Market Farming

["Tom Anslow" <limerock AT thirdplanet.net>]

From: "GlobalCirclenet" <webmaster AT globalcircle.net>
> But democracy in FB is not the issue; it's whether we want to support any
> farming organization that spends big money lobbying on issues unrelated to
> market farming. I don't care if they have a democratic vote on those
issues
> or if they just make it all up out of thin air. There are many issues that
> shouldn't be voted on by anybody, because people should be free to
disagree
> and go their own way.

Yes, I support FB and am glad that they exsist.  Having said that, I kinda
havta disagree.  If there are issues, people are impacted, and people MUST
vote.  That is how we show our agreement/disagreement.  That is how we
(America) has gotten into the overall mess that we are in, by Not Voting.

Now on to farming.  IMHO, I do not think we would have a farm bill today
(and yes, it is not Near perfect or balanced) without the efforts of FB.
But, if you dig deep enough, yes there is money in the bill for what I call
edible food (fruits and veggies).  Nowhere near enough, but it is a start.

Through my participation with FB as our county's president, I was able to
personally meet and speak with numerous 'elected officials' in DC early this
year.  Annually, Ohio FB sends (pays expenses only, not lost wages or pay in
the pocket) for the county presidents trip to DC.  It just so happened that
while we were there, the farm bill was under debate (a true coincidence as
the trip is planned months in advance).  You all can rest assured that this
market farming individual was discussing edible foods.

Kindly,

Tom Anslow
Limerock Orchards and Roadside Market
Catawba Island