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Re: Food rage (fwd)



Hi, Michelle!  Nice to "hear" you!

The way I get around the "can't afford" issue is to offer working shares and a
clear explanation that I can find anything for anybody to do -- "work" doesn't
necessarily mean grubbing in the garden.  I have senior citizens who make
phone calls and paste together a newsletter, etc., for 50% off on their
harvest share (20 hours of work).

And even at that I can't bloody give away organic food in this area via the
CSA model.  This year I'm making money, but only because I finally got a
contract with a local restaurant.

The farm is temporarily back off the real estate market, but only until I get
a coat of paint slapped onto the house and the flowers up and blooming.  Then
the asking price goes up by $10,000 and I'll get it and will be in the next
rental truck West.

I believe in CSA and I believe in my ability to grow good, safe food.  And I
want to do it with a supportive community.  I make my living in other ways,
money is not part of the issue for me but community certainly is, so I'm going
where I've found an indication that people understand its importance in the
equation.  As the only CSA within five counties (and one of only two certified
organic farms in New York State's largest and most rural county), I've been
twisting alone in the wind for long enough here.

Which is not bad -- I'm not retreating from, I'm moving forward to embrace
something new.  Been through the anger, now into the acceptance and it feels
very good.

And wouldn't you know it, the garden fields have worked up better this year
than ever before.  I'm leaving this place better than I found it, so I'm
satisfied.

If anybody out there would like to take up my project here in New York with a
turnkey CSA farm including contacts, past members, and the executive chef --
and all equipment and even some livestock, flash me a line!   But a warning --
food here is still cheap and convenient in the big grocery stores and people
are very slow to take to new ideas.  With lots of big fields (mostly hay and
feed corn) the general attitude is one of "What agricultural crisis?"  It's a
tough nut to crack.

Dori Green
Ash Grove Community Farm
Southern Tier, Upstate New York