Letters

MOFGA Farmers’ Barn Succumbs to Fire

Hello Friends of Goranson Farm,

Most of you have heard of the January fire that took Jan, Rob, Carl and Goran’s potato barn along with tons of spuds, CSA veggies, equipment and supplies stored there. The entire family has met this challenge with good humor and optimism, but it's a huge loss to them and the community.

Lots of folks have called to find out how they can help, and many already have in numerous ways. I am sure there will be some work days at the farm, building the new barn. If you would like to offer some manual labor, let me know and I will keep you informed.

In the meantime, however, an account has been opened in the name of Goranson Farm Fund at Damariscotta Bank and Trust for anyone who feels moved to make a financial contribution. Although insurance looks like it will cover most of what was lost, there is no way it can possibly compensate them for everything, including their time. Specifically their dump truck and other pieces of equipment that they thought were covered were not. If you want to help in this way, send a check to Damariscotta Bank and Trust, P.O. Box 999, Damariscotta ME 04543. Please make the check out to Goranson Farm Fund.

Best,

Bambi Jones
Alna, Maine

GE Pollen Travels Miles

Dear Friends,

In case you missed it, in the December 2004 issue of Discover Magazine, on pg. 9, there’s a very small "news flash" that says: "EPA scientists find engineered genes in wild grasses 13 miles away from a test plot of genetically modified creeping bentgrass. The study shows that pollen can carry such genes much farther than previously recognized."

Michael Maltby
S. Portland, Maine