Brian Cummings — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:34:26 -0500

The Collin County Farmers Market @ Fairview Farms, the first market in the city under new regulations developed by Plano’s Environmental Health Department, will open for business at 8 a.m., Saturday, April 20^th at Fairview Farms, 3314 North Central Expressway in Plano.

“We’re proud to be able to offer Collin County’s largest population center easy access to farm-raised produce, meats and other locally made artisanal food products,” said Kari Gates, CCFM chairman and the market organizer. “We’ve worked diligently with the local health department and with Rodney Haggard, the owner of Fairview Farms, for the past year to develop a plan that would allow the market to operate while protecting the health of our customers,” she added.

Fairview Farms was built in 1989 and is one of the original markets in North Texas. The facility has been home to a few produce vendors and includes a party facility and a pottery store. It’s located on the northeast corner of Central Expressway and Parker Road behind Dukes Roadhouse Restaurant.

The market will be operated by Collin County Farmers Market, Inc. (CCFM) a non-profit community corporation set up to manage the market.

Currently, the market has some 40 vendors lined up for opening day including Truth Hill Farms, McLemore Ranch Beef, AP Apiaries, Firewheel Coffee Roasters, Village Baking Co. Best Bug Bait, Secret Soap Stash and Texas Olive Oil Company.

Gates, a Plano resident, is also the owner of Spring Creek Organic Farm where she grows organic produce. “Collin County was founded by farmers and we want to connect the community back to its farming heritage,” she said.

“The focus of the market is on Texas-grown produce and meats together with locally made products centered around a family and community center where folks can learn about green and healthy living,” Gates said. “We’re also looking for sponsorships from corporate partners and local businesses to help make this endeavor successful’” she added.

Plans also call for a community garden on the property, which will be sponsored by local business and maintained by local Scout troops and other volunteers in the area. All produce harvested will be donated to local food banks.

Market day activities will include pony rides, a bounce house, face painting and for the older kids a bungee jump. Musical entertainment will also be included.

Mild Winter Weather by Tom Motley

Tom Motley — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 13:23:17 -0600

Mild Winter Weather by Tom Motley

The wind blew so hard the other night in Collin County that, while we slept, my hard-to find rain-proof cover for the outdoor box rib-smoker was completely ripped off all its Velcro tethers. Who knows how far the thing traveled during that night-long wind-storm. It reminded me of the constant gales and blows up at my old Merit farm. The wind blew all day, every day up there. Farmers in that part of Hunt County are accustomed to the local phenomena that if your hat blows away, wait a few minutes and some other farmer’s hat will blow into your hands. (The correct heads and hats are reunited at the annual community Holiday Hat Exchange).

Early February this year was downright civil here in Collin County, garden-wise. This, despite the fact that we probably kept the beds covered more nights (and days) in late December and the first three weeks of January more than any winter in the last seven or eight years.

We have been farming and gardening long enough, however, to not be lulled into an illusory la-la land of sustainable faith in balminess right on through springtime. In other words, we keep the freeze-cloth close by at all times, even when local WFAA Weather and the almost always reliable John Deere Ag Weather sites promise, say, ten days in a row of kind climes in North Texas.

Mother Nature in February and early March can slam the door on kindness faster than Carrie’s tough-love Mom can lock the troubled teen in her frosty time-out closet.

In March, She might dump a ton of sleet and freezing rain on our pretty gardens, followed by a tornado to heist our organic, raised beds and airlift the whole works to somebody else’s property in another county. There’s just no telling.

But today was a glorious day in the garden. This morning, Becca harvested lush Asian collard greens, crispy Chinese cabbage, red and curly leaf kale, Italian ‘wild’ arugula, winter cilantro, Greek oregano, beautiful broccoli flowerets and leaves (with bright yellow, edible flowers), and fragrant chocolate mint.

Before leaving for her usual volunteer shift at nearby Children’s and Community Health Center, Becca had kindly made everything ready for me when I got home from classes this afternoon. So all I had to do was deliver the herbs and produce to Chef Craig Brundege (Square Burger) and Chef Robert Lyford (Patina Green) in downtown McKinney, and enjoy brief visits with each.

I planted Yukon Gold potatoes this year on Valentine’s Day, more out of nostalgia than anything, because that’s when Granddad Motley planted seed potatoes in Hill County. With global warming (why do I always think ‘global warning’?), I probably could have planted a month ago and would have still been okay; after all, now that North Texas has been officially declared a Zone 8 region instead of Zone 7. we’ve all had to adjust our planting schemes, including choice of dates and produce.

My neighbor, Tyler, tells me that he’s planting banana trees and pineapples this year because of the dramatic zoning change. More power to him. I rented the old movie The Hawaiians for Tyler so he could organize a raid on French Guiana pineapple plantations, as did Charlton Heston, to obtain heirloom stock.

Local Food Bills Heard by Texas House Public Health Committee

Brian Cummings — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:55:07 -0600

Two important local food bills were heard before the Texas House Public Health Committee at the Capitol Wednesday, February 27.

Over 100 Texans – including registered dietitians, nurses, licensed raw dairy farmers, and raw milk consumers – attended the hearing and registered in support of HB 46, sponsored by Representative Dan Flynn, which would allow licensed dairy farmers to sell raw milk at farmers’ markets, as well as do home delivery and make other delivery arrangements with their customers.

While the number of family-owned dairy farms has dramatically dropped over the last several decades, raw milk has provided a practical way for farmers to stay in the dairy business and remain financially and environmentally sustainable.

“What is the difference economically between conventional milk and raw for retail milk? It is the life or death of a dairy farm,” said raw milk dairy farmer Bob Stryk, of Stryk Jersey Farm in Schulenberg, Texas.

Much of the testimony and Committee discussion focused on the safety aspects.

“Licensed raw milk producers meet extensive regulatory requirements to protect the public health and safety,” stated Judith McGeary, Executive Director of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance. “There have been six illnesses attributed to raw milk in Texas in the last twenty years. More illnesses have been attributed to strawberries and chicken soup than to raw milk in this State, and it certainly has a better track record than raw oysters, which the Texas Legislature voted to protect last session.”

The second bill, HB 910, sponsored by Representative Lois Kolkhorst, and joint-authored by Representative Eddie Rodriguez, chair of the bipartisan Farm-to-Table Caucus, would cap the health permit fees that could be imposed on farmers and farmers’ market vendors to $50 per year per county or city. Over 80 Texans registered their support, and the Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, Sustainable Food Center, and two individual farmers' market organizers testified.

“House Bill 910 is about economic development – supporting financially viable markets for family farmers. And it’s about access to healthy food – keeping producers’ costs down so prices of healthy food remain accessible for consumers,” said Andrew Smiley, Deputy Director of the Sustainable Food Center.

For more information visit www.farmandranchfreedom.org, email info@farmandranchfreedom.org or call (254) 697-2661.

Alexandra M. Landeros
Outreach & Events Director
www.farmandranchfreedom.org

New White Rock Market, Grand Prairie Open 2013 Market Season

Brian Cummings — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:38:55 -0600

The 2013 farmers market season kicks off this weekend as White Rock Local Market adds a new location and expands its schedule and Grand Prairie opens its season earlier than usual.

White Rock manager Sarah Perry explained that she had been looking for ways to expand what had been a twice-monthly market at the Green Spot on Buckner Boulevard when she was introduced to people at Lakeside Baptist Church, the market's expansion location. "They wanted to host a market but didn't have the expertise,” she explained, “and we wanted to expand as well so it became a partnership. We think it’s a great thing for the neighborhood and our vendors who now have another week to sell.”

The new market gets underway this weekend (Saturday, March 2) at 8 a.m. in the church’s parking lot at 9150 Garland Road and will be an “Everything” market with a line-up of both food and non-food arts and crafts vendors. Perry said she expects some 50 vendors equally split between food and non-food.

“We have several produce vendors coming who have produce to sell,” she said noting that’s its early in the season for produce. “I don’t know whether it’s global warming or just a mild winter, but several of the produce vendors said they will have produce for sale.”

Among them are Good Earth Organic Farms, Hollyberry Herb Farm Farms, Rae Lilli Farms, Texas Worm Ranch and Alpha Omega Acres. Rae Lilli Farms will be bringing the results of late fall plantings including radishes, beets, spinach, bok choi, pak choi and onions along with “plenty of farm fresh eggs,” according to Ray Martinez.

The Grand Prairie Farmers Market will open its 2013 season with BBQ and Blues event featuring food trucks, BBQ provided by Double Throw Down Barbecue, live music by the Grammy-nominated "The Crawfish Band" and other blues bands, gift market, bounce house, face painter, game truck and more. The market runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Other markets this weekend include the Cowtown Market, the Dallas Farmers Market and the Four Seasons Market at Richardson.

Two Critical Local Food Bills Scheduled for Public Hearing Wednesday

Alexandra Landeros — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:29:11 -0600

Two important bills will have a hearing before the Texas House Public Health Committee at the Capitol this Wednesday, February 27 at 8:00 am.

The first bill, HB 46, sponsored by Representative Dan Flynn, would allow licensed dairy farmers to sell raw milk at farmers’ markets and fairs, as well as do home delivery and make other delivery arrangements with their customers. While raw milk is legal in Texas already, the current law requires consumers to drive to the farm every time they want to buy raw milk – imposing hardship on consumers and unfairly restricting small farmers from marketing their product.

The second bill, HB 910, sponsored by Representative Lois Kolkhorst, would cap the permit fees that could be imposed on farmers and farmers’ market vendors to $50 per year per county or city. The bill is joint-authored by Representative Eddie Rodriguez, chair of the bipartisan Farm-to-Table Caucus, the first of its kind in the nation.

“The demand for raw milk and locally produced foods is growing by leaps and bounds," explained Judith McGeary, Executive Director of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, a nonprofit that advocates for both farmers and consumers. "Small farms and food vendors selling directly to consumers at venues such as farmers' markets should not be hampered by regulations designed by and for the large corporations that dominate our food system. We appreciate Representatives Flynn and Kolkhorst, and all of their co-authors, for taking steps to restore common sense to the regulations."

For more information visit www.farmandranchfreedom.org email info@farmandranchfreedom.org or call (254) 697-2661.

Alexandra M. Landeros
Outreach & Events Director
www.farmandranchfreedom.org

Local Schools Learn The Seed To Table Concept

Brian Cummings — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:32:26 -0600

by Evelyn Willow

Four schools in Texas are putting down the text books in order to gain some hands-on experience in the garden. The schools, which have students from neighborhoods with high levels of poverty, have cultivated organic gardens on their grounds to practice the “seed to table” concept using a real life approach.

Working with expert chefs, the students will harvest their fruits and vegetables and prepare a benefit dinner using their school-grown organic produce.

The scheme is part of the REAL school gardens movement, which encourages students to get involved in raising their own produce in an on-site garden. In terms of educational purposes, these gardens have become invaluable as a learning resource, teaching children how produce is grown in a manner that is far more interesting than classroom based pop-quizzes.

Why “environmental stewardship” should be part of the curriculum

Children are the future guardians of the planet, so it is imperative good environmental values are instilled in them from a young age. Sustainability is evolving from an idealist's buzzword into a very real aspect of everyday life, as we become more and more aware of the effect our actions have on the planet, and what we can do to minimize our impact.

Organic food: the benefits

Growing food organically has a number of benefits. For example, some health experts believe that eliminating pesticides from the growing process is better for the body – in particular taking into account the vulnerabilities of young children and unborn fetuses.

Organic farming is also much better for the environment, as it does not affect other fauna and flora in the area with the spread of unhealthy chemical pesticides. This helps to maintain the planet's natural ecosystems.

Methods employed by organic farmers ensure the biological diversity of the area provides alternative habitats for pests, so pesticides are not required. Organic farmers also implement buffer zones to prevent the overspill of pesticides from conventionally farmed fields nearby.

When it comes to animals, meat raised in an organic fashion reduces the risk of diseases such as BSE or mad cow disease, as it means cattle are not fed animal by-products. Animals raised organically are also free from growth hormones and antibiotics. Antibiotics add to the growth of bacteria, which become resistant to the drugs and can cause illnesses in humans.

What do the school gardens hold?

Students at the four schools in Fort Worth involved in the scheme - D. McRae Elementary, I.M. Terrell Elementary, Meadowbrook Elementary, and T.A. Sims Elementary – have worked together to grow a variety of healthy and nutritious foods, including lettuce, green beans, carrots, radishes, rosemary and Swiss chard, as well as a range of other healthy and nutritious crops.

The students' harvest was used to produce a range of dishes, complemented by quality meat. On the menu for the benefit dinner was garden rosemary, brochettes of tuna, russet potato gnocchi, garden salad and more. The meal was held on Nov. 9th, and was cooked by professional chefs at the local GRACE restaurant.

Texas Sustainable Farming Conference: Austin Feb. 7-10

Brian Cummings — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:25:25 -0600

The Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners (TOFGA) conference to be held at the Austin Airport Hilton from February 7 to February 10, 2013, is great way to meet hundreds of Texas farmers, ranchers, and gardeners all in one place.

The conference is ripe with practical and essential information for consumers and producers alike. Topics range from understanding product labeling to organic fruit tree management to urban homesteading. Jim Hightower, former Texas Agriculture Commissioner and bestselling author, will deliver the keynote. So gather your friends and register today to take part in this statewide community event.

Pricing for the full conference starts at just $165 for TOFGA members, and a one-day pass is only $90. TOFGA membership, starting at only $20, provides the best discount. Banquet tickets, including the Hightower keynote, are $50 and are separate from conference participation.

For more information, please visit tofga.org

The Texas Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association is a statewide educational non-profit headquartered in Elgin that supports sustainable and organic farmers, ranchers, gardeners, and consumers through peer education and networking.

CitySprout Launches in North Texas

Brian Cummings — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 18:08:37 -0600

CitySprout, an online community where like-minded people can form a marketplace to attract offers from local food producers, has launched in North Texas. The company began operations in New England last year and expanded into Austin—its first market in the south—just last month.

“We are expanding our reach into Northern Texas due to the success of our Austin CitySprout communities,” said CitySprout spokesperson Garrett Fitzgerald.

Sort of a CSA for those who don’t want the commitment or the upfront outlay of several hundred dollars or a co-op with no membership fees or minimums, CitySprout is the latest in a growing number of online answers to the problem of linking local farmers and small-scale artisanal food makers to customers.

The concept, Fitzgerald explained, goes like this:

You either find or start a community at CitySprout.com by typing in your zip code. If there is already a group forming, you can join it or start your own. The group can be neighborhood-based, include only people at your workplace or be just a group of like-minded friends.

The idea is to get a critical mass of people who will agree to consider product offers from local food producers and agree to meet at a central location to pick up whatever they buy,

You can create your own group and invite friends, family, or coworkers via e-mail or Facebook or, Fitzgerald said, you can ask CitySprout to send you postcards, door hangers, and flyers with your community-specific web address to spread the word.

“As your community grows, small farms and local food producers will begin to take notice,” Fitzgerald explained. “Your local food producers can begin posting offers of fresh, local food that you will receive via email; everything from organic produce, pasture-raised meats, to artisanal products like honey, coffee, specialty cheeses and freshly baked bread.”

If you decide to make a purchase your order is delivered directly to your community at a convenient, predetermined time and location. CitySprout makes its money through a 15% transaction fee.

According to Fitzgerald, food producers can keep an offer active as long as they want.

“Farmer's wanting to do weekly deliveries can keep an order active for a week, close new orders a day before, and set a minimum quantity (or dollar amount) for the order to trigger. For a farmer doing a seasonal meat share, he can make the offer active for a longer period of time. If it doesn't trigger, there are no charges to either the farmer or the buyers.”

More information can be found online here.

Cultivating a Better Food System in 2013

Brian Cummings — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 22:52:55 -0600

By Danielle Nierenberg and Ellen Gustafson, the co-founders of Food Tank: The Food Think Tank. Danielle is based in Chicago, IL and Ellen is based in San Diego, CA.

As we start 2013, many people will be thinking about plans and promises to improve their diet and health. But we think a broader collection of farmers, policy-makers, and eaters need new, bigger resolutions for fixing the food system - real changes with long-term impacts in fields, boardrooms, and on plates all over the world. These are resolutions that the world can’t afford to break with nearly one billion still hungry and more than one billion suffering from the effects of being overweight and obese. We have the tools—let’s use them in 2013!

Growing in Cities: Food production doesn’t only happen in fields or factories. Nearly one billion people worldwide produce food in cities. In Kibera, the largest slum in Africa, farmers are growing seeds of indigenous vegetables and selling them to rural farmers. Urban Patchwork in Austin, Texas is neighborhood-based urban agriculture network that helps families turn unused yard space into farmland.

Creating Better Access: Recipe for Success brings an oversized van into food deserts in Texas and gives low-income consumers opportunities to buy affordable produce. Instead of chips and soda, they provide customers with affordable organic produce, not typically available in their communities.  

Eaters Demanding Healthier Food: Food writer Michael Pollan advises not to eat anything that your grandparents wouldn’t recognize. Try eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole foods without preservatives and other additives.   

Cooking More: Home economics classes have declined in schools in the United Kingdom and the U.S. and young people lack basic cooking skills. Top Chefs Jamie Oliver, Alice Waters, and Bill Telepan are working with schools to teach kids how to cook healthy, nutritious foods.   

Creating Conviviality: According to the Hartman Group, nearly half of all adults in the US eat meals alone. Sharing a meal with family and friends can foster community and conversation. Recent studies suggest that children who eat meals with their families are typically happier and more stable than those who do not.   

Focus on Vegetables: Nearly two billion people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies worldwide, leading to poor development. The World Vegetable Center, however, is helping farmers grow high-value, nutrient rich vegetables in Africa and Asia, improving health and increasing incomes.   

Preventing Waste: Roughly one-third of all food is wasted—in fields, during transport, in storage, and in homes. But there are easy, inexpensive ways to prevent waste. Initiatives like Love Food, Hate Waste offer consumers tips about portion control and recipes for leftovers, while farmers in Bolivia are using solar-powered driers to preserve foods.   

Engaging Youth: Making farming both intellectually and economically stimulating will help make the food system an attractive career option for youth. Across sub-Saharan Africa, cell phones and the internet are connecting farmers to information about weather and markets. Houston’s Parks and Recreation Department offers a Summer Food Service Program for youth ages 1 to 18.

Protecting Workers: Farm and food workers across the world are fighting for better pay and working conditions. In Zimbabwe, the General Agricultural and Plantation Workers Union of Zimbabwe (GAPWUZ), protects laborers from abuse. In the U.S., the Coalition of Immokalee Workers successfully persuaded Trader Joe's and Chipotle to pay the premium of a penny-per-pound to Florida tomato pickers.

Acknowledging the Importance of Farmers: Farmers aren’t just farmers, they’re business-women and men, stewards of the land, and educators, sharing knowledge in their communities. Slow Food International works with farmers all over the world, helping recognize their importance to preserve biodiversity and culture.   

Recognizing the Role of Governments: Nations must implement policies that give everyone access to safe, affordable, healthy food. In Ghana and Brazil, government action, including national school feeding programs and increased support for sustainable agricultural production, greatly reduced the number of hungry people.   

Changing the Metrics: Governments, NGOs, and funders have focused on increasing production and improving yields, rather than improving nutrition and protecting the environment. Changing the metrics, and focusing more on quality, will improve public and environmental health, and livelihoods.   

Fixing the Broken Food System: Agriculture can be the solution to some of the world’s most pressing challenges—including unemployment, obesity, and climate change. These innovations simply need more research, more investment, and ultimately more funding.