The Valley Voice » Home & Garden

Gardiner Farmers Market at Johnson Hall on Feb. 1, 2012

George L. Tibbetts Jr. — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

2 PM until 6 pm

Johnson Hall
(downtown on Water Street)

PARTICIPATING FARMERS & PRODUCERS

Balfour Farm
Borealis Breads
Bridge Farm
Dragonfly Cove Farm
Emery Farm
Geroux’s Café Mixes
Longmeadow Farm
Oaklands Farm
Paula C’s
Pretzel Logic
Roseberry Farm
Snafu Acres Farm
Wholesome Holmstead

(To read more about your farmers & producers, click on the VENDORS page)
Website: http://gardinerfarmersmarket.org/

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EBT CARDS & WIC ACCEPTED

The Gardiner Farmers’ Market is thrilled to be outfitted with one of the first market-wide EBT machines in the state of Maine. The card is swiped through the machine in exchange for tokens which can be used at any of the vendor tables.

Some of the vendors also accept WIC.

Bring any questions to the information table at Wednesday’s market.

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FOOD DONATIONS

BRING CANNED GOODS FROM HOME or BUY A LITTLE EXTRA AT THE MARKET & PASS IT ALONG

Every week, vendors pass along unsold products to people who might not otherwise have easy access to fresh and local foods.

We will also gladly accept any food donations you choose to leave.

Just look for the plastic deposit bin. ALL DONATIONS GO TO THE FAITH CHRISTIAN FOOD PANTRY

THANK YOU!

Teacher Eric Wade Receives Maine Agriculture in the Classroom 2012 Teacher of the Year Award

George L. Tibbetts Jr. — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0000

(left to right): Hope Elementary School teacher, Eric Wade, receives the 2012 Maine Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year Award from Maine Agriculture Commissioner Walt Whitcomb, on January 11, at the Maine Agricultural Trades Show.*

AUGUSTA-Erik Wade, Hope Elementary School science and mathematics teacher, has been named the 2012 Maine Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) Teacher of the Year. The award was presented to Wade by Maine Agriculture Commissioner Walt Whitcomb, on January 11 at the 71st Annual Maine Agricultural Trades Show in Augusta.

Wade, a firm believer in learning through doing, received the award for his work with students in developing a school-wide composting program and integrating a garden and greenhouse into the school curriculum. As part of the garden project, his students designed a greenhouse and raised beds, and then planted a variety of vegetables and flowers. In conjunction with this project, the entire school studied various aspects of agriculture, including pollination, plant systems, botany, and the water cycle. Parents were also involved, to provide support for the program.

In June, Wade will be honored at the National AITC Conference in Loveland, Colorado, with award-winners from other states. For more information on Wade, the award, and MAITC go to http://www.maineagintheclassroom.org/.

*Maine Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC), located in the Maine Department of Agriculture, is a grassroots program coordinated by the US Department of Agriculture. MAITC’s mission is to promote the understanding of agriculture and natural resources among students, educators, and the general public.*

The Hope School Garden Committee working at the Hope Elementary School greenhouse and community garden.

Cornucopia Newsletter for January 2012

George L. Tibbetts Jr. — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:15:00 +0000

Largest Corporate Dairy, Biotech Firm and USDA Accused of
Conspiring to Corrupt Rulemaking and Pollute Organics

The Cornucopia Institute has formally requested that the USDA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigate corruption at its National Organic Program resulting in the use of illegal synthetics in organic food and then allowing powerful corporations to “game the system” for approval “after the fact.”

The controversy surrounds synthetic products—genetically modified soil fungus and algae—developed by Martek Biosciences Corporation (part of a $12 billion Dutch-based conglomerate) as nutritional supplements in organic food including milk, infant formula, and other foods. Martek’s formulated oils are processed with synthetic petrochemical solvents in a blend containing a myriad of other synthetic chemicals. Supplements derived from these oils, commonly marketed as DHA and ARA, are being added to milk, infant formula and other organic foods by such companies as Dean Foods (Horizon), Abbott Laboratories (Similac) and Nurture, Inc. (Happy Baby).

Cornucopia’s research has linked Martek’s supplements to serious illness in some infants. To view the full news release, click here.

Monsanto Seeks to Squelch Patent Lawsuit

Image creator Grant Cochrane

Monsanto has moved to dismiss a lawsuit challenging its patent rights on genetically modified seeds. The Cornucopia Institute is among the 83 family farmers, seed businesses and organic agricultural organizations represented by the Public Patent Foundation in the lawsuit. The matter will be heard in a Manhattan courtroom in New York City on Tuesday, January 31.

“We are putting Monsanto on notice,” said Jim Gerritsen, a Maine family farmer and President of the Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association. “Americans have the right to choice in the marketplace – to decide what kind of food they will feed their families – and we are taking this action on their behalf to protect that right to choose.”

Monsanto contends the lawsuit is a trivial publicity stunt. Supporters of the lawsuit are urged to attend the hearing to make a positive impression on presiding judge Naomi Buchwald concerning the seriousness of the matter. If you can travel to and attend this important hearing, in NYC, (farmers are especially encouraged) and would like more details, pleasecontact us.

“Family-scale farmers desperately need the judiciary branch of our government to balance the power Monsanto wields in the marketplace and through their legislative lobbyists,” notes Cornucopia’s Mark Kastel. “Farmers have saved seeds since the beginning of agriculture. It is outrageous that one corporate entity, through the trespass of what they refer to as their ‘technology,’ can intimidate and run roughshod over family farmers in this country.”

Office of Inspector General Investigating Management of
National Organic Dairy Program

The internal legal arm of the USDA is investigating the management and oversight of the nation’s organic dairy program by the National Organic Program (NOP). The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is expected to release a report early in 2012 regarding its preliminary investigation.

This report, according to Miles McEvoy, the director of the NOP, is the first stage of the organic dairy investigation. For the rest of 2012, the OIG expects to dig further into the matter, including site visits to organic dairies around the U.S.

Cornucopia welcomes this long needed investigation. Our research and onsite visits have documented numerous suspect management practices at factory-scale dairies with thousands of cows. The NOP has been slow to investigate the formal complaints filed by Cornucopia. Ethical family-scale farmers have been economically injured by factory farm scofflaws and consumers fooled by pretty images on cartons containing their faux organic milk. Cornucopia’s organic dairy scorecard provides guidance on brands sourcing milk from farmers with the best organic practices.

Say No to Monsanto’s Genetically Engineered Soy
Send Your Comment to the USDA

By deregulating one GMO after another (Round Up Ready alfalfa, “drought-resistant corn, etc.), President Obama and Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack have made it clear to the American public that they do not care about our concerns with genetically engineered food and its questionable safety, adverse environmental impacts, and detrimental effects on farmers, especially organic farmers.

We must keep the pressure on! Let’s continue to flood the USDA with public comments opposing their misguided and dangerous policy of indiscriminately releasing GMOs into America’s farm fields and food supply. Cornucopia already urged farmers and consumers to commenton Dow Agrosciences’ petition to deregulate corn that is resistant to the herbicide 2,4-D. Please also send comments opposing the petition by Monsanto for its soybeans that are high in stearidonic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that does not naturally occur in soybeans.

While an omega-3-rich soybean may appear beneficial to public health, the truth is that genetically engineering a ubiquitous monoculture crop to contain higher levels of just one particular nutrient will not solve our public health crisis, and might even exacerbate it. A healthy diet is about much more than simply increasing the levels of one particular omega-3 fatty acid. “Monsanto’s stearidonic acid soybeans is another band-aid solution that will do little to address the root of the problem with our nation’s ‘nutrition’ problem, which is people eating too many processed foods containing corn and soybean derivatives, and not eating a varied diet of nutrient-rich wholesome foods,” said Charlotte Vallaeys, Cornucopia’s Director of Farm and Food Policy.

Citizens can comment on the proposed approval of Monsanto’s stearidonic acid soybeans until February 27, 2012.

Enforcement Hammer Falls on Shamrock Dairy

Shamrock organic cows in feedlot

An industrial-scale organic dairy, located south of Phoenix in the desert Southwest, is poised to lose its USDA organic certification. The enforcement action at Shamrock Farmsfollows a USDA investigation into the dairy triggered by aformal legal complaint in 2008 from The Cornucopia Institute.

Shamrock operates a massive dairy that was milking approximately 16,000 cows at the time of Cornucopia’s visit. Between 700 and 1,100 of the cows at the split operation were in the organic milk herd; the remainder were part of a conventional dairy operated at the same sprawling complex.

“We found inadequate, overgrazed pasture adjacent to their milking facility, and we were told by Shamrock employees that the confined cows had not been out in weeks,” said Mark A. Kastel, Senior Farm Policy Analyst for Cornucopia.

“At a time when conventional and organic dairy producers are all being squeezed by extraordinarily high feed prices, there is no doubt that large corporate-owned, vertically-integrated operations like Shamrock put downward pressure on farm gate prices,” said Will Fantle, Cornucopia’s Research Director. “If this dairy was indeed violating the law, they have taken profits out of the pockets of hard-working ethical family farmers.”

Support The Cornucopia Institute

The Cornucopia Institute is a non-profit group based in Wisconsin and working on food and farm policy issues concerning sustainable and organic agriculture. We depend upon our members and readers like you for support. Please visit our website at http://www.cornucopia.org/for more details about our activities and how you can become involved or email us at cultivate@cornucopia.org.

cultivate@cornucopia.org P.O. Box 126 Cornucopia, WI 54827 608-625-2042 2011

Waterville Farmers Market Scheduled for January 19th

George L. Tibbetts Jr. — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:15:00 +0000

Located in the Concourse along Appleton & Main Streets.

Summer Market
First Thursday in May until
Thursday before Thanksgiving
Every Thursday ~ 2–6 pm
All Season ~ Rain or Shine

Winter Market
December to April
Every Third Thursday
Open 2–4 pm

For more information, or to join the market, emailShannon Haines or
call her at 680-2055.

The DWFM is a 100% producer-only market; shopping at the market means you’re buying directly from the producer.

2011 Membership Directory
New members for this year are noted in RED.
Updated for each year in mid April. Click on photos to enlarge.

2011 Steering Committee

Chairperson: Hanne Tierney
Secretary: Izzy McKay
Treasurer: Jean Koons
Assistant Treasurer: Karl Rau
New Member Coordinator: Raini Perry
Market Manager: Clayton Carter
Winter Manager: Sarah Smith
At Large #1: Bill Neville
At Large #2: Richard Reed
At Large #3: Fred Nassar

A Page-N-Thyme Farm, Garden & Soap Company

Joanne & David Gorey, 495 West Mills Road, Anson 04911, ph. 696-4949, info@apagenthymesoap.com,www.apagenthymesoap.com
We are a small farm & we raise dairy goats (Nubians) and meat goats (Boers). Also we have non-caged laying hens and in the summer we raise meat chickens, pigs and turkeys. We have 8½ acres with 1 acre across the street where our organic garden is.
We raise lots of garlic and herbs along with some fruits and veggies. Our dairy goats produce so much milk that we decided to start a soap business and make handcrafted goat milk soap right in our farm kitchen. It’s a wonderful product and we are very proud of it!
We will be at market all season long, and at the winter markets.

The Apple Farm Joined the market in 2009.

Steven & Marilyn Meyerhans, 104 Back Road, Fairfield, ME 04937, ph. 453-7656, email:steven@applefarm.us, website: www.LakesideOrchards.com
Apples and other tree fruits, cider, blueberries.
We will be at market from early August to late October.

Cornerstone Farm

Hanne Tierney, 74 Dogtown Road, Palmyra 04965, ph. 487-5945, cell: 416-2676, email:hanne@cornerstonefarm.us, website:www.cornerstonefarm.us
Cornerstone Farm is a small family farm. We raise and sell pastured pork and free-range chicken eggs. Our animals are not fed antibiotics or artificial growth hormones. We have designed our farm to allow our animals to live a life that is specific to their species. Cornerstone Farm uses a deep bedding farrowing system to allow the sows (mother pigs) to express their instincts in caring for their young. We then raise our pigs on forages which we have grown for them. Cornerstone Farm has been awarded a SARE grant for 2009 to do feeding trails on feeding our hogs our forage mix. We will keep everyone up to date on how it turns out. At our tent you will find a full range of steaks, roasts, chops, ribs, 6 types of sausage and ground pork as well as nitrate free bacon. We also sell our fresh roasted coffee, always roasted on our farm less than 24 hours before market and we always use fair-trade and organic beans. During the summer you might catch our 6 year old daughter selling her veggies that she has planted, transplanted, cared for, harvested, and prepared for market almost entirely by herself! We can’t wait to see you there.
We will be at market all year long at both the summer and winter markets.
You can also find us at the Orono, Bath, and Portland summer farmers markets as well as the Orono, Bath, and Brunswick winter farmers’ markets.

Eagle View Gardens and Haunted Trail Pumpkins

Fred Nassar and Family, 882 Garland Road, Winslow 04901, ph. 873-0214, cell 660-5179,frednas@gmail.com
We sell a variety of vegetables and herbs. All grown naturally and picked fresh daily. Bulk orders for beans, cukes, beets, tomatoes, etc., are welcomed. Order early. Visit our place in the fall for pumpkins, corn stalks, and all your decorating needs. We have the only local u-pick pumpkin patch. The patch features a haunted trail! Groups are welcomed. Call for details. Finally, we have a limited supply of free range eggs.
We will be at market all season from early May to mid November.

Fire Flour Bakery and
Fail Better Farm

Kendra Michaud and Clayton Carter, 582 Old County Road, Etna ME 04434, ph. 951-5953,
Bakery: Kendra@kendramichaud.com,
Farm: foodfood@failbetterfarm.com,www.failbetterfarm.com
facebook.com/failbetterfarm
Fail Better Farm is a MOFGA certified organic family farm producing over 30 different vegetable crops. As 9th generation family farmers, we strive to produce the most beautiful and impeccably clean organic vegetables available in the state of Maine. We invite you to bring our organic produce home to your family, adding color, taste, and good health to your table. To learn more about our farm visit our website www.failbetterfarm.com, or check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/failbetterfarm.
We’ll be at market from May into December. We’re also at the Orono Farmers’ Market.

Grassland Farm

Sarah & Garin Smith, 41 Grassland Lane, Skowhegan, ME 04976, ph. 474-6864, email:grasslandfarm@hotmail.com
website: www.GrasslandOrganicFarm.com
We are honored to preserve two hundred eighty-nine acres of beautiful farm land seated majestically atop a hill overlooking Weserrunsett Stream in Skowhegan. We milk a mixed herd of 40 cows including Linebacks, Jerseys, Holsteins, and Brown Swiss. We offer delicious, organic raw milk in half gallon, quart and pint returnable glass bottles. We are happy to offer for the first time this year pints of certified organic cream and half gallons of reduced fat milk in glass. We also raise certified organic beef on grass at our own farm. Our beef is USDA inspected and each cut is individually frozen, labeled and vacuum sealed. Bulk orders for beef quarters and sides are accepted for the fall with only a limited quantity available.
We will be at market all season long from early May to mid November, and at all the winter markets.
We also attend farmers’ markets in Orono, Skowhegan, and at Mill Park in Augusta.

Half Moon Gardens, Inc.
Joined the market in 2008.

Izzy McKay, 54 Greenhouse Lane, Thorndike 04986, ph. 568-3738, info@halfmoongarden.com,www.halfmoongarden.com
Mixed vegetables, vegetable & flower seedlings, hanging baskets, annuals, perennials, herbs, houseplants, everlastings.
We will be at market from April to late October, and at the winter markets when I have extra greens.

Heald Farm LLC

Mark J. Rollins, 1227 Bangor Road, Troy 04987, ph. 948-2111, mrollins@uninets.net Facebook page
Heald Farm LLC specializes in the production of bi-color sweet corn. We have corn as early as nature allows, usually the last week of July. We provide sugar enhanced varieties, picked fresh daily through October. Fresh native sweet corn is our specialty. We take pride in providing the highest quality sweet corn for the longest possible season.
We will be at market from late July to late September. We also attend the Brewer Farmers’ Market and the Fairfield Farmers’ Market.

humble forge blacksmithing

Roger Collins, 17 Rosedale St., Waterville 04901, ph. 877-5963
email: roger@humbleforgeblacksmithing.com
website: www.humbleforgeblacksmithing.com
Hand made wrought iron products.
One of a kind pieces for your home and garden.
Custom made to your design.
We will be at market from early June to December.

100 Acre Farm

Ernie Ames, 10 Ten Lots Road, Oakland 04963, ph. 465-3094, 100acrefarm@gmail.com
We are a certified naturally grown farm. We raise a variety of mixed veggies like tomatoes, salad greens, summer squash, zucchini, eggplant, etc. We also have free range eggs, lamb, and tree-ripened peaches.
We will be at market all season long and at the winter markets.

Just-a-Cookin’ Joined the market in 2011.

Donna & Michael Bishop, 601 Lakewood Road, Madison 04950, ph. 474-5251, mdbish@beeline-online.net
We are a small unique bakery specializing in gluten free baked goods, such as bread (croutons, crumbs and crisps), cakes, cookies, muffins, pies and whoopie pies. We also make special occasion items to order, such as birthday and holiday cakes and pies. To better serve you we are contantly adding new home cooked items. We look forward to helping you with your gluten free challenges.
We will be at market all season long and maybe at the winter markets. We also attend the Augusta Mill Park Farmers’ Market and the Skowhegan Farmers’ Market

Kennerson Farm

Donald and Catherine Kennerson, 1266 South Solon Road, Solon, 04979, ph. 643-2008, fax 643-5008, cell 431-3322, kenerson1@gmail.com
Kennerson farm has 116 acres and was established in 1998. We raise American Buffalo (Bison). Our products are naturally raised without the use of hormones, chemical or antibiotics. Our Buffalo eat high quality hay and are on pasture in the summer, with plenty of room to roam. We invite you to purchase some of our delicious buffalo burgers, steaks, ribs, roasts or sausages … American Buffalo, healthy never tasted so good!
We will be at market all season long, and at all the winter markets.

Kennebec Cheesery Joined the market in 2008.

Jean Koons, 795 Pond Road, Sidney 04330, ph. 547-4171, kennebeccheesery@gmail.com,www.KennebecCheesery.com
Also on Facebook
We hand-craft small batches of cheese and yoghurt using milk from our Alpine goats. Our goats are pasture fed when pasture is available, otherwise they eat hay made on the property and GMO-free grain. Goat cheeses include chevre cobbles rolled in herbs, or in oil with seasonings, feta, and a brie type called Snow Pond Farmhouse. From a neighbours organic Jersey cows’ milk we produce full cream and low-cream yoghurt (in refundable glass jars) and a mini-brie type called Messalonskee. Other aged varieties are in the design phase and should be available this year.
We will be at market from early May to mid November. We also attend the Skowhegan Farmers’ Market and the Augusta Farmers’ Market at Mill Park.

Peacemeal Farm

Mark Guzzi & Marcia Ferry, 25 Peacemeal Lane, Dixmont 04932. ph. 257-4103,peacemeal@midmaine.com
We grow a wide variety of MOFGA-certified organic veggies including peas, beans, tomatoes, melons, squash, garlic, onions, carrots, potatoes and much more. We will have seedlings in the spring for your garden and produce for winter storage in the fall. Now accepting Food Stamps and WIC checks.
We will be at market from early May into November. We also attend the Camden, Oronoand Belfast Farmers’ Markets.

Proud Peasant Farm Joined the market in 2010.

Holli Cedarholm & Brian St. Laurent, 284 Crosby Brook Road, Unity ME 04988, ph. 568-5669,proudpeasants@gmail.com
Proud Peasant Farm is in its second season at MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center in Unity. Here we cultivate 2 acres of certified organic, diversified vegetables and culinary herbs with a focus on traditional and heirloom vegetables from open-pollinated seed. We also hand-craft tempeh, a traditional Indonesian fermented soybean product, with our own unique recipe.
We will be at market from early May to mid November and possibly at the Winter Markets. We also attend the Ellsworth and Acadia Farmers’ Markets.

Good Breads @ R. Family Farm
Joined the market in 2008.

Karl and Laurie Rau & Family, 215 Palmer Rd., Newport ME 04953, ph. 368-4788, cell 416-4788,info@good-bread.com, www.Good-Bread.com
We have a small bakeshop and homestead farm on twenty acres where we bake delicious and hearty breads, raise a variety of livestock, as well as raspberries and fruits with the help of our seven children. We offer tasty yeast and sourdough breads all made with natural and organic ingredients. Some of the items you can expect to see are Foccacias, Bauernbrot, Bavarian Pretzels, DreikornBrot, Wheat, Cinnamon and Oatmeal bread. We also offer some wonderful cookies and granolas all made with freshest most delicious ingredients we can find.
We look forward to seeing you each Thursday throughout the market season and at all the winter markets. We also attend the European Market in Bangor, and the Skowhegan Farmers’ Market.

Raini Ridge Farm

Raini Perry, 1445 Turner Ridge Road, Palermo, 04354, ph.& fax: 993-2025, cell 313-9925
pacas4u@hotmail.com
Vegetable and flower seedlings, maple products, chicken and duck eggs, alpaca yarn and yarn products. We are an alpaca farm and will be bringing the animals to the market.
We will be at market in May and June, and again in late September, late October and early November and in December.

Smith Farm Joined the market in 2009.

Rachael Katz & Sam Hazlehurst, 105 Troy Center Road, Troy 04987, ph. 323-8653,rae9rae@yahoo.com
On the Smith Farm, we use our two teams of Percheron draft horses to raise mixed vegetables, grass-fed beef, free range chickens & eggs, herbs, sauerkraut, kim chi, and apples. It’s a grand old farm, first settled around 1830, and still a major work in progress. We just recently settled here, and feel honored to take the reins. We employ organic practices, and strive to enrich the land.
Rachel’s an accomplished knitter and spinner; Sam does a variety of woodworking and horse logging. Some of the fruits of these winter labors will be for sale at market.
We will be at market from early June to November, and maybe in December.

Snakeroot Organic Farm

Tom Roberts & Lois Labbe
27 Organic Farm Road, Pittsfield 04967
ph. 487-5056
Tom@snakeroot.net, Lois@snakeroot.net
www.snakeroot.net/farm
Our 5 acres of MOFGA certified organic gardens provide shoppers with the finest vegetables and culinary herbs, as well as offering blooming lupines & other perennials in recycled plant pots. We offer many unusual items including garden seeds, grapes, fiddleheads, gobo, celeriac, and dried herbs and tomatoes. Visit our gardens and greenhouse anytime, or come to our annual guided farm tour on the second Sunday in July, noon to 4pm.
Ask about our CSA plan and about bulk purchases of tomatoes, basil, parsley, carrots, garlic, onions, winter squash, etc.
At market all season, at the April winter market. Also at the Pittsfield, Orono, Unity, andNewport Farmers’ Markets.

Stone Fox Farm Creamery Joined the market in 2010.

Kathy & Bruce Chamberlain, 77 Bartlett Hill Road, Monroe 04951, ph. 323-2850
stonefoxfarm@mainelywired.net
www.stonefoxfarmcreamery.com
Facebook: Stone Fox Creamery
We produce ice cream in our small plant in Monroe, Maine. We use all natural milk, cream and sugar (no high fructose corn syrup). We use all natural flavorings and extracts, Maine fruit and maple syrup whenever possible. Our Carpigiani batch freezer was made in Bologna, Italy and makes about 2.5 gallons of ice cream in 10 minutes. Our blast freezer quickly chills the ice cream down to -20°F so ice crystals don’t form. Our overrun is small (the amount of air whipped into the mix) resulting in a rich and creamy ice cream treat. We also offer hot cocoa and brewed coffee in cold weather. Our ice cream can be purchased at Barrels Community Market and at Uncle Deans Good Groceries.
We will be at market from early May to late October. We also attend the Rockland andGardiner Farmers’ Markets and Augusta’s Farmers’ Market at Mill Park.

Tangled Oak Farm

Michelle & Bill Neville, 1187 Back Brooks Road, Monroe 04951, ph. 525-3018, email:tangledoakfarm@yahoo.com
Facebook: Tangled Oak Farm
We are a small diversified family farm offering pasture-raised pork, grass fed beef, eggs and MOFGA certified organic produce.
We will be at market from early May to mid November. We also attend the Orono and UnityFarmers’ Markets.

Trees to Please LLC

Todd Murphy, 416 Mercer Rd., Rome 04963
ph. 522-0545
todd@trees-to-please.com
www.Trees-To-Please.com
Our farm is located at 111 Smithfield Rd Norridgewock. We bring strawberries, jam, honey, creamed honey, beeswax products, maple syrup, maple products, fall mums, strawberry, blueberry plants and small live evergreen trees in 1 gallon pots to market. The farm and gift shop are open the third weekend in September for our annual mum sale and from the end of November until Christmas for choose and cut, live and pre-cutChristmas trees, wreaths, kissing balls, outdoor baskets, fresh balsam fir centerpieces and gifts.
We plan to be at market from mid June through early July, then late August through October.

Winterberry Farm

Mary Perry, 538 Augusta Road, Belgrade 04917, ph 495-2593, mylifeinmaine@aol.com
Winterberry Farm is a 40 acre diversified farm with seven acres of vegetable gardens including a hoop house for early tomatoes. We are homesteaders as well. This is a commercial farm and our family’s 180 year old farm. Home of the Blueberry Pie Lady! Our farm is horse powered, and I grow cut flowers and sell cottage flower bouquets at the market. You will find homemade breads using old fashioned recipes and fruit pies with natural ingredients and organic fruits, and really delicious crusts. We have a 40 member CSA, and our farmstand open 7 days a week at the farm in Belgrade.
We will be at market from late May to late October. We also have a stand on Route 27 in Belgrade.

Woolity Farm Joined the market in 2011.

Jean & Bill Fink, 178 Clark Road, Unity 04988, ph. 568-1005overtwisted@yahoo.com, www.baabaamoo.etsy.com
We shear, wash, card & dye the wool from our small flock of Finn and Bluefaced Leicester sheep. We sell handspun, hand-dyed yarns, carded ready-to-spin wool, Waldorf dolls, “Wee Woollies” sheep, and a variety of woollen items for the home and family. On our Unity farm we utilize intelligent farming practices that show concern and compassion for the habitat, animals and plants in our charge.
We will be at market in May and June, and in late August to early October, and again in November and December.

Worcester’s Wild Blueberries

Everett & Lee Worcester, 356 Lyford Road, Orneville ME 04463, 943-8804, 943-5501,RE503@aol.com, www.WildblueBerryProducts.com
Our blueberry farm and roadside stand are located in Orneville just south of the Milo town line on Rt. 11. We produce fresh, clean berries in quart & pint boxes as well as in freezer ready 5 qt. boxes. As a by-product of the pollination process we sell delicious blueberry honey. We produce a number of value added products including blueberry jam, jelly, syrup, pie filling, and a blueberry juice drink. We also produce sugar free blueberry jam and syrup and bake and sell blueberry pies and muffins. We offer our blueberry products both wholesale and retail.
Our fresh market season runs from lateJuly through early September, and at the winter markets from January to March.

Lewiston Farmers Market Schedule for January 19th 2012

George L. Tibbetts Jr. — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

The Lewiston Farmers’ Market provides fresh, healthy, local food to residents in and around Lewiston, Maine. The market is organized by the Great Falls Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market Association and sponsored by St. Mary’s Health System.

Unsubscribe *|greatfallsmarket@gmail.com |* | *|FACEBOOK:LIKE|* | Forward to a friend

This Month’s News From The Market

Ringing In The New Year Right! Join Us January 19th
Help Us Create A 2012 “Top 10 List”
This Month’s Menu For The Winter Market Cafe
Share Our Facebook Event With Your Friends
Music At The Market – Denise Dill!
Revelation Massage Strikes Again!
What’s At Stake For The Northeast With The Next Farm Bill?

Join Us For The First Farmers Market of 2012!
(Mark your calendars now for Thursday, January 19th)

2012 is here! The New Year often brings hope, possibility, and a list of resolutions. If one of your resolutions this year is to eat even healthier, we can help you. The addition of local, pastured meats, free range farm eggs, local fresh dairy products, whole grains, and locally grown fruits and veggies can do wonders for your health. Learn more about the health implications of local food here, from our friends at the Tacoma Farmers Market.

When: Thursday, January 19th
Time: 5:00pm – 7:30pm
Where: St. Mary’s Nutrition Center, 208 Bates Street
Click Here For Map

All of your favorite vendors will be there offering Maine grown/produced in season fruits and veggies, pastured meats, milk and dairy products, seafood, bread and baked goods, prepared meals, herbs and herbal products, handcrafted soaps, fiber arts, art, pottery, and more. Don’t forget to bring your appetite and enjoy hot soup, bread, and salad combos from the Winter Market Cafe.

Our winter market is scheduled every 3rd Thursday of the month, November through April. Please use the side door (left side of building when viewed from Bates Street.) Credit/Debit/EBT (foodstamps) accepted.

**Additional parking is available in the Community Concepts parking lot at St. Patrick’s church.

How Do You Incorporate Healthy Eating Into Your Life?
We are working on a “Top 10 Easy Ways To Eat Healthy in 2012″ list that we will have available at this month’s market. If you have any tricks or tips, please send them to us at lewistonfarmersmarket@gmail.com or just fill out our on-line healthy eating tip form. Let us know if we can credit you on the flyer. We like to give credit where credit is due!

Bring Your Appetite & Enjoy The Winter Market Cafe!
The Winter Market Cafe will be featured all season long at this year’s market. Enjoy cafe style dining in our beautiful commercial kitchen with affordable soup, bread, and salad combos. Proceeds from the cafe will benefit the Nutrition Center’s Lots To Gardens program.
This Month’s Menu:
Soups:

Tortilla Soup with Chicken & Avocado (with a side of black bean & corn cakes) -vegetarian version also available sans chicken.
Roasted Cauliflower & Mushroom Soup
Winter Greens Soup With White Beans & Pasta
Salad: Red Cabbage, Carrot, Apple & Pecan Salad with Walnut Dijon Dressing
Served with featured breads from Bread & More Bakery
P.S. We are still searching for a great deal on about a dozen bar stools we can use at the counter for our Winter Market Cafe. If you have any leads, please let us know.

RSVP through Facebook and help us spread the word!
We have created an event on our facebook page for this month’s market. You can help us spread the word byclicking here to go to the event page, then after you RSVP that you’re attending, you can click on the link under the event photo to invite your friends. Or if you prefer, feel free to simply share the event on your facebook wall.
Check out our daily facebook page updates for more information and updates on special items our vendors will have available this Thursday.

Music by Denise Dill

Denise Dill is back by popular demand, and will perform at our January 19th market. Enjoy her earthy, authentic music while you shop or have your meal from the Winter Market Cafe. We are working on convincing her to have her CDs available for sale as well so that you can bring her music home with you. You can also visit her website to find out about the latest releases and performances.

Our friends from Revelation Massage
will be joining us as well!

If you haven’t yet experienced the soothing hands of Revelation Massage, you are in for a treat! They will have free chair massages and be on hand to answer your questions. Please do visit theirfacebook page or website for more information as well.

Farm News: From American Farmland Trust
What’s At Stake For The Northeast In The Next Farm Bill?

“U.S. Reps. Jim McGovern and Chellie Pingree spoke about prospects for farm bill programs important to the Northeast in a two-webinar series we hosted with Wholesome Wave, Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group and New England Farmers Union. One webinar looked at conservation programs, including potential changes and funding cuts to the federal Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program and the future of the regional equity provision.
The other covered prospects for helping to rebuild local and regional food systems. Speakers also included senior staff to Senator Patrick Leahy along with New Hampshire Agriculture Commissioner of Agriculture Lorraine Merrill and Massachusetts Commissioner of Agriculture Scott Soares. Recordings of the webinars, along with more information about the farm bill, are available at farmbillfacts.org. ”

We’ll see you Thursday!

Not sure where you’re going? No problem!
Click here for a map:
St. Mary’s Nutrition Center

Lewiston Farmers’ Market
PO Box 7291
Lewiston, Maine 04210

Add us to your address book

New Farmer Workshop Series Announced Beginning Jan. 31st

George L. Tibbetts Jr. — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

LEWISTON—In response to the educational needs of new farmers, a group of agencies have joined forces to develop a comprehensive workshop series to be held every Tuesday beginning January 31 and ending March 13, 2012. In case of a storm event requiring a cancellation, the workshop will be held the next day at the same time. A new farmer is considered as one in the farming business less than 10 years or hasn’t started yet. Partial funding for this endeavor has been provided from the Conservation Technical Assistance funding pool by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

There will be 7 (seven) workshops. Registering for all seven will cost $50 with a maximum of 2 per farm allowed to attend for this fee. The cost is $15 per person for those interested in attending a full day workshop. The cost is $10 per person for those interested in attending an evening workshop. The New Farmer Workshop Flyer and registration form are available at http://www.androscogginswcd.net/. On the home page, under the pictures, click on the link to New Famer Workshop Series.

Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation is partnering with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Maine Department of Agriculture and Maine Department of Conservation. All partners are equal opportunity employers and program providers. In addition to resource specialists from government agencies, local farmers, organizations and business representatives will participate in the workshops. Special benefits for workshop attendees will include credits or a certification exam offered where possible, coffee break refreshments, lunch at two of the full day workshops, on-site full day workshop at a local farm will be held on the last day, a resource notebook for those registering for all seven workshops, question and answer sessions and opportunities to network.

It is important to secure your seat and resource information by registering as early as possible. Registrations must be received by January 10, 2012. Pre-registration is required. If you have any special needs in order to attend please contact Jane Heikkinen at 207-753-9400, ext 400, jane.heikkinen@me.nacdnet.net.

Contact for more information: Jane Heikkinen, 207-753-9400, ext 400, jane.heikkinen@me.nacdnet.net.

Governor Attends Maine Agricultural Trades Show

George L. Tibbetts Jr. — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Family farms and locally grown foods play a significant role in Maine’s agricultural economy

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul LePage met with dozens of Maine farmers at the 71st Annual Maine Agricultural Trades Show on Tuesday, January 10. Today is the first day of the Trades Show which will run through Thursday, January 12, 2012, at the Augusta Civic Center.

Hosted by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, the show will feature dozens of lectures, demonstrations, and meetings involving some 40 major agricultural organizations, committees, and agencies, as well as over 100 exhibits featuring the newest in agricultural products, equipment, and services. One of the state’s largest agricultural events, more than 5,000 people from around the state are expected to attend this year.

Governor LePage had an opportunity to meet with Maine farmers and recognize agriculture’s vital and vibrant contribution to Maine’s economy which contributes a billion dollars annually and employs thousands of people. “Farming, fishing and forestry play a major role in Maine’s business economy. I believe we can be good stewards of the land and protect our environment at the same time. Branding the Maine-made product will also help us become successful. Maine quality is second to none, but through the years we’ve seen the Maine brand fade and we need to bring it back,” said the Governor.

“As we look to the immediate future, the Maine Department of Agriculture will focus on redirecting existing resources by partnering with other government entities, producers, promotion groups, and industry to further the marketing both in and out of state of Maine agricultural products,” said Agriculture Commissioner Walter E. Whitcomb. “We will also advance the importance of encouraging a focus on healthy Maine foods, support continued innovative production of foods, and push for growth of sourcing foods to schools, restaurants, and farmers’ markets,” Whitcomb added.

Additionally, the Governor spoke about lowering energy prices and the proposed merger of the State of Maine Agriculture Department and Conservation Department. The LePage Administration is focused on improving the natural resource economy by merging those agencies into a single division, a proposal that was announced last fall. Governor LePage shared the plan with Trades Show attendees stating that the merger will result in a natural resource based agency geared toward providing important services to the industry and working together with industry to address its needs and help move it forward.

Show hours will be:

• Tuesday, January 10, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

• Wednesday, January 11, 9:00 AM–8:00 PM

• Thursday, January 12, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM

Free admission is offered all three days.

The complete program and schedule are available at: http://www.getrealmaine.com/

Author Takes Issue with Definition, Business and Politics of Organic Farming

George L. Tibbetts Jr. — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0000

The Valley Voice has no opinion on the content of this book or author.

So… is it organic? Nope.

And that’s a complete shame.

It turns out what you think about organic food is mostly wrong.

The global organic industrial-complex promises everything and delivers nothing.

But don’t blame organic farmers! They’re victims, along with millions of consumers.

As far as organic certifiers and urban activists are concerned, farmers, the environment and consumers are all mere afterthoughts.

And, like it or not, you’re footing the bill.

Attempted drive-by smear

When all else fails, throw mud at the wall and see if something sticks. This is the M.O. of the Cornucopia Institute.

Instead of responding to the charge that they’re not really looking out for domestic organic farmers, the George-Soros-funded activists who “fly desks” at the offices of Cornucopia have decided instead to do a drive-by smear.

Click here to read the abbreviated version, or here for the full text.

If you have questions, get in touch with me by going to my contact page. I will post your questions and my answers right here!

By the way, before anyone asks, I have no connection whatsoever to the Hudson Institute as Cornucopia implies. (Sorry guys; nice try.)

Enjoy!

(Note, all quotations below are from the Cornucopia Institute’s “Reigniting Organic Attack by Corporate Agribusiness Interests” June 14th, 2011.)

1. Does the government subsidize organics?

Q: Cornucopia founder Mark Kastel claims that “Nowhere in the food industry have entrepreneurs and investors realized greater financial reward, with virtually no governmental funding, than in meeting the higher standards consumers are seeking by paying a premium for organic food.” Is this true?

A: The organic industry receives a great deal of funding from government. In fact, taxpayers are forced to pay for organic food even if they never buy it. It would be one thing if this funding went towards the improvement of organic science, or to actual organic farmers; but it all goes to political activism. As for “higher standards,” there are none; all that’s required to become certified organic is to fill out paperwork and pay fees, fees which also go toward political activism instead of science or farmers.
2. Does Cornucopia support the need for field testing?

Q: The Research Director at Cornucopia (Will Fantel), claims to support the need for field testing. He states: “We think there is great merit in doing spot testing, as Congress required.” So why the disagreement?

A: Cornucopia only supports SPOT testing. This is like a policeman only using a radar gun when he thinks someone is speeding. The police use radar guns all the time and that helps them catch speeders. If Fantel and all the people who support Cornucopia were really interested in catching cheaters, they’d support one-test per-farm per-year.
3. Is field testing expensive?

Q: Fantel claims “it would be prohibitively expensive to test all farms and crops.” Does this explain why there is no organic field testing?

A: Field testing would cost ONE-TENTH what the current bureaucratic system costs. Cornucopia doesn’t want field testing because it will cut into their political funding, much of which comes from people with a political agenda, or from cheaters.

Q: Fantel also says that field testing “would not substitute for other careful oversight protocols.”

A: The “careful oversight protocols” Fantel is referring to include looking at an applicant’s paperwork to ensure there’s no evidence of non-compliance. That’s not “protocol”; that’s a free-for-all, and Fantel knows it.
4. Is the government planning to test organics?

Q: Cornucopia says that the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) is “sensitive to the need for spot tests [and] is currently soliciting public comments on a new federal rule outlining the periodic residue testing of organically produced agricultural products.” Does this answer your concerns as an organic inspector?

A: Sadly, no.
First, there’s no need to come up with a new rule. President Clinton put organic field testing in the original NOP way back in 1997. But the industry has ignored it.

Second, spot testing is not the answer; they don’t “spot test” Olympic athletes and, as explained, when the police run a speed trap they don’t spot check cars.

Third, more often than not, spot testing involves the testing of agricultural end-products after harvest. This misses the point because most prohibited substances dissipate rapidly; that’s why field testing is the only solution.

Don’t forget, field testing will cost ONE-TENTH what the current honor-based system costs.
5. Is there even any fraud in the organic industry?

Q: Fantel says, “there is no documentary evidence to believe that widespread fraud is currently occurring in the organic industry.”

A: As long as there’s no field testing, how will we ever know if there’s fraud? It’s like taking radar guns away from policemen and then claiming no one’s speeding. With that said, there is a great deal of organic fraud, especially from countries like China that supply billions of dollar’s worth of “organic” food to the North-American market. See my article on RealClearScience.
6. Are you a qualified organic inspector?

Q: Cornucopia says people are “confused” by your credentials. Are you actually a qualified organic inspector as per the requirements of the International Organic Inspectors Association?

A: I sure am! I have taken all of IOIA’s training courses, I have taken four rookie inspectors out under my wing for their IOIA apprenticeships, and I organized an Advanced Inspector Training Course for IOIA.

The reason the Executive Director of IOIA, Margaret Scoles, has asked me “not to use the IOIA name in any way” is because she disagrees with my stand on the need for field testing. She refuses to renew my membership in IOIA, but fortunately one does not need to be a current member of IOIA in order to be a qualified organic inspector.
7. Have you ever worked for IOIA?

Q: Margaret Scoles says, “he [Mischa Popoff] has never worked for us and has no affiliation with IOIA.” Is this true?

A: Yes. I have never worked for IOIA, except of course when I organized that Advanced Inspector Training course for them in 2003; but that was volunteer work. Organic inspectors are independent contractors and do not work for IOIA unless they’re hired in an administrative role. All organic inspectors who work as actual field inspectors do notwork for IOIA.
8. Are you really an Advanced Organic Inspector?

Q: Scoles also says there is no such thing as an Advanced Inspector, and that you just made up the title. Is this true?

A: I most certainly did not make up the title. Have a look at IOIA’s Guide to IOIA Organic Inspector Training program, (Copyright of IOIA, March 27, 2008), in which it clearly explains that “IOIA offers 3 categories of Basic Organic Inspector Training, plus AdvancedInspector Trainings that focus on specific topics.” (p. 4)…

You can also go to the IOIA website where you will find their Training Schedule in which you will see repeated mention of Advanced Organic Inspector Training.

For years now, the IOIA has tried to attack me on the basis that I have no credentials as an Advanced Organic Inspector. As you can see by going to the News page of this website, everyone in the media recognizes my credentials. On only a few occasions has a reporter asked to see copies of my certificates, which I am always happy to provide.
9. Are you an ultra-conservative?

Q: Cornucopia claims that you hold “ultra-conservative views.” Is this true?

A: Like most farmers, I am a small “c” conservative. I’m not even sure what an ultra-conservative is. I believe in family and I don’t believe humankind is causing global warming, just to give a couple examples. Maybe that’s what they mean. In Canada we have a Conservative Party, but I am not a member of it.
10. Has the organic industry been taken over by socialists?

Q: Cornucopia states that “Mr. Popoff’s contention that the organic industry has some kind of socialist/liberal agenda is a gross misnomer,” and they go on to point out that people with all sort of political views participate in the organic business at all levels. Is this true?
A: It sure is! What I have actually said is that the organic industry has been taken over from the top by self-avowed socialists like George Soros who want permanent bureaucracies put in place instead of scientific institutions. I have yet to have anyone prove this wrong.
Certainly there’s a strong mix of both “conservative” and “liberal” farmers making up the rank-and-file of the organic industry in North America. But as you make your way up the organic food chain there are less and less conservative-minded people. And, as you approach the upper echelons, you’ll find a deep-seated desire for full government involvement. This is a shame when you consider that farmers started the organic industry in North America back in 1973 with NO government support.
All we need in the organic industry is government recognition. We certainly don’t need subsidies or handouts, and the less government interference the better. Again, if this makes me an “ultra-conservative” in some people’s minds, I suggest they go visit a few organic farmers in North America and see just how comon these views are.
11. What do you have to gain?

Q: Kastel claims you have “promoted a testing business that would directly benefit from this recommended approach.” Is that true?

A: No, that’s false. I have only ever promoted organic field testing in my capacity as anindependent organic inspector. I will no more benefit from the introduction of field testing than any other organic inspector who wants to clean up the industry.

Elsewhere, some have tried accusing me of owning my own lab company, or of having a partnership of some sort with a lab company. That’s not true; labs cost millions of dollars to set up and operate, and with literally hundreds of them already in existence, why would I want to own one?
12. What does Cornucopia have to gain?

Q: You have said that Cornucopia receives funding from Organic Valley Family of Farms Brand (a company that Cornucopia founder Mark Kastel used to work for) and liberal billionaire George Soros. But Fantel denies this saying “[we] fully stand by our independence as an organic industry watchdog.” Who’s telling the truth?

A: If Cornucopia is really independent, then who funds them? They don’t produce anything; they don’t even sell their services. So where do they get their money? Well, it turns out they get all of their funding from liberal funding institutions, institutions which get their money from… wait for it… Organic Valley and George Soros! Fantel might try to claim he was not aware of this, but I figured it out; why didn’t he?

I have asked Cornucopia numerous times to post a complete list of all their funding sources. So far they refuse to do so. Meanwhile, I have no funding sources. None. Sorry guys.
13. Isn’t there already some organic field testing?

Q: You’ve been accused of making false statements about the complete lack of field testing in the organic industry. The Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA), one of America’s largest and longest standing organic certifying bodies, has responded by pointing out that the contract they require farmers and processors sign reads as follows:“The inspector shall have the right to make unannounced visits, take samples, and require residue tests.” Doesn’t this mean there’s already field testing?

A: No. It might say on paper that the inspector has the right to do a test, but OCIA has never disclosed the number of tests they actually perform because they don’t perform any. I worked for OCIA from 1998 to 2001, performing over 300 inspections for them. On numerous occasions I recommended that a test be performed, but not a single one was ever done. Finally, OCIA grew tired of my requests for tests on their paying clients (tests that OCIA didn’t want to pay for), and they fired me.

Q: Doesn’t the USDA NOP state that “Additional inspections may be announced or unannounced at the discretion of the certifying agent or as required by the Administrator or State organic program’s governing State official”?

A: Yes, that is a true statement. However, this is rarely if ever done. Keep in mind that field testing costs ONE-TENTH what the current bureaucratic system costs. So instead of a lousy spot test (which is what’s described in this quote), why not test every single organic farm at least once per year?

Anyone?
14. Aren’t organic certifiers responsible?

Q: Peggy Linzmeier, the President of OCIA, takes exception to your criticisms of the organic industry. She says “We take our responsibility to follow up on any questionable activities in organics very seriously.” She also charges that your “fictitious stories, challenging the credibility of the organic label, are injurious to all the farmers and organizations in this industry that are acting with high integrity.”

A: If Linzmeier thinks I’m not being fair, she should respond with facts. Come one Peggy, let’s see them! How many organic farms do you test in an average year?

It’s worth noting that OCIA’s operations in China were decertified by the USDA last yearfor OCIA’s failure to properly inspect Chinese organic farms. China supplies billions of dollar’s worth of “organic” food to the American market, and certifiers like OCIA make a cut in the form of a “royalty” from each and every farm, as well as each and every transaction. No wonder they won’t say how many tests they’ve done. It’s this free-flow of cheap, Chinese “organic” goods that certifiers like OCIA profit from that hurts all the honest organic farmers here in North America that are acting with integrity.
15. Aren’t most certifiers not-for-profit?

Q: Cornucopia defends OCIA on the basis that it is a nonprofit certifier that predates the USDA’s NOP. Shouldn’t you be more respectful of groups like OCIA?

A: As mentioned above, certifiers like OCIA collect royalties from each and every single certified-organic transaction under their watch. So they have no interest in slowing down the gravy train by field testing their clients. Imagine if policemen took a cut from each speeding ticket they didn’t hand out. That’s how organic certification works.

Most organic certifiers are not non-profits. But even non-profit entities are allowed to pay huge salaries and bonuses to their staff and executive. In 2008 alone, OCIA certified more than $3 billion-worth of organic products, a great deal of which came from China. OCIA’s royalty structure requires payments between 1.5% to 3% of gross revenue! I’ll let you do the math to figure out how much certifiers like OCIA are raking in.

Opinions and Editorials

Respected Western Canadian Ag journalist Kevin Hursh, hits the nail square on the head.

Mischa Popoff, an organic crop inspector based in Osoyoos, B.C., is advancing a proposal for fixing organic certification and his views have generated some national media attention.

Popoff says more is needed than just the current written records with auditors who simply look at the paper trail. He proposes that organic crops be randomly tested in the field to ensure that no herbicides have been applied.

Organic producers face mountains of paperwork, but the system is largely ineffective in controlling fraud and negligence. Popoff claims the vast majority of independent organic farmers follow the rules and he says there’s a great deal of support for the concept of random crop testing so that the industry has a greater scientific basis.

In many cases, scientific analysis can’t tell the difference between organic and conventional products. Wheat or flax sprayed early in the growing season for weed control will show no evidence of that herbicide by harvest time.

However, plant samples can be tested in the middle of the growing season to help ensure organic practices are actually being followed. Without at least random testing, Popoff and others believe organic farming will lose credibility with consumers.

(Copyright 2008, The StarPhoenix)

For Kevin’s full article, “Agriculture faces increasing consumer scrutiny”, in theSaskatoon StarPhoenix, click here.

Bill Alpert, Senior Editor at Barron’s Weekly, also had the guts to hit the nail square on the head.

Many consumers think organic food has been tested for pesticides. But organic certifiers spend most of their time shuffling papers and auditing the files of farmers for records indicating that forbidden chemicals weren’t used. Inspectors are typically free-lancers who receive a couple of hundred bucks for visiting a farm.

Mischa Popoff of British Columbia, Canada, was one of those inspectors. He visited hundreds of farms on behalf of organic certifiers and believes most of the farmers were credibly organic. But Popoff was frustrated when he’d see farms whose “organic” fields were as green and pest free as their conventional fields. One farmer’s garage hid gallons of the herbicide Roundup. When Popoff made a fuss about these suspicious findings, he … was blacklisted by some certification outfits.

Conscientious farmers go to a lot of trouble to be organic, so they worry about competing with cheaters who just want the price premiums that an organic label can command. Popoff argues that routine pesticide tests could catch cheaters, the way that drug tests snare doped athletes. But in the 1990s when the organic industry was helping to draft the federal law on organic labelling, the industry considered and rejected a requirement that organic food be residue-tested.Is it Organic

In Conclusion…

Here’s a response to the laughable charges against my work…

Cornucopia states that you deny global warming…is that true? I do not believe modern-day farmers, whether organic, conventional, biodynamic or otherwise, are in any way responsible for global warming.
They state that the title of “Advanced Inspector” with IOIA does not exist. Is this true? I have two certificates from IOIA indicating that I am an Advanced Inspector
Are you a current member of IOIA? No, IOIA has denied me membership. Fortunately though, the training they provided me over the years remains valid. Education does not have an expiry date.
Are you a member of the ultra-conservative Hudson Institute? No
How about The Hoover Institution? No
The Heartland Institute? No
Or The Competitive Enterprise Institute? No
You state that you are not a paid lobbyist. Do you in any way support, assist, or agree with any “right-winged” lobbying groups (on an un-paid basis)? Only if you consider the Christian Church to be “right-winged.” I am not paid by anyone and have asked Cornucopia to post their financial statements on their website to prove they’re not receiving funding from individuals like George Soros whose stated goal is to bring down the American economy. They have not done so.
Cornucopia says it is “false and highly objectionable” to assert that “everything’s just fine in the organic industry as long as the paperwork’s all in order, the fees are paid, and no one blows the whistle.” Can you prove your statement?Certification without scientific testing is, by its very nature, a free-for-all. Wealthy importers benefit and small family farmers suffer.
Cornucopia claims to support random testing in addition to farm inspections and audits of record-keeping. Why do you still disagree with them? Because, in response to the desires of their backers, Cornucopia only wants spot testing and wants to keep the whole organic bureaucracy intact. Can you say “Boondoggle”?

We need to move as quickly as possible to routine,unannounced field testing as a replacement to all organic certification bureaucracy. Field testing will cost one-tenth what the current top-heavy system costs.

We all know it doesn’t matter what someone writes down on paper; all that matters is the results of a lab test. That’s why President Clinton and the American Consumers Union tried to institute routine,unannounced field testing back in 1997. But, sadly, the concept was lobbied into oblivion by individuals like George Soros, George Siemon and by organizations like Cornucopia.

Being organic is no longer about farming fields. It’s about filling forms.

Your taxes underwrite this marketing subterfuge and help drive a stake into the heart of the most efficient food system ever known. Who’s behind this? You’ll be surprised.

Organic farming began in England as a Christian movement. Organic farmers in the United States and Canada overwhelmingly identify as conservatives, and until 1997 their industry actually had a sound scientific basis, subject to free-market rules with no government interference. But you’ll never hear about that from the pro-organic media, or about the key role Presidents H.W. and G.W. Bush played in vaulting organics from hippie movement to multi-billion-dollar industry.

Is it Organic? is a tell-all history by an industry insider who saw too much to keep quiet. Organics can get back to basics by producing food using age-old methods like natural composting, or it can be ruled by banality, fraud and eco-politics.

Is it ORGANIC? By Mischa Popoff

Some people won’t like this book

But you will

By Land and By Sea Trade Show January 19th in Unity

George L. Tibbetts Jr. — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:35:00 +0000

The Trades Show furnishes a showplace for farmers and producers to see the most modern equipment and services. There are over 40 major agricultural organizations, committees and agencies; as well as more than 100 exhibits to take in. All of our vendors are agriculturally based, some providing free samples and opportunities to purchase products. Throughout the week there will be lectures and workshops to participate in.

About Maine Department of Agriculture

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources is the State’s lead agency dealing with all aspects of the food system from the field to the table. The Department maintains a mission of fostering opportunities for the agriculture community and of promoting stewardship of Maine’s natural resources.

Maine farmers are the stewards of 1.25 million acres. The land provides the public benefits of open space and recreation. They are the cornerstone of food security for Maine people. The industry has a $1.2 billion impact on the Maine economy.

Directions to the Department

News
Submit a Question
Calendar of Events
Directions to the Department

Welcome to the Division of Agricultural Resource Development

(formally the Division of Market & Production Development)

Technical Production and Marketing Assistance. Division staff provide agricultural businesses with assistance in the following program areas: market development and promotion, business development and planning, labor, irrigation, potato storage and packing, farmland protection and foreign trade assistance.

Financial Assistance. A number of grant and loan programs are available to help producers adopt new technology, promote products or conduct market research. Each program has it’s own eligibility criteria and reporting requirements.

Promotions and Event. Maine’s agricultural fairs showcase the diversity of Maine’s 6000 farms. The annual January Ag Trades Show is the annual event for producers in January. Many other special events occur throughout the year. Publications such as “get real. get maine!” brochures and wholesale buyers’ guides promote sales of Maine food and farm products. Order promotional items—stickers, hang tags, signage, hats, aprons. Visit www.getrealmaine.com for searchable listings of apples, berries, specialty foods and other farm products, or find Maine food and farm producers with maps.

Senior FarmShare program. Thanks to a grant from the USDA, the Senior FarmShare program provides low-income seniors the chance to receive fresh vegetables and fruits from Maine farmers during the growing season. Farmers sign up in March, seniors sign up in April and May.

Food Assistance Programs

The Maine Department of Agriculture Food and Rural Resources is the designated agency for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) a federally supported program that provides donated federal commodities to local voluntary feeding programs across Maine. There are over 250 participating programs in the statewide network. The Food Assistance Program of the Department of Agriculture Food and Rural Resources works in conjunction with the Community Action Programs of Maine to coordinate the distribution of the donated USDA commodities to the local voluntary feeding programs. Along with the acquisition, storage and distribution of the donated federal commodities the Food Assistance Program also provides an outlet for various other products that may be donated for distribution to those of our state that may be in need.

Hunters for the Hungry, a cooperative program between Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and The Food Assistance Program, provides a means for hunters to donate all or a portion of their hunt to a local food pantry. This program has been a boon to our citizens providing meat to those who may no longer be able to hunt, to those who have a medical necessity of having natural low fat meat and to others who visit their local emergency feeding organization. Those wishing more information on this program may call toll free 1/888-4DEER-ME.

Welcome to the Division of Animal and Plant Health

Animal Health regulations is to prevent the introduction and spread of contagious diseases among poultry and livestock, promote public health and food safety as it relates to zoonotic disease, to enhance the quality and health of livestock, and to maintain fair practices in the buying and selling of poultry and livestock.

Animal Health’s objective is disease control through regulation and education. We ensure the health of animals to ensure the public health. We provide technical assistance and law enforcement to control livestock and poultry diseases. Enforcement of permit regulations, prompt diagnosis of disease, surveillance testing programs, a reportable disease list, the accreditation of veterinarians, licensed livestock and poultry dealers and auction sales are key activities. The movement of livestock and pets entering Maine is regulated.

Plant Health is Maine’s plant regulatory agency, responsible for protecting the state’s plant resources from the introduction and spread of regulated insects and diseases. The Division provides technical information and support to agricultural producers in the state and also issues a number of licenses and permits for individuals to conduct certain business in the state.

Welcome to the Division of Quality Assurance and Regulations

The mission of the Division of Quality Assurance and Regulations is to provide marketing assistance and consumer protection for Maine’s agriculture, industry, and citizens. The Division ensures that a safe, high quality food supply is maintained, that weighing and measuring devices used in commerce are correct, and that standards used in law enforcement are properly calibrated and accurate.

The Quality Assurance Program enhances marketing opportunities for Maine companies and producers by ensuring that Agricultural commodities produced in Maine meet or exceed minimum quality standards. This assurance results in increased consumer confidence, fostering an increase in business and profitability.

Minimum Standards for Planting – Potatoes

This program ensures that commercial potato growers (those who plant more then one acre) plant certified seed, reducing disease content and improving the over quality of the Maine potato crop.

The Division of Plant Industry is Maine’s plant regulatory agency, responsible for protecting the state’s plant resources from the introduction and spread of regulated insects and diseases. The Division provides technical information and support to agricultural producers in the state and also issues a number of licenses and permits for individuals to conduct certain business in the state.

Gardiners Winter Farmers Market Held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday at Johnson Hall

George L. Tibbetts Jr. — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

2 PM until 6 pm

Johnson Hall
(downtown on Water Street)

PARTICIPATING FARMERS & PRODUCERS

Balfour Farm
Borealis Breads
Bridge Farm
Dragonfly Cove Farm
Emery Farm
Geroux’s Café Mixes
Longmeadow Farm
Oaklands Farm
Paula C’s
Pretzel Logic
Roseberry Farm
Snafu Acres Farm
Wholesome Holmstead

(To read more about your farmers & producers, click on the VENDORS page)
Website: http://gardinerfarmersmarket.org/

_______________________________________________

____________________________________

EBT CARDS & WIC ACCEPTED

Some of the vendors also accept WIC.

Bring any questions to the information table at Wednesday’s market.

____________________________________________

FOOD DONATIONS

BRING CANNED GOODS FROM HOME or BUY A LITTLE EXTRA AT THE MARKET & PASS IT ALONG

Every week, vendors pass along unsold products to people who might not otherwise have easy access to fresh and local foods.

We will also gladly accept any food donations you choose to leave.

Just look for the plastic deposit bin. ALL DONATIONS GO TO THE FAITH CHRISTIAN FOOD PANTRY

THANK YOU!

The 71st annual Agricultural Trades Show will be held at the Augusta Civic Center on January 10 -12, 2012

George L. Tibbetts Jr. — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 20:31:00 +0000

The 71st annual Agricultural Trades Show will be held at the Augusta Civic Center on January 10 -12, 2012. Admission is FREE!

Show hours:

Tuesday, January 10 9am-5pm
Wednesday, January 11 9am-8pm
Thursday, January 12 9am-3pm

This show provides an atmosphere to walk through, observe, and educate the public about different areas of agriculture.

Augusta Civic Center
76 Community Drive
Augusta, ME 04330

View Larger Map

Program__________________________

The Maine Agricultural Trades Show is an annual event that takes place in Augusta, Maine. This is a three day function for the public. This will be our 71st year of this occasion which includes a little something for everyone of all ages. Governor Paul LePage will be the keynote speaker for the Commissioner’s luncheon.

Please note exhibit and meeting space is limited, vendors are encouraged to sign up for our wait list by emailing Meagan Damon at meagan.damon@maine.gov. Our staff looks forward to seeing you there.

For more information, visit http://www.getrealmaine.com.

About Maine Department of Agriculture

Directions to the Department

News
Submit a Question
Calendar of Events
Directions to the Department

Welcome to the Division of Agricultural Resource Development

(formally the Division of Market & Production Development)

Food Assistance Programs

Welcome to the Division of Animal and Plant Health

Welcome to the Division of Quality Assurance and Regulations

Minimum Standards for Planting – Potatoes

This program ensures that commercial potato growers (those who plant more then one acre) plant certified seed, reducing disease content and improving the over quality of the Maine potato crop.

Archi’s Acres in California Transitions Military From The Battlefield To The Farm – A Potential Model for Use in Maine?

George L. Tibbetts Jr. — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Colin and Karen Archipley at Archi's Acres, Feb 2011 Photo by Alison St John

Story Content of Interest to the people of Maine

According to Colin and Karen Archipley owners of Archi’s Acres:

-Two-thirds of family farmers are retiring.
-Nearly 70% of all farmers in the US are over 55 while only 4 % are young than 35
-US Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects a need of 100,000 new farmers per year for the next five years. This goal is not likely achievable.
-Forty-five percent of the military come from rural backgrounds,” she said. “So not only do they have that in their roots, but that’s also a place they can come back to and feel normal and good about themselves.

Colin and Karen Archipley walked up the driveway of their small avocado farm in Valley Center. They moved here when Colin left the Marine Corps after three deployments to Iraq in four years.

It’s an idyllic location, but the Archipleys soon realized they couldn’t make a go of it with water bills of more than $1,000 a month. They cut down some of their avocado trees, built greenhouses, and started an organic hydroponic herb-growing operation.

Now they can’t grow enough basil to meet the demand from places like Whole Foods and Jimbo’s.

Colin Archipley walked into the greenhouse where rows and rows of basil are growing in long white plastic pipes. He said he has managed to cut his water use down by 90 percent by using hydroponic technology.

He’s convinced he and his wife have found a niche that fulfills a national need. He said two-thirds of family farmers are retiring, and the USDA has a push to create 100,000 new farmers per year over the next five years.

“They are not going to meet those goals,” Archipley said, “but we think we have a population who can certainly help, who have the motivation and the willingness to do this, as well as the leadership and management skills to operate a business.”

The Archipleys believe qualities learned in the military translate well into entrepreneurship. And, as Karen points out, farming already runs in the blood for many of those who enlisted.

Archi's Acres Organic Farm in Valley Center, Feb 2011 Photo by Alison St John

“Forty-five percent of the military come from rural backgrounds,” she said. “So not only do they have that in their roots, but that’s also a place they can come back to and feel normal and good about themselves.”

Karen added it’s the kind of business where a husband and wife team has an advantage.

The couple started to offer classes though MiraCosta College to help other Marines make the leap from active duty to self-supporting civilian. They teach the latest water saving irrigation techniques, and how to market crops to build a successful business.

In a big barn, a handful of students gathered around a makeshift table to watch the power point presentations each created to illustrate their business plans for the future.

Mike De Alba, 26, heard about this class during a “transition assistance program” at Camp Pendleton. He’ll be out of the Marine Corps next month. He and his wife Stephanie plan to go back to his family’s farm in Northern California.

“Growing up,” De Alba said, “I always had a big interest in gardening and growing and plants in general. To be able to put something in the ground and watch it evolve in front of you and know you were the one that created that – I developed a passion for it.”

De Alba served four years in the Marine Corps as a water support technician, dealing with things like with water purification, filtration and distribution. Now he’s learning how to conserve water in another context — agriculture. His father wants him to try a similar operation when he comes home.

Not all the Marines who’ve come for this training grew up around agriculture.

Matt Hotzmann was a big city boy. He served as a systems engineer for five years in the Marine Corps and is already being wooed by companies like IBM. However, he has other plans. He wants to be an aquaponics farmer.

“Aquaponics is the marriage of aquaculture and hydroponics,” he explained. “So we raise fish that provide our nutrients for the water that then goes to the plants in the hydroponics system. Those plants filter out that water which returns to the fish. So, just like hydroponics, we use 90 percent less water, but we don’t have to add nutrients to that water like they do here.”

Holtzman pointed out a 300-gallon tank that re-circulates water filled with organic nutrients. It irrigates rows of lettuce and Swiss chard growing under a shade cloth. He said the hydroponics operation at Archi’s Acres is unusual in that it doesn’t use nitrogen-rich chemicals out of a bottle.

“Here we actually brew our own tea,” he explained. “It’s made out of worm castings, fish meal, and coco fiber.”

This is about more than growing greens for Holzmann. He believes food production, and energy conservation are matters of national security.

“I tied together managing our natural resources and national security, “he said, “and I’m a techno geek, so that’s where the aquaponics fits in for me.”

Holzmann knows he has a challenge ahead. He’s breaking into a new field and he’ll need financing and business smarts. He’s put together a business plan and he’s ready to take a risk — like he did when he signed up to be a Marine.

Colin Archipley believes there’s a key to making a successful transition back to civilian life.

“I think for returning vets the most beneficial thing we can do for them is give them a meaningful job that has a continued mission.”

Like California, the rest of the nation including Maine needs to attract and empower people that are our future farmers for the generations ahead.

Award-Winning Back Cove Gardens Ready to Inspire More Sustainable Gardening – Grand Opening October 20th

George L. Tibbetts Jr. — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 15:06:00 +0000

WHO: Maine YardScaping Partnership
WHAT: Official Opening/Ribbon-Cutting, Press Conference, Garden Tour
WHEN: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 10:00 AM
WHERE: Portland—YardScaping Gardens at Back Cove (adjacent to Preble Street soccer fields)

The Maine YardScaping Partnership will be holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony to announce the completion and official opening of the YardScaping Gardens at Back Cove—an intensive landscaping project designed to be a showcase for trees, shrubs, and perennials that can be used to make Maine gardens more sustainable and help gardeners and landscapers reduce their reliance on fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation water.

Over the past five years, Portlanders and others visitors who use the trails around Back Cove have witnessed the total transformation of two-and-a-half acres of unused field, made available by the City of Portland, where several thousand specially chosen plants have been installed. The gardens have been made possible by grants from the USEPA—Region 1 Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program, the Davis Conservation Foundation, and generous donations from local businesses and garden clubs, plus the herculean efforts of many local volunteers, including Master Gardeners and dedicated members of the more than 30 YardScaping partners.

Even before completion, the gardens have already been recognized, with the “Friends of Casco Bay” award from Friends of Casco Bay, and, most recently, with the “Gold Leaf Award for Outstanding Landscape Beautification Activities” from the International Society of Arboriculture.

All are invited to help celebrate the culmination of this project, first conceived more than 10 years ago.

Contact: Paul Schlein, 207-287-2731, paul.b.schlein@maine.gov

ALIVE IN LEWISTON – a costumed celebration of local food, music, and art to be held on October 28th

George L. Tibbetts Jr. — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:34:00 +0000

Friday, October 28th, 6:30 pm

St. Mary’s Nutrition Center, 208 Bates Street, Lewiston, Maine

Join Lots to Gardens and the St. Mary’s Nutrition Center for the 5th annual Alive in Lewiston celebration on Friday, October 28th. As local gardens wind down, we invite you to wind up and celebrate the bountiful growing season in full costume. Whether you come as a zombie, a tomato or some combination of the two you’re invited to sit back, relax and take in the sounds of local musicians and the taste of a multi-course meal featuring locally grown ingredients.

Proceeds will benefit Lots to Gardens’ educational and community gardening programs. Tickets for Alive in Lewiston are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, $5 for kids, and $5 for Lots to Gardens’ youth and community gardeners. If these prices don’t work for you but you really want to come, call or e-mail Lots to Gardens. We hope you’ll join us for this fun, family-friendly event.

Space is limited! To be guaranteed a space, please register in advance by calling (207) 513-3844. If you would like to volunteer for the event or would like more information about Alive in Lewiston or Lots to Gardens, please call or emaillotstogardens@gmail.com!

Looking for Volunteers!

Though it is technically fall and the cool nights are a reminder that winter is on the way there is still much to be done in the gardens!

If you have some time on your hands please come out and join us in harvesting & preparing the gardens for winter. Here are our weekly garden times:
Monday – 10:00-1:00 pm – Meadowview Park, 4:00-6:00 pm Franklin Pasture
Tuesday – 9:00-11:00 am – Wood Street & Knox Street, 4:00-6:00 Pine Street
Wednesay – 10:00-1:00 pm – Hillview
Thursday – 9:00-11:00 am – Meadowview Park, 9:30-11:00 Franklin Pasture, 3:00-5:00 Wood Street
Times subject to change based on weather. Please call before showing up to make sure we’ll be there!

Support Local Farmers at the Farmers’ Market!

Don’t worry – it’s not too late to swing by the Kennedy Park or Bates Mill Farmers’ Markets. Both markets will be up and running through the middle of October!
Kennedy Park – Tuesdays, 2:00-4:30, Corner of Pine & Bates Streets

Bates Mill – Sundays, 10:30am – 2:00pm, Bates Mill 5 Parking Lot, Main Street & Lincoln

What will you do this winter? Come to the Winter Farmers’ Market of course!
The 3rd Thursday of every month (starting in November) you can treat yourself to local produce, meats, cheeses, and crafts while listening to live music at the Winter Market held at the Nutrition Center (208 Bates Street) from 5:00-7:30 pm.

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Our mailing address is:

Lots to Gardens
PO Box 7291
Lewiston, ME 04243

Meet your Farmer film series and discussion panel at Topsham Public Library, August 16, 6 – 8 pm.

George L. Tibbetts Jr. — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:03:00 +0000

The Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust is partnering with Maine Farmland Trust to show 8 short films in an event entitled “Meet Your Farmer” at the Topsham Public Library, Tuesday August 16, 6 – 8 pm.

Free and open to the public, this film series will begin with a short meet and greet with local farmers including Seth Kroeck of Crystal Spring Farm, and several varieties of locally grown foods to sample. Following the film screenings, there will be a brief discussion Q & A.

Maine filmmakers Cecily Pingree and Jason Mann, have created films that tell the diverse stories of eight Maine farms: from Aroostook to York; potatoes to dairy, from large commercial operations to small farmers who sell directly to local people.

The films have traveled to over 50 locations throughout the state, telling the important story of farming in Maine and have been hailed as “moving portraits” and “incredible film work” by observers.

25 Foreside Road
Topsham, ME 04086-1832
(207) 725-1727

During cold temperatures KVHS encourages people to keep pets safe and warm!

George L. Tibbetts Jr. — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:23:00 +0000

As the temperatures continue to stay very low, the staff of the Kennebec Valley Humane Society (KVHS) encourages community members to take precautionary steps to keep their pets safe from severe winter weather.

“The most important advice we can give to pet owners it to keep their cats inside and let their dogs out only for short times with supervision.” Says Hillary Roberts, KVHS Executive Director. “This will help to keep your pets protected from not only the frigid temperatures, but also keep them safe from being lost, stolen, or any other unsafe situation that would only be made worse by the cold”.

Roberts says that by following these simple tips, courtesy of the ASPCA, pet owners can help to ensure the safety and comfort of their animals:

Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.
During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.
Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.
Thoroughly wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.
Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.
Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.
Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him—and his fur—in tip-top shape.
Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.
Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

For more information please contact Kennebec Valley Humane Society at (207) 626-3491 or visit www.pethavenlane.org.

Mystic Woodworks Wins Pine Tree Award

George L. Tibbetts Jr. — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 19:45:00 +0000

Raymond Doubleday (right) is shown receiving the Maine Wood Products Associations 2010 Pine Tree Award from its President Alan Chesney

Mystic Woodworks, located in Warren, recently received the 2010“Pine Tree Award” from the Maine Wood Products Association. This award is presented annually to a Maine wood products business that has shown growth and innovation over the past two years.

Mystic Woodworks produces a wide variety of kitchen and home office items including cutting boards and office accessories. The business is owned by Ray and Jamie Doubleday and has been a successful woodenware manufacturer for 20 years. In 2008 the Doubleday’s realized that in order to continue to be successful in the changing business climate, their shop needed to be more efficient. A CNC router was added to the shop. The addition of this new equipment provided the added benefit of providing diversity of services that can be offered to their customers.

Jamie said “The past two years have been a challenge for all small businesses and Mystic Woodworks is no exception; however, as a result of the addition of the CNC, the company has been able to steer in new directions and add a new line of business which has been very successful from its onset.” Mystic Woodworks now regularly supplies six area businesses with CNC machined parts. Jamie continued “Our CNC business is now 30% of our gross revenue and has enabled us to hire a full time employee”.

Ray added “We have a fully equipped woodshop so we are able to glue, sand, plane and process panels to our customer’s specifications. We also work closely with other area businesses to provide additional services such as lacquer finishing so our clients can effectively do one stop shopping. We feel this helps distinguish us from other CNC shops that have little, if any, other woodworking equipment.”

Ray and Jamie encourage anyone interested in our services to call 207-273-3937, come by and visit us at 199 Camden Road (Route 90) in Warren, or visit www.MysticWoodworksCNC.com.

Northern M.O.S.S.- Maine Outdoor School and Services

George L. Tibbetts Jr. — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 23:44:00 +0000

Classes to run September 16th to 19th

Calls are coming in regarding our next Guide Preparation Class that will be held September 16-19. We are looking forward to working with a brand new group of people working to become Registered Maine Guides. Some will take the course for personal enrichment. Anyone interested in leading a group in outdoor activities will find this class beneficial.

141 Main St.
Stockholm, ME, 04783
207-896-3038

Website:

http://www.northernmoss.com
http://northernmmoss@yahoo.com

Hosta Auction and Sale at Viles Arboretum on June 19th

George L. Tibbetts Jr. — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Hosta Auction and Sale

Saturday, June 19, 2010
10:30am – 4:00pm

Location:

Viles Arboretum
153 Hospital Street
Augusta, ME

View Map

www.vilesarboretum.org

Gardiner Conservation Committee has a Facebook Page

George L. Tibbetts Jr. — Fri, 07 May 2010 22:00:00 +0000

Gardiner Conservation Committee has a Facebook Page

You can find a direct link to the Gardiner Conservation Committee by going to:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gardiner-ME-Conservation-Committee/116053865088888

They hope you will visit their page and become a “fan.” You can learn about our projects around Gardiner and perhaps consider volunteering to help. Their mission is to restore, beautify and protect Gardiner’s publicly owned spaces.

The Valley Voice » Home & Garden

Gardiner Farmers Market at Johnson Hall on Feb. 1, 2012

2 PM until 6 pm

Johnson Hall (downtown on Water Street)

PARTICIPATING FARMERS & PRODUCERS

Balfour Farm Borealis Breads Bridge Farm Dragonfly Cove Farm Emery Farm Geroux’s Café Mixes Longmeadow Farm Oaklands Farm Paula C’s Pretzel Logic Roseberry Farm Snafu Acres Farm Wholesome Holmstead

EBT CARDS & WIC ACCEPTED

FOOD DONATIONS

BRING CANNED GOODS FROM HOME or BUY A LITTLE EXTRA AT THE MARKET & PASS IT ALONG

Teacher Eric Wade Receives Maine Agriculture in the Classroom 2012 Teacher of the Year Award

Cornucopia Newsletter for January 2012

Waterville Farmers Market Scheduled for January 19th

2011 Membership Directory New members for this year are noted in RED. Updated for each year in mid April. Click on photos to enlarge.

A Page-N-Thyme Farm, Garden & Soap Company

The Apple Farm Joined the market in 2009.

Eagle View Gardens and Haunted Trail Pumpkins

Fire Flour Bakery and Fail Better Farm

Half Moon Gardens, Inc. Joined the market in 2008.

Heald Farm LLC

100 Acre Farm

Just-a-Cookin’ Joined the market in 2011.

Kennerson Farm

Kennebec Cheesery Joined the market in 2008.

Peacemeal Farm

Proud Peasant Farm Joined the market in 2010.

Good Breads @ R. Family Farm Joined the market in 2008.

Raini Ridge Farm

Smith Farm Joined the market in 2009.

Stone Fox Farm Creamery Joined the market in 2010.

Tangled Oak Farm

Winterberry Farm

Woolity Farm Joined the market in 2011.

Lewiston Farmers Market Schedule for January 19th 2012

Music by Denise Dill

New Farmer Workshop Series Announced Beginning Jan. 31st

Governor Attends Maine Agricultural Trades Show

Author Takes Issue with Definition, Business and Politics of Organic Farming

Attempted drive-by smear

1. Does the government subsidize organics?

2. Does Cornucopia support the need for field testing?

3. Is field testing expensive?

4. Is the government planning to test organics?

5. Is there even any fraud in the organic industry?

6. Are you a qualified organic inspector?

7. Have you ever worked for IOIA?

8. Are you really an Advanced Organic Inspector?

9. Are you an ultra-conservative?

10. Has the organic industry been taken over by socialists?

11. What do you have to gain?

12. What does Cornucopia have to gain?

13. Isn’t there already some organic field testing?

14. Aren’t organic certifiers responsible?

15. Aren’t most certifiers not-for-profit?

Opinions and Editorials

In Conclusion…

By Land and By Sea Trade Show January 19th in Unity

About Maine Department of Agriculture

Directions to the Department

Welcome to the Division of Animal and Plant Health

Welcome to the Division of Quality Assurance and Regulations

Minimum Standards for Planting – Potatoes

Gardiners Winter Farmers Market Held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday at Johnson Hall

2 PM until 6 pm

Johnson Hall (downtown on Water Street)

PARTICIPATING FARMERS & PRODUCERS

Balfour Farm Borealis Breads Bridge Farm Dragonfly Cove Farm Emery Farm Geroux’s Café Mixes Longmeadow Farm Oaklands Farm Paula C’s Pretzel Logic Roseberry Farm Snafu Acres Farm Wholesome Holmstead

____________________________________

EBT CARDS & WIC ACCEPTED

FOOD DONATIONS

BRING CANNED GOODS FROM HOME or BUY A LITTLE EXTRA AT THE MARKET & PASS IT ALONG

The 71st annual Agricultural Trades Show will be held at the Augusta Civic Center on January 10 -12, 2012

Augusta Civic Center 76 Community Drive Augusta, ME 04330

About Maine Department of Agriculture

Directions to the Department

Welcome to the Division of Animal and Plant Health

Welcome to the Division of Quality Assurance and Regulations

Minimum Standards for Planting – Potatoes

Archi’s Acres in California Transitions Military From The Battlefield To The Farm – A Potential Model for Use in Maine?

Award-Winning Back Cove Gardens Ready to Inspire More Sustainable Gardening – Grand Opening October 20th

WHO: Maine YardScaping Partnership WHAT: Official Opening/Ribbon-Cutting, Press Conference, Garden Tour WHEN: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 10:00 AM WHERE: Portland—YardScaping Gardens at Back Cove (adjacent to Preble Street soccer fields)

Johnson Hall
(downtown on Water Street)

Balfour Farm
Borealis Breads
Bridge Farm
Dragonfly Cove Farm
Emery Farm
Geroux’s Café Mixes
Longmeadow Farm
Oaklands Farm
Paula C’s
Pretzel Logic
Roseberry Farm
Snafu Acres Farm
Wholesome Holmstead

2011 Membership Directory
New members for this year are noted in RED.
Updated for each year in mid April. Click on photos to enlarge.

Fire Flour Bakery and
Fail Better Farm

Half Moon Gardens, Inc.
Joined the market in 2008.

Good Breads @ R. Family Farm
Joined the market in 2008.

Johnson Hall
(downtown on Water Street)

Balfour Farm
Borealis Breads
Bridge Farm
Dragonfly Cove Farm
Emery Farm
Geroux’s Café Mixes
Longmeadow Farm
Oaklands Farm
Paula C’s
Pretzel Logic
Roseberry Farm
Snafu Acres Farm
Wholesome Holmstead

Augusta Civic Center
76 Community Drive
Augusta, ME 04330

WHO: Maine YardScaping Partnership
WHAT: Official Opening/Ribbon-Cutting, Press Conference, Garden Tour
WHEN: Thursday, October 20, 2011, 10:00 AM
WHERE: Portland—YardScaping Gardens at Back Cove (adjacent to Preble Street soccer fields)