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Hiring Help Without Hiring Anyone At All
Working with independent contractors rather than regular employees can save a farmer money. But it’s not a solution for every situation–only if the farmer can give up a good deal of control over the work should independent contractors be hired. What’s the Situation? Hiring employees can be expensive. A farmer must pay social security and…
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Hospitals Provide New Markets for Sustainable Farms
When beginning farmers think of markets for their produce, they should increasingly consider local hospitals. A new study by Health Care Without Harm, an international agency promoting sustainable practices in health care institutions, demonstrates that the majority of US hospitals are choosing to serve their patients fresh, local, healthy foods. According to the study, more…
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Flavor Magazine Profiles Young Farmers in the DC Foodshed
Flavor Magazine,which covers sustainable and small farms, ranches, and food artisans between the Blue Ridge and Chesapeake, just released its December issue profiling 29 young farmers in the Capital foodshed. The article includes bio’s and interviews of these young farmers who represent the future of agriculture in the DC area. Check out the article here!…
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Cooperative Models Combat Food Deserts and Provide New Markets for Local Farmers
A small town in North Dakota has taken on the problem of rural food deserts. People in the town of Bowdon, North Dakota, formed a cooperative to re-establish a grocery store in the town, and ultimately got the store re-opened. The Bowdon Community Cooperative continues to run the store. This concept deserves attention both as…
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A Field Guide to the Farm Bill, Part II
A Hard Row – Farm Legislation from 1933- 1939 The first farm bill was crafted in 1933: a time of plunging crop prices, dust storms, and a burgeoning Depression. At the time, over 20 percent of working Americans were farmers, and 80 percent of farms were smaller than 175 acres. The U.S. agricultural economy had…
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NWF Report Highlights Farming Practices that Protect the Environment
A new report by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), “Future Friendly Farming: Seven Agricultural Practices to Sustain People and the Environment,” explores a number of important practices to reduce environmental damage and ensure that farming continues to support people for many generations. These recommendations include the use of cover crops, conservation tillage, organic methods of…
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Occupy Wall Street: The Farmers' March
Sunday, December 4th, 2 PM to 6 PM A gathering of farmers, community gardeners, food activists, and occupiers for dialogue, solidarity, and solutions to corporate control of our food system. 2 PM – Gathering at La Plaza Cultural, 9th St and Ave C 4 PM – March towards Wall Street 5 PM – Circle of…