Avoid Monsanto and Shop Organic Markets

Farmer Markets are starting to open around our neighborhoods and week after week the bounty will grow!   I love heading out to the local farmers market and strolling down the open air streets.  There are more and more booths each week as the season ramps up.  You can check out localharvest for information about farmer markets in your area.  While you're at it, look into CSA's.  This is community supported agriculture.  By joining a CSA, you will be supporting your local farmers and organic properties.

Do you know the name Monsanto?  Who or what are they?  Monsanto is the world's largest supplier of herbicides, bioengineered seeds, and hormones called bovine growth hormone (rBGH) to increase milk production.  Its primary product is Roundup and it is believed among many that their goal is global dominance of the food supply.  We need to raise awareness of the dangers of this kind of reach.

I will go into more detail about Monsanto and genetically modified foods, (GMO's) in future posts and welcome your comments.    Remember, if the food you are buying is NOT certified organic, there is great probability that it has been genetically modified. 

Not Planting A Garden This Year - Join a CSA

It's Spring and you know what that means. Garden planning and farmers markets. Joining a CSA is another option. Supporting local farmers and reaping the benefits of healthier eating!

Advantages for farmers:

Get to spend time marketing the food early in the year, before their 16 hour days in the field begin
Receive payment early in the season, which helps with the farm's cash flow
Have an opportunity to get to know the people who eat the food they grow

Advantages for consumers:

Eat ultra-fresh food, with all the flavor and vitamin benefits
Get exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking
Usually get to visit the farm at least once a season
Find that kids typically favor food from "their" farm – even veggies they've never been known to eat
Develop a relationship with the farmer who grows their food and learn more about how food is grown
Check out http://www.localharvest.org/ for opportunities near you.