The recall of a half million eggs is likely to help move the Food Safety bill, S 510,  through the U.S. Senate (a similar bill already passed the House) more quickly.   Small farm advocates have been suspicious of the intent (or at least the impact) of the proposed legislation.  While I certainly understand why we might be suspicious of anything coming from the federal government, in this case – I believe we need this legislation.

A recent brief from the Senate staff suggests that the legislation is NOT aimed at small farms. Specifically it states:

• Regulatory Flexibility for Organic Foods
  Throughout the bill, consideration is given to the unique agricultural practices and requirements of organic foods under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990.

• Protections for Farmers Markets, Cottage Industries and Direct Farm-to-Market Sales
  Small entities that produce food for their own consumption or market the majority of their food directly to consumers or restaurants are not subject to registration or new record keeping requirements under S. 510. This includes food sold through farmers’ markets, bake sales, public events and organizational fundraisers.

For details, here is a summary of the amendments that have been filed to protect small farms from being unfairly disadvantaged.  Personally, I can support this bill – BUT it is not a cure all.  There are bigger, more systemic problems associated with the industrial food system, such as:

1.  Factory farms that produce virulent forms of E. coli

2. The exploitation of people, the land and community.

3. The dependency of industrial agriculture on rapidly diminishing supplies of fossil fuel.

I believe the most effective action we can take s individuals and families is to “grow food justly”…

• • at home:  Grow a Garden
  • on nearby farms: Buy Local
  • in the marketplace: Fair Trade

For more on solutions see; Just Food Now.

I hear from my students all the time that they “can’t afford” good quality, locally grown food.  But is this true?  We pay for fast food in poor health, social inequities and environmental degradation.  While the Big Mac may seem to be a cheap way of filling your belly……  is it really?    Read more here.

The meat industry seems slow to change, but when you and I change our personal behavior (and eat right) it might make a difference.  Check out this web page. Do you think we are on the brink of a significant shift in how we produce meat?

Do you prefer to buy certified organic food (which is mostly grown on large farms and sold through major food chains)?  Or do you look for locally grown food grown on small sustainable farms where you get to know the farm family?  I guess the way I put the question shows my own preference?  Which is yours?  For more click here.

The National Snack Food Association has declared February “Snack Food Month”.  I guess we are all supposed to be sitting around watching TV getting fat during the winter.  But the Kitchen Garden Association has decided to “fight back” with an awareness campaign to encourage us all to eat healthy.

Learn more here.

A new book titled Empires of Food: Feast, Famine, and the Rise and Fall of Civilizations – (that includes our own), examines previous civilizations and claims that our current food system is following in the footsteps of millennia of incredibly efficient yet inflexible models of production and distribution of food.  Sounds like deja vu all over again! Read the article here.

Check out this New York Times article about how Botanical Gardens, long known for their amazing floral displays and specimen plants, are now growing food plants and highlighting locally grown food!  A sign of the times!  Read it here.

Busy people in Boston and nearby communities have access to a new service that will pick up and deliver local food from the farmers markets right to their door.  One of the criticisms of Community Supported Agriculture has been the time it takes to stop by the farm.  While many people, especially those with children, value this experience – others find it inconvenient.  There is no longer an excuse not to buy, “just food now.” This service also provides incentives for changing other aspects of your life (like quitting throw-away plastic water bottles for a more sustainable alternative).   Check out the Gogreenologist.

The FBI, FDA and Los Angeles Police knocked on the door  (with guns drawn –  really!),  searched the premises and seized 17 large coolers of milk and other dairy products.  Raw milk!  On the same day, a farmer who provides raw goat milk to Rawesome members was also raided by about 20 government agents.  No kidding…. raw milk!  Check out the story here.