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HomeSafeHome:  Criminalization of Organic Farms in America  |
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FaithIrene
Farmgirl in Training
38 Posts
Faith Irene
Beautiful
Tennessee
USA
38 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 19 2009 : 12:11:50 PM
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| BEWARE! |
Edited by - FaithIrene on Feb 09 2010 08:03:59 AM |
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Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
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misstilliewillie
True Blue Farmgirl
136 Posts
glory
Tennessee
USA
136 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2009 : 5:28:01 PM
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My Sister from Tennessee,
What in the WORLD is going on????
I went to the links, and am set to track these bills.
I'm calling everybody tomorrow and voicing my opinion!
Also went to the YouTube link and watched...and if this is true...could IT POSSIBLY BE TRUE?....it is chilling! Have I entered the twilight zone?
What is happening to our country?
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/misstilliewillie
livin' the sweet life! |
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sjs
True Blue Farmgirl
247 Posts
Stephanie
Oakland
CA
USA
247 Posts |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2009 : 6:02:41 PM
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Here are the #'s for Ga. that I could find:
Nathan Deal: 202-225-2592 and Atlanta office is 770-535-2592
Saxby Chambliss: 202-224-3521 and Atl. 770-763-9090
Johnny Isakson: 202-224-3643 and Atl. 770-661-0999
There may be others, too. Thanks for showing this. I will call tomorrow. This is CRAZY!
Kris
Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you. Maori proverb |
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Niamh
True Blue Farmgirl
140 Posts
Idaho
140 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2009 : 6:49:38 PM
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I don't think this is about total control by the Feds. I think this is about total control by a business, in this case Monsanto. It has been said that their motto is “ Monsanto: no food shall be grown that we do not own!” A few years ago their motto was something along the lines of "From seed to plate." but they've been paying attention to their image and their 'pledge' is much more benign now. Almost altruistic and 'green' if you didn't know better.
Unfortunately, business and politics are so entwined these days that it is hard to tell them apart. Disturbing.
My farming blog: www.localfoodblog.blogspot.com
My living blog:
www.unprocessedfamily.blogspot.com |
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Mumof3
True Blue Farmgirl
3890 Posts
Karin
Ellenwood
GA
USA
3890 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2009 : 05:51:17 AM
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Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA) is a co-sponsor of the bill. I wrote him last week, along with Senators Isakson and Chambliss and Rep. Scott, from my district. Not surprisingly, I did not hear from any of them, except for the cursory "Thank you for writing." from Rep. Scott.
Karin
Farmgirl Sister
# 18 :)
www.perfectlittlemiracle.blogspot.com
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2009 : 07:56:31 AM
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OH and Michael Pollan's book "in defense of food" is such a great read and helps give some back ground on this. It is a great way to educate yourself and of course it is required reading for a farmgirl Badge so reading it is a win win.....
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
http://farmchicksfarm.blogspot.com/http://renenaturallyspeaking.blogspot.com/
Circumstances made us FRIENDS; MaryJane's has made us SISTERS :) |
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misstilliewillie
True Blue Farmgirl
136 Posts
glory
Tennessee
USA
136 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2009 : 11:19:11 AM
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This FarmGirl heard this post's clarion call, and then...
I made MY own phone calls voicing my opposition to this, and I'm tracking the progress (or hopefully, LACK OF!) these 2 bills.
Thanks, Rene, for the info. I'm going to check it all out!
I, for one, plan to keep informed, stay informed and participate in our country's future!
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/misstilliewillie
livin' the sweet life! |
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Niamh
True Blue Farmgirl
140 Posts
Idaho
140 Posts |
Posted - Mar 23 2009 : 08:58:43 AM
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Quick question - how do you find out which companies/special interests are behind a bill? I want to blog on this, but I don't feel comfortable saying 'Monsanto is behind this' without more evidence than the video linked to.
My farming blog: www.localfoodblog.blogspot.com
My living blog:
www.unprocessedfamily.blogspot.com |
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DaisyFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
1646 Posts
Diane
Victoria
BC
Canada
1646 Posts |
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pamcook
True Blue Farmgirl
228 Posts
Pam
Chapel Hill
NC
USA
228 Posts |
Posted - Mar 23 2009 : 12:15:06 PM
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Corporations have too many rights - and their rights supercede our individual rights. Sadly, it's all about corporate greed in our country - plus, look how many cabinet members came from huge corporations. The American people are so obscessed with their debt, they can't see how we're losing our rights day by day.
We must protect our Constitution - it does matter.
I'm a newbie here - I signed up when I saw this topic. I knew I was among kindred spirits :)
www.ikat.org |
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misstilliewillie
True Blue Farmgirl
136 Posts
glory
Tennessee
USA
136 Posts |
Posted - Mar 23 2009 : 3:35:07 PM
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Welcome...you are definitely amongst kindred spirits! And I couldn't agree with you more~
Every evening I settle in for my tivo'd Glenn Beck program...and every evening, I wonder,
Am I still living in America? Why isn't this stuff on the "local" news? Why isn't there more of a public outcry and outrage? Am I the only one feeling like this? And then, after the "we surround them" and "the 912 project" has been so successful...I realize...no, I'm not alone.
There's a passle of us out there. We are not alone!
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/misstilliewillie
livin' the sweet life! |
Edited by - misstilliewillie on Mar 23 2009 3:38:07 PM |
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misstilliewillie
True Blue Farmgirl
136 Posts
glory
Tennessee
USA
136 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2009 : 9:03:01 PM
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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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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Mar 25 2009 : 10:00:44 PM
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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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Edited by - therusticcottage on Mar 25 2009 10:01:11 PM |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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Contrary Wife
True Blue Farmgirl
2164 Posts
Teresa Sue
Tekoa
WA
USA
2164 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 06:26:38 AM
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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 |
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 08:55:25 AM
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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 :) |
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 12:58:12 PM
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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 |
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Julia
True Blue Farmgirl
1949 Posts
Julia
Shelton
WA
USA
1949 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 7:44:24 PM
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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 |
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idsweetie72
True Blue Farmgirl
129 Posts
Sandra
New Meadows
idaho
USA
129 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 7:56:21 PM
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I am doing the same- spreaing the word and writing my congress
Mazy Day Farm |
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
Posted - Mar 27 2009 : 08:56:09 AM
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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 :) |
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pamcook
True Blue Farmgirl
228 Posts
Pam
Chapel Hill
NC
USA
228 Posts |
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Celticheart
True Blue Farmgirl
811 Posts
Marcia
WA
USA
811 Posts |
Posted - Mar 27 2009 : 10:02:07 PM
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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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HomeSafeHome: Criminalization of Organic Farms in America |
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Criminalization of Organic Farms in America
