7 reasons why you should grow your own food
Alternet - 2/26/2010.By Judi Gerber – Not that being part of a trend is ever a good reason to start or learn something new, but if it helps you move forward by being part of the "in" crowd, then you really need to plant your own edible garden this year. That's right, having your own vegetable garden is now trendy. In fact according to the 2009 Edibles Gardening Trends Research Report conducted by the Garden Writer’s Association (GWA) Foundation, over 41 million U.S. households, or 38 percent planted a vegetable garden in 2009. |
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The power of local
Common Dreams - 2/26/2010. By Jeff Milchen – The 2009 holiday season was a tough one for retail businesses. In November, their sales increased just 1.8 percent over low 2008 numbers-failing to keep pace with inflation. December was worse, with sales actually falling three tenths of a percent from 2008. But in more than a hundred communities across North America, independent community-based businesses had a more positive story to tell. |
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Agricultural fairs offering public a share of harvests
Portland Press Herald - 2/26/2010.By Meredith Goad – Mainers who want an easy, affordable way to ''eat local'' can link up with farmers Sunday at any of a dozen community-supported agricultural fairs to be held around the state. More than 80 farmers, fishermen and community organizations will take part in the fourth annual fair, which connects consumers with sources of fresh produce and seafood by offering seasonal shares in local farms and fishing businesses. |
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Sap ‘pouring in’ for producers, but harvest outcome uncertain
Bangor Daily News - 2/25/2010.By Sharon Kiley Mack – Machias: This winter’s unusual lack of snow and mild temperatures both day and night is having an extreme effect on Maine’s maple syrup industry. Traditionally, central Mainers begin tapping maple trees between March 7 and 10. The average start date across the state is March 20. But this year trees are already tapped in some places and syrup makers are boiling sap, while in other areas, daytime temperatures are still too low for the sap to run. |
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