Slow Food Food and Farm Bill Letter to Senate and House Committees
Folks,
The Food and Farm Bill is the single greatest influence on what we eat. It determines how billions are spent shaping our food system, from producer to eater. And, while we spend those billions, we know that diet-related diseases, obesity and diabetes, are at an all‐time high, and, in a seeming paradox, hunger persists in our nation. And, we know that our food system is dominated by a handful of large corporations that put our family farmers and ranchers, our health and well-being, and our environment at risk.
Attached is an important letter from Josh and all of our Regional Governors to the leaders of the House and Senate Ag Committees about the new Food and Farm Bill. In the letter, Josh, on behalf of our 225,000 supporters, nation-wide, states, “We believe that everyone, every day, should be able to eat food that is good for them, good for producers, and good for the planet. The next Food and Farm Bill has the potential to make that vision a reality, and, as leaders of the Senate and House agriculture committees, you have the opportunity to help move national farm and food policies in the right direction.” Josh continues, ”We urge you to consider…(our) principles and supporting actions that, when enacted, will: ‘promote a health-focused food system, help end hunger, and provide all with access to healthy food; create a level plowing field for family farmers and ranchers and help create vibrant, regional farm and food economies; and promote good environmental stewardship, preserving our agricultural land and water resources for future generations.’“ I am proud that Josh and all the Governors signed this letter. In the coming weeks, the House and Senate will be working on the next Food and Farm Bill. I believe that our voices can help make our food system better, cleaner, and fairer. I will keep you all posted as events unfold, letting you know when your chapter’s members and supporters might weigh in.
Thanks.
Ed
Rutgers Gardens Family Garden Club
These classes are a great opportunity for families to spend quality time together learning to start and nurture a vegetable garden at home. Activities are designed so that adults and children can explore and learn together. Children must be accompanied by an adult; limit two children per adult; adults attend for free.
 |
 |
 |
|---|
Family Garden Club
Ages: 6-12 years (must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older)
Dates: March 31, April 21, May 19, and June 9, 2012
Time: 9:00-11:00 am
Fee: $80.00 for 4 classes or $25.00 each
Location: Holly House
Vegetable gardening is a fun and rewarding hobby that can start in childhood and last a lifetime. These sessions are a great opportunity for families to spend quality time together. Through the use of our vegetable garden and greenhouses you will learn all about growing and harvesting cool and warm season vegetables. Vegetables taste better when you grow them yourself. Come dressed to garden!
Children must be accompanied by an adult; limit two children per adult, 21 or older. Adults free.
March 31, 2012 –Planning Your Garden- starting seeds; cool weather crops
April 21, 2012 – Planting Seedlings- Soil and composting; harvesting
May 19, 2012 – Tending Your Garden- mulching; plant supports; harvesting
June 9, 2012 – Harvesting the Garden - harvesting; food preparation
For more information contact Debbie Henry
Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey-- Take a peek...It's not just for farmers.
The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey (NOFA-NJ) is a membership-based educational non-profit organization and 2011 marks the 26th year of operation. We envision a strong, resilient regional food system that provides health to the land and people.
We are a unique collaboration among the stakeholders in our food system. Our members and our governing board include farmers, gardeners, consumers, retailers, processors, educators, policy-makers, and researchers. We serve as a catalyst in the development of a sustainable organic agricultural system; provide technical assistance to both organic and progressive conventional farmers to help build and maintain sustainable operations; educate diverse audiences about the significance and meaning of organic practices for food and the environment; and provide information and resources about current agricultural policy initiatives." ~http://www.nofanj.org/
NJ Agritourism: Farmers--Information for Farmers on the Business of Agritourism
Visit NJ Farms--"New Jersey is home to some of the most beautiful farmland and hard working farmers in the region. And, on many of those diverse farms, there are things to do and learn that the whole family would enjoy. It is what we call agricultural tourism, or agri-tourism in New Jersey."
Future Farmers at Rutgers NJAES
Footprints In The Field
The world has serious problems to solve and it needs your help. Sustaining agriculture to provide quality food, fiber, and landscape beauty for our planet is not just about training new farmers. Farmers require a variety of support systems to be successful. Knowledge of agriculture is integral to a wide range of careers. Rutgers is dedicated to providing individuals with the tools to solve the difficult problems facing our state, nation, and world.
Our students and farm interns come from diverse backgrounds and go on to serve the changing needs of agriculture and all related fields. As active participants in cutting-edge research and its direct application, they gain character building experiences, comprehensive knowledge, leadership skills, and develop life long relationships. Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and the Rutgers Research and Extension Farms are a unique combination because together they provide experiential education where classroom studies are applied in the field. There is no better way to learn than working side-by-side in the field with renowned Rutgers professors and successful urban fringe farmers. Interested in being part of the solution to major world problems? Come get your hands dirty with us.