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We need the USDA to do more to provide more money to those who choose to switch to growing organic.
we need to do more to give the small hobby and back yard farmer to help them raise organic.
There is a bill right now that is aimed at stopping the production of ORGNAIC heirlom seeds.
if we are going to incurage the production of organics we have to give bigger and better tax breaks and help the small guy to get educated and support in raising organics.
Suggested by Robin Feusner on 04/14/2009 @ 09:00PM PT
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I'm thinking that not only can we merely plant gardens at our own personal plots; but, also work towards community gardens somehow. My fiancee and I are doing this. We expect it to take a while as we are still laying the proposal and gathering people. There are unused vacant lots all over the place which could be used temporarily until the owners find a developer. The homeless shelters always need food, and some of their residents could work it. We are gathering churches and businesses and whatever we can find. When we have (an undesignated # of signatures)we hope to present the idea to the city. It is already happening in other towns and cities. We hope to follow suit.
Suggested by William Cherry on 03/19/2009 @ 06:55AM PT
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We need gardening angels to help get newbie gardeners going. We've started The Great Let's Get Growing Seed Share in hopes that folks will send their exta seed to people who are just starting out. It takes just a little bit of time and less than a dollar to mail someone enough seed to have a fantastic 'survival garden'...I sent out four gardens yesterday!
Sign up at:
http://hyperlocavore.ning.com/forum/topics/the-great-lets-get-growing
Suggested by hyper locavore on 03/05/2009 @ 11:03AM PT
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Many ideas for gardens, fruit trees in public parks are all worthy ideas to be incorporated into a new public policy for Gardening America, or whatever. I believe the President should lead and speak publicly on this issue to promote home and community gardens, home food presevation, safe and healthful organic food, local farming as example components of a comprehensive local food growing and eating program. Promotes health, physical activity, basic values, sustainability, personal responsibility, healthy food access, environmental health.....
In addition to lawns, decks, and patios, we can utilize abandoned, deteriorated unused urban space, even small neighborhood corners. Huge amounts of city park spaces go unused - let's plant fruit trees and pea patches (shared garden space). Even designated homeless run gardens (although we should also put serious effort into recognizing and SOLVING our homeless/poor/incarcerated/marginalized disgrace - sorry, I digress). On and on, no end to ideas we can come up for better utilizing private and public space for local food growing and distributing.
Suggested by Denise Ward on 01/28/2009 @ 08:56PM PT
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Why not start with governors' mansions? California is a great place, for sure - I know from talking to people about it there that the governor's wife, Maria Shriver, is a supporter of urban agriculture. Plant the Aztec triad - corn, beans and squash - and make a statement. I think this is an idea that the Obamas should go with, for sure, but getting it going at the state level also makes sense, yes?
-Karney Hatch,
Director, "Overdrawn!"
www.karneyhatch.com
Suggested by Karney Hatch on 01/26/2009 @ 07:57AM PT
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I believe everyone should have some kind of gardening at the house or balcony. With grassroot mind established at the household level, that can easily change mind of other larger establishments(schools, HOA, business) in adopting self sustained community, which will lead to a greener world. There are many efficient gardening systems on the market now, so this can even apply to growing vegetables inside the house with hydroponic and lighting systems. When each one of us lives the lifestyle and believes in what we do, that will empower our words and make it more convincing.
Happy Gardening
Suggested by DD Zane on 01/21/2009 @ 02:27PM PT
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homeless people in the neighborhood could sign up to work the gardens in exchange for take out chits for meals where the organic produce is delivered, it would be an opportunity for self- empowerment and community outreach to get peoples' basic needs met.
Suggested by laura cahalane on 01/21/2009 @ 01:39PM PT
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Our non-profit has established a 35 acre organic farm that provides 100% of its produce to the needy of central Florida. We have free use of the land and the landowner receives an agriculture tax-exemption which substantially lowers its tax liability. Our free land farm model can be duplicated nationwide. www.800CharityFarms.org
Suggested by Brian Menzies on 01/21/2009 @ 03:38AM PT
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I also propose that greater effort be made for the concept of yard-sharing, whereby people who grow crops in their yards share an agreed-upon portion of that yard for community purposes.
By the way, some communities punish gardeners by charging them high water rates, while others communities bow to NIMBY complaints from neighbors who prefer to see green grass lawns rather than vegetable gardens. Zoning and HOA regulations should therefore be updated to support home gardeners, and there should be community education programs as well.
Suggested by Allison P on 01/19/2009 @ 07:51PM PT
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In addition to home gardens ask people to plant a fruit tree. The tree will provide fruit within a few years, will beautifiy those plain lawns and be environmentally sound with the oxygen which they produce, fighting pollution.
Fruit trees in public parks also will provide food for the poor and homeless.
Suggested by Paul boboige on 01/19/2009 @ 07:26PM PT
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