European Union votes to ban farm pesticides
With a lopsided vote of 577 to 61, the European parliament passed
legislation that will restrict the use of pesticides in agriculture and
ban 22 chemicals completely. The British government is protesting the
new law, but the heavy majority vote makes it likely that all 27 EU
member states will comply despite the risk to winter vegetable crops
such as carrots.
Real homeland security
Michael Ableman, noted farmer, author, world traveler and lecturer,
shared his thoughts on food with an afternoon audience at Maui
Community College (MCC) last week, in a free event sponsored by the
Sustainable Living Institute of Maui (SLIM). Ableman, who manages the
120-acre Foxglove Farms on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia said
that Maui "may be the most food-insecure place on the planet."
Permaculture: coming to life on Maui
Local resident Claire Kellerman, of KLARITY.org, founded the Maui
Permaculture Network in 2006. She says that the "ethics" of
permaculture are: "1) Care of the earth. 2) Care of the people. 3)
Sharing and returning the surplus of abundance and beauty."
New Hawaii directory lists organic producers
Hawai’i consumers should find it easier to verify the authenticity of
organic products and find places that sell them with the publication of
a new directory listing 140 of the state’s certified organic growers.
The directory, published by the Hilo-based Hawaii Organic Farmers
Association, is the first listing all of the state’s certified organic
producers of crops, honey, livestock and value-added processed products
such as jams and jellies.
Sustainable farming vital for health of Isles
Great farmers are inspired to care for the land by sustaining the soils
for future generations and to care for community by creating good jobs
and delivering flavorful foods. Whether that farmer uses organic or
simply sustainable methods, great farmers care. When we support farmers
and ranchers who care, we all benefit in many ways, even if it starts
at simply great-tasting food.
Organic stamp is a plus for local products
Conventional farms are converting to organic. Mainland farmers are
buying local farms. And consumer demand for all things organic is
increasing. That demand has spurred growth in related non-farm
businesses, including companies that process and handle organic
produce. Hawai’i businesses now sell a variety of certified organic
products including honey, tofu, even noni leather.
