If you are Slow, you likely frequent at least one of our local farmers’ markets, so this article is talking about you! Great news for a more sustainable and healthy way of living for all of us – and a delicious, nutritious way to help with climate change.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says local food is growing quickly from a niche market into something that’s generating significant income for communities across the country.
We found a recent Smithsonian.com article that describes one country’s plan to support bee populations that are increasingly dying off from exposure to toxic pesticides and decreasing habitat. In this story, another current article is quoted as saying America’s recent research data indicates that in the last year, ending in April 2015, bee populations declined by as much as 40%. Yet bees are responsible for over a third of our food supply as the necessary pollinators in the chain of events from flower to fruit.
We all could think about how we, as consumers, can have positive influence in this increasing threat to our food supply. Buy organic ingredients where possible and include bee-attracting plants in your garden are two of the most obvious. A USDA website explains the situation from many angles for those who want more in-depth information about causes and the impact to the food system we know today.
If you care about how your food was grown or raised, this article on the latest from the USDA on how FARMED SEAFOOD might be considered ‘organic’ is an important read for you. Public commentary will be open this Summer (2015).
From our friends at Roots of Change, we will periodically post their summary of current legislation related all aspects of our food system and our state’s agriculture.
Leveraging a state program that encourages cities and counties to approve active farming or ‘Urban Agriculture Incentive’ zones on unused land within their boundaries, two Santa Clara County supervisors are hoping to recreate our Valley of Heart’s Delight. Within the next two or three months, they are calling for a detailed proposal to reclaim vacant lots for potential use as community gardens…(read more)
Plan Global, Eat Local: U.C.’s Food Initiative Starts on Campus | Civil Eats.
We ran across some good food news coming out of UC campuses this Fall. Acknowledging a “global food crisis”, University of CA President Janet Napolitano announced the UC Global Food Initiative to make changes at local campuses for more sustainable and local food sourcing (more…)
"SLOW FOOD unites the pleasure of food with responsibility, sustainability and harmony with nature."
- Carlo Petrini, Slow Food International
Founder and President
