Network of Friends and Organizations
Helpful Information and Links
Once you start growing food in your backyard organically, you begin to wonder what all is being done to the food you buy. Here's information on current issues with our food supply, as well as pointers to a better way.
John Jeavons' book, "How to Grow More Vegetables" is a great read on sustainable agriculture.
Ecology Action is a champion of sustainable practices worldwide.
Biointensive for Russia is a project of Ecology Action, bringing sustainable practices to Russia through tranlation of Ecology Action publications and seminars.
The Valley of Hearts Delight project works on local, organic food and agriculture issues.
Ecological Farming Association On the leading edge of sustainable agriculture for 25 years. Annual January inspiring conference in Monterrey, California.
Community Alliance with Family Farmers(CAFF) gives info on Sustainable Agriculture.
The Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems at UC Santa Cruz is a research, education, and public service program, dedicated to increasing ecological sustainability and social justice in the food and agriculture system. CASFS runs the beautifully biointensive Alan Chadwick garden, really worth a visit.
Food First, founded by Frances Moore Lappe ("Diet for a Small Planet") is a think tank that tackles the job of reforming the global food system, from the bottom up. Lots of meticulously researched books, reports and other media to be found here.
The Organic Farming Research Foundation aims to foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming practices.They give grants for research on organic farming methods and aim to help family farmers through outreach and education.
Eating Locally
We've put together an Eating Organically and Locally Resource List of farmer's markets, CSAs, restaurants, and more.
Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) gives info on Community Supported Agriculture.
Village Harvest works with local community groups to harvest local backyard produce to help feed the hungry.They sell preserves made from locally grown fruits!
Solutions
Sustainability When big business grows food organically, it does not necessarily do so in a way that is sustainable. Check these links to see what sustainablity is and why it's so important.
People and Organizations Doing Good Work
Eating Locally Where to eat locally and why it's important
Organic Standards and Certification
Vegetarian choices and information. Eating lower on the food chain helps your health, helps your pocketbook, helps the environment, helps the hungry, helps the cow. Think about it!
People and Organizations Doing Good Work
The Union of Concerned Scientists
Campaign to Label Genetically Engineered Foods
The Center for Media & Democracy
Organic Standards and Certification
Did you know that just this year that for the first time, a National Organic Standard for food went into effect? It took ten years to make this set of regulations, and tens of thousands of people wrote in to the USDA, giving feedback that the law should be strengthened. It was!
The California Certified Organic Farmers site gives an overview of the new law, as well as explaining the certification process in California.
The USDA has a site devoted to The National Organic Program.
Another place to find information about many Organic Topics is ATTRA's (National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service) site. There are over 200 printable publications on various pertinent topics, and a wealth other useful resources. Click to visit them today! ATTRA.NCAT.org or ATTRA.org (both links go to the same place)