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Monday, January 14th, 2008
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10:43a - Farm Orginizations
Organizations we might want to look into joining and or keeping a close eye on for useful info:
Tilth Producers of Washington
Tilth Producers of Washington, a Chapter of Washington Tilth Association, is the premier organic farming and sustainable agriculture organization of Washington State. A membership organization of over 400 Washington growers, Tilth Producers fosters and promotes ecologically sound, sustainable agriculture in the interest of environmental preservation, human health and social equity.
They also have a program for matching up apprentices/interns with farm who would like them.
Certified Naturally Grown
This is basically the same requirements as the FDA "organic" label, but without the prohibitively costly tests. Farms check up on each other to keep everyone above boards.
Slow Food
Slow Food USA envisions a future food system that is based on the principles of high quality and taste, environmental sustainability, and social justice – in essence, a food system that is good, clean and fair. We seek to catalyze a broad cultural shift away from the destructive effects of an industrial food system and fast life; toward the regenerative cultural, social and economic benefits of a sustainable food system, regional food traditions, the pleasures of the table, and a slower and more harmonious rhythm of life.
Washington Sustainable Food & Farming Network
The Washington Sustainable Food & Farming Network (the Network) is a grassroots, statewide advocacy organization for sustainable agriculture and family farms in Washington State. Through education, grassroots organizing, policy advocacy and lobbying, the Network has become a leading voice for sustainable agriculture and a key catalyst for change in food and farming policies and practices in Washington State.
Network members include farmers, environmental organizations, farmers' markets, faith-based groups, the natural foods industry, community organizations, anti-hunger and nutrition advocates, educators and individuals like you who are investing in a healthy future by supporting sustainable agriculture.
The Biodynamic Farming & Gardening Association
t is the oldest, non-chemical agricultural movement and pre-dates organic agriculture by some twenty years. Biodynamics does more than avoid chemicals and seeks to actively work with the health-giving forces of nature. Biodynamics is a world-wide agricultural movement. Farms may be certified Biodynamic by the Demeter Association, an international certifier.
Honestly, this one looks a little kooky, have to investigate further. Not sure if it's just what we're after (working with nature instead of against her) or just a bunch of crazy new agers (with their whole 'ohh, the moon and the stars should be in the correct alignment to produce Truly Healthy Food).
Substainable Agriculture Research and Education
They provide grants to people doing work in how to be more sustainable. They also provide a large amount of very good information.
Organic Matierials Research Institute
The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is a national nonprofit organization that determines which input products are allowed for use in organic production and processing. OMRI Listed—or approved—products may be used on operations that are certified organic under the USDA National Organic Program (or, of course, CNG).
current mood:  cheerful (comment on this)
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12:08p
Two places to keep in mind when writing up about the differences between CNG and USDA certified organic. Also good indicators of pricing etc.
wholesomeharvest.org
laurelcreekmeat.com
Laurel Creek, definitely makes some claims that cannot be substantiated and are a little more rabid than I prefer, but some good points to remember.
(comment on this)
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