| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| FaithIrene |
Posted - Mar 19 2009 : 12:11:50 PM
BEWARE! |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Rosemary |
Posted - Apr 06 2009 : 09:02:47 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Celticheart
LOL Mara, I thought I was the only 'weirdo' in the world that read that book. As I said I did re-read it last year.
Weirdos of the World, Unite! LOL
Mara |
| Celticheart |
Posted - Apr 05 2009 : 9:40:39 PM
LOL Mara, I thought I was the only 'weirdo' in the world that read that book. As I said I did re-read it last year. Much of it is still very relevant to things that are going on today and not just in agriculture. It was fuel for some very interesting discussion between DH and I last winter.
Thanks for reminding us all to do our homework.
It's not about being perfect, but enjoying what you do. Set aside time to be creative.
Robyn Pandolph
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| Rosemary |
Posted - Apr 05 2009 : 4:51:18 PM
I wouldn't be too sure. They've done stranger things than that....in recent history. The politics of food and farming is very interesting. Last year I re-read an old book--Ill Fares the Land: The Famine That's Planned for America. It was written in the 1960's but much of what it covers is still relevant today. It covers things like the beginning of farm subsidies and the farm bill, price supports, etc. You can find it on Amazon, cheap, used. If you decide to read it do so with an open mind. See what you think.
I remember that book! It was darn near required reading in the food co-op culture of my youth. It would be interesting to revisit it now to see how much of it was prophetic. Thanks for mentioning it! |
| Rosemary |
Posted - Apr 05 2009 : 4:27:50 PM
quote:
Originally posted by FaithIrene
LESS GOVERNMENT. PERIOD.
I personally think the more responsible I can be about my own life including my health and my finances the less interference or "help" I would want or accept from government sources!
That is my goal... to be even more responsible for my own health and finances everyday.
Everyday...
I understand your intent. I think we'd all like to believe that we know best how to run our own lives, and most of the time, we sure do!
I just couldn't let your post slip past me without saying that given the current economic climate in which we all are struggling right now, I would like to have had quite a lot more government watching out for us during the past several years of deregulation (less government) that allowed massive abuses to literally rob us of our futures.
Sometimes, somebody's gotta be running the show, or the actors stumble all over each other and nobody can hear their cues. On the other hand, I agree we have too much regulation in some parts of our lives, to the point where we've forgotten how to be self-sufficient and responsible for our own mistakes. I'm always amazed when I visit other countries where they don't have signs plastered up everywhere telling you to be careful! They expect people to apply some common sense and watch their steps. I like that. But, as I said, there are some kinds of things we can't necessarily be in control of ourselves. For those things, we created a government with enough power to do what they must to protect our interests, but never so much that it forgets at whose pleasure it exists in the first place. |
| Rosemary |
Posted - Apr 05 2009 : 4:14:24 PM
Hello, Farmgirl sisters. I've been out of the loop for a while, but hoping to become more active in the forum again. In addition to running a farm and a full-time business, I'm also a political activist. I want to caution everyone here about these bills. They are not "coming up for a vote" soon. They're stuck in committees on both sides (House and Senate).
When you call your Congressman/Congresswoman, you should refer only to the House Bill, not the Senate version, and vice versa.
There is nothing in either version of the bill that specifically provides for any of the things some people here are frightened about; in fact, current state and federal programs already provide plenty of opportunity for many of the named horrors -- and worse -- to take place. The proposed legislation would create a new division within an existing agency to deal in a more streamlined way specifically with tainted food products, toward preventing "mad cow disease," e coli outbreaks and so on. Of course, any such program presents the opportunity for unintended consequences , usually due more to inept administration than corruption, though the latter is certainly possible. It also, however (and this might come as a hugely unpleasant surprise to Monsanto), could provide the mechanism to deal swiftly with complaints from organic farmers about things like toxic drift from neighboring farms using chemicals and genetically altered crops. Wouldn't that be nice?
It will be much more effective for organic farmers, and others concerned about the purity of their food in an open marketplace, to ask their legislators to support laws that enhance the things we know to be beneficial, rather than setting up needless administrative obstacles that can easily result in one of the worst scenarios in the global food chain: the removal of diversity and small-scale production to meet the unique challenges of living on a planet under the stresses of climate change. The less our government tampers with family farms and other small-scale organic food producers, the more likely we will all benefit from a wider choice of high-quality foods. The alternative -- subsidies for the production of food products with impaired nutritional value in spite of their enormous financial value to the giant corporations producing them -- will result fairly quickly in higher human and animal health care costs, more quickly depleted farmland, increased water and air pollution, and immeasurable loss of international good will, because too often, the worst spinoffs from U.S. corporate agriculture wind up in the bellies of the Third World.
Raise the bigger questions, sisters. And do your homework. Don't let someone else -- not even me -- do it for you. Everybody's got an agenda, even the "good guys." |
| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Apr 02 2009 : 06:38:36 AM
Further information: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_17355.cfm
Best Growing |
| melody |
Posted - Mar 31 2009 : 09:59:43 AM
Here is what my Rep. Bart Stupak e-mailed me this morning...
Dear Ms Neece:
Thank you for contacting me regarding H.R. 875, the Food Safety Modernization Act. I appreciated hearing from you on this issue.
On February 4, 2009, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro introduced H.R. 875, the Food Safety Modernization Act. H.R. 875 would establish a Food Safety Administration headed by an expert in food safety within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). By separating food safety regulation from drug and device approvals, the bill would allow food safety experts and researchers to focus on food safety. H.R. 875 would also provide the Food Safety Administration with the regulatory tools to access important records, recall products, and penalize companies for knowingly selling tainted products.
The Food Safety Modernization Act would address current weaknesses in the system by requiring traceability, requiring food companies to take preventive measures, mandating regular inspections, and demanding that imported food meet our safety standards.
Recent cases of salmonella in peanut butter, botulism in baby food, and e.coli in spinach are all signs of a disturbing trend. However, this is not merely a health issue; it is an issue of national security. Imported food could be tainted with biological or chemical agents before entering the United States or toxins could be introduced at a domestic food processing plant. By the time anyone begins to feel the effects of these toxins, this food could have reached thousands of people across the country, resulting in serious illness and even death.
While the number of cases of food borne illness has more than doubled in the last five years, the past Administration drastically reduced the resources for addressing food safety issues. The budget for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition has been cut from $48 million to $25 million in just three years. Also, annual inspections of domestic food processing plants dropped 25 percent since 2005.
On January 28, 2009, I introduced the Food and Drug Administration Globalization Act of 2009 along with Congressman John Dingell and Congressman Frank Pallone This legislation is a critical step toward equipping the FDA with the regulations and needed to safeguard Americans in the global marketplace for food, drugs, devices, and cosmetics.
The Food and Drug Administration Globalization Act would guarantee FDA the funding to significantly increase inspections of food facilities and improve outdated information systems. The legislation requires food producers to have preventive food safety plans and subject the plans to FDA inspection, requires food imports to meet all US standards, closes the loopholes in FDA's ability to trace the source of contaminated products, and imposes stiff penalties on companies that violate safety standards.
Whether we are talking about the Food Safety Modernization Act or my legislation, Congress is not intending to stop individuals from growing food for their own consumption. In addition, my legislation includes specific language that exempts small businesses from paying the registration fee.
It is my hope that Congress will act quickly on food safety legislation. Congress faces an ambitious agenda in the coming months, but the more than 500 illnesses and nine deaths linked to the current peanut butter salmonella outbreak underscore the importance of wasting no time in enacting this important legislation.
Again, thank you for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to contact me again regarding issues of importance to you.
Sincerely,
BART STUPAK
Member of Congress
I guess he answered my question....
Melody
Farmgirl #525
http://melodynotes-melodynotes.blogspot.com
www.bythebayhandcraftedsoap.com
www.lemonverbenasoap.etsy.com
www.andsewitgoes.etsy.com |
| Leezard |
Posted - Mar 31 2009 : 09:30:41 AM
I figure, if nothing else, people are letting the government know what's on their minds. Even if these bills aren't as bad as they could be, then everyone that's called, written, emailed in has just put the idea of what's going on with some of the people in the area they represent in their heads so if something like this comes up again they may think about the response they've gotten from these bills.
http://ruby--slippers.blogspot.com/
www.leezard.etsy.com |
| pamcook |
Posted - Mar 30 2009 : 06:29:26 AM
You all probably know this link but just in case...
http://www.organicconsumers.org/monlink.cfm
www.ikat.org |
| Contrary Wife |
Posted - Mar 29 2009 : 6:45:49 PM
AMEN!
Teresa Sue
Farmgirl Sister #316
Planting Zone 3
"Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly." The Dalai Lama |
| melody |
Posted - Mar 28 2009 : 6:53:15 PM
FaithIrene,
I just contacted our own Representative from our district here in Menominee, Michigan and asked him how he planned on voting on H.R.875.
It's scary to think that a bill like this would actually pass.
Melody
Farmgirl #525
http://melodynotes-melodynotes.blogspot.com
www.bythebayhandcraftedsoap.com
www.lemonverbenasoap.etsy.com
www.andsewitgoes.etsy.com |
| misstilliewillie |
Posted - Mar 28 2009 : 1:22:24 PM
Marcia,
I haven't read either book, but now they are on my must read list! Thanks for all the info...
As for Glenn Beck!!!, he is "my one thing" every day that I take the time to watch~ I bet CNN's bummed!
I guess they didn't realize just exactly what they had!
Such is life...
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/misstilliewillie
livin' the sweet life! |
| Celticheart |
Posted - Mar 27 2009 : 10:05:56 PM
Pam...thanks for the link.
Glory....Glenn Beck fan here too!!! Listen everyday on my way to work and watch him when I can. Have you read The Five Thousand Year Leap?? Wow.
It's not about being perfect, but enjoying what you do. Set aside time to be creative.
Robyn Pandolph
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| Celticheart |
Posted - Mar 27 2009 : 10:02:07 PM
quote:
Originally posted by therusticcottage
I got this from Local Harvest today regarding this bill. Thought I'd share the information with everyone.
[blue]
The administration could not publicly promote organic gardening, and then sign off on a bill that would "criminalize organic farming and outlaw home gardening."
[blue]
I wouldn't be too sure. They've done stranger things than that....in recent history. The politics of food and farming is very interesting. Last year I re-read an old book--Ill Fares the Land: The Famine That's Planned for America. It was written in the 1960's but much of what it covers is still relevant today. It covers things like the beginning of farm subsidies and the farm bill, price supports, etc. You can find it on Amazon, cheap, used. If you decide to read it do so with an open mind. See what you think.
Marcia
It's not about being perfect, but enjoying what you do. Set aside time to be creative.
Robyn Pandolph
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| pamcook |
Posted - Mar 27 2009 : 09:15:20 AM
A friend just sent me a link to this site.
This is not something we can let slide. No one company should be able to control our food!
http://www.organicconsumers.org/
www.ikat.org |
| ruralfarmgirl |
Posted - Mar 27 2009 : 08:56:09 AM
One of the things I love the most is... even if we agree... or disagree... that we are committed to being involved with the process and are willing to educate ourselves and be conscience of the process, as well as respectful of each others views..... Way to go farmgirls!!!!
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
http://farmchicksfarm.blogspot.com/http://renenaturallyspeaking.blogspot.com/
Circumstances made us FRIENDS; MaryJane's has made us SISTERS :) |
| idsweetie72 |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 7:56:21 PM
I am doing the same- spreaing the word and writing my congress
Mazy Day Farm |
| Julia |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 7:44:24 PM
Just sent the word out here! This is so frustrating!
For tomorrow and its needs I do not pray, but keep me, guide me, love me, Lord just for today.
St. Augustine
#440 |
| Alee |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 12:58:12 PM
I must admit there are things in HR 875 that I like, what worry about is whether farmer's markets and CSAs would be affected and also home slaughter! If you go to sponsoring Senator's website, she has a Myths and Truths about HR 875 section and all the answers to the questions that I am most concerned about say "There is no specific language that blocks XYZ (farmer's markets etc) from happening"
But what makes me concerned is that fact that those things aren't specifically protected because just because it isn't specifically targeted against small growers, farmer's markets or organics, doesn't mean that in the wrong hands, the bill wouldn't be used that way.
Tonight after my homework is done I will read through HR759 too
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| ruralfarmgirl |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 10:57:40 AM
If you want to track the bill yourself here is a great resource....http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billsearch.xpd
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
http://farmchicksfarm.blogspot.com/http://renenaturallyspeaking.blogspot.com/
Circumstances made us FRIENDS; MaryJane's has made us SISTERS :) |
| ruralfarmgirl |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 08:55:25 AM
I think I would say this. Dont necessarily take anyone's word for these issues, but rather go and read the bill for yourself. I think that even in the difficult language of these bills, we instinctively know if these feel right or they don't. I had a rough lesson recently when I was talking to one of the co-sponsors of one of these bills (oh by the way there are 5)... when they admitted that they didn't necessarily "support the bill" but needed a vote on another issue and so traded votes.
Often times common sense is thrown out by politics... and it is a sad fact. I was reminded that politics always trumps policy for politicians.
On their own, any of these bills can look benign, but when you read all of the bills you start to see a pattern, and while I agree that in this legislative go-around, H.R 875 may be ran over by HB 759, it may be because many believe that HB 759 needs to be in place to shore up H.R. 875.
The Bills to watch are Senate Bill 425
Senate Bill 510
H.R 814 known as the NAIS Bill
H.R 759
H.R. 875 (which would actually establish a new agency)
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
http://farmchicksfarm.blogspot.com/http://renenaturallyspeaking.blogspot.com/
Circumstances made us FRIENDS; MaryJane's has made us SISTERS :) |
| Contrary Wife |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 06:26:38 AM
It seems we have to be on constant vigil.
Teresa Sue
Farmgirl Sister #316
Planting Zone 3
"Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly." The Dalai Lama |
| Alee |
Posted - Mar 25 2009 : 10:17:54 PM
Thanks for posting that Kay that is good to know what the LocalHarvest people are thinking.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Mar 25 2009 : 10:00:44 PM
I got this from Local Harvest today regarding this bill. Thought I'd share the information with everyone.
Over the last couple of weeks, I've also received a barage of emails about the "Food Safety Modernization Act", or HB 875. The tone of these was somewhere between concerned and hysterical. From what we have learned, HB 875 is not the horror story it has been made out to be. It would not, for example, result in "totalitarian control" or "the planned elimination of farmers" as one oft-forwarded email put it. It actually contains some sound ideas. But for some reason, myths and misinformation about this bill have taken root and spread like a noxious weed.
It got me to thinking. First, truth be told, it made my head spin. All this justifiable jubilance stuffed in next to that screeching panic felt downright disorienting. The administration could not publicly promote organic gardening, and then sign off on a bill that would "criminalize organic farming and outlaw home gardening." It's absurd.
But what does it mean, to have so much exuberance in the locavore community on the one hand, and so much fear and loathing on the other? I think it comes down to this: food, and the ability to grow it honestly, is fundamental to our well-being. We celebrate when we see the food we love, and the values behind it, being respected by influential people. And if we feel that our right to grow that food without undue interference is threatened, we react strongly.
That said, it seems to me that we need to take a breath and put both of our hands to work. We can, each of us, sow at least one seed this spring. If the First Lady thinks pulling a few weeds is a good activity for her family, it's probably good for ours too - and it is. We can, each of us, also follow the food safety bills as they make their way through Congress, writing to our representatives to tell them how important small scale, organic agriculture is to us and to our communities.
It turns out that HB 875 is unlikely to go anywhere. And that's not necessarily great news, given that it contained some ambitious, positive changes. Our friends at the Cornucopia Institute tell us that 875 has been passed over for another food safety bill, HB 759. They, and others like Food and Water Watch think that we will need to make our voices heard as HB 759 moves forward, to ensure that the bill that is eventually passed includes exemptions for small food processing facilities and the same kind of smart, risk-based inspection processes that are contained in HB 875. We'll keep you posted.
Meanwhile, enjoy the rest of the newsletter, take good care, and eat well.
Erin Barnett
Director, LocalHarvest
Handmade Soap & Lotion Bars http://www.therusticcottagebath.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
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| misstilliewillie |
Posted - Mar 24 2009 : 9:03:01 PM
FaithIrene,
I've gone and done it!
Thanks for calling all farmgirls to take action! I can just imagine the phones ringing all over this great country of ours...farmgirls calling in and voicing opposition to these ridiculous and rather frightening bills!
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/misstilliewillie
livin' the sweet life! |
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