CNG farmers don’t use any synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. CNG livestock are raised mostly on pasture and with space for freedom of movement. Feed must be grown without synthetic inputs or genetically modified seeds. There is, of course, much more to it than that. One of our favorite aspects of the program is the transparency of the certification process. The records of each farm's certification documents are available for public review on the cngfarming.org website. There is peer review to promote community and information exchange between farms. Each year each participating farm is peer inspected often by a fellow CNG or Organic farmer. For more info on the program head over to http://www.cngfarming.org/
A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) membership is a convenient way to receive sustainably-produced vegetables and is also an investment in the local economy and an opportunity to foster a more direct connection with the land and people who produce your food. By paying upfront for a full season of produce, members share the cost, risk, and eventual bounty with the farmer. Members receive a box (actually half bushel basket) of mixed produce weekly throughout the growing season. The Good Life Box is what we call our CSA program.
By building soil first we lay a foundation to make minimal use of outside inputs, buffer against drought, and resist pest pressure.We do this by planting green manures like crimson clover, anual rye and hairy vetch between planting of crops. Deep roots that scavenge and move deep nutrients to the soil surface combined with legumes that fix nitrogen in the soil supply most of our crops nutrient needs. This also creates an ideal environment to support beneficial microbes that convert and convey other nutrients to our crops from the organic material build up in the soil from the cover crop rotation.
We believe a farm and by extension a farmer's market can be a host for community, bringing together people of any creed or cultural background. The universalness of celebrating in seasonal bounty should be able to escape the divisiveness that seems so prevalent in every day.
Around 1930 a type of tomato was developed that turned red over the entire surface at the same time. The gene that allows for this also striped the fruit of its rich flavor. The resulting fruit looked good on store shelves, but lacked in taste. This began the era of grainy tasteless tomatoes. Green shoulders on a tomato is an indication of good flavor.
Percent of U.S. diet that's processed foods
million pound of garlic were imported from China
how far food travels to get from farm to plate
Miles from our closest farmer's market
