USDA Launches New Initiative and Companion Website |
The United States Department of Agriculture recently announced its Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative, which is being led by USDA Deputy Secretary, Kathleen Merrigan. "Americans are more interested in food and agriculture than at any other time since most families left the farm," said Merrigan. "'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' seeks to focus that conversation on supporting local and regional food systems to strengthen American agriculture by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and spurring economic opportunity in rural communities."
Soon after the announcement, FamilyFarmed.org President, Jim Slama met with Deputy Secretary Merrigan to discuss the initiative and possible ways FamilyFarmed.org might be able to support the effort. "As a result of the meeting, we are exploring a number of collaborations with the USDA," says Slama. "It is heartening to see such an emphasis coming out the the top agricultural leadership in the country." Slama and a contingent of local and sustainable food leaders also toured the White House gardens with White House Chef and Food Policy Coordinator, Sam Kass who is working closely with the USDA on food initiatives.
For more information about Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food, visit their website to find such features as:
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Fall Community Supported Agriculture Shares Still Available!
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 Did you miss out on summer CSA shares? Or did you love it so much you want to extend the season? Now is your chance! These family farms still have fall shares available.
Also, be sure to sign up early for 2010 shares!
Many farmers have already made shares available through their websites, or they can add you to a mailing list to be notified when shares become available.
For a listing of CSA programs in greater Chicagoland, check out FamilyFarmed.org's Guide to Chicagoland CSAs. And, keep an eye out for the updated guide this winter!
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A People's Garden
Has Arrived in Chicago!
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack inaugurated the first USDA "People's Garden" on February 12, 2009, the birth date of President Abraham Lincoln. (President Lincoln founded the U. S. Department of Agriculture in 1862, calling it the "People's Department.") Secretary Vilsack 's goal is for USDA agencies and employees to lead by example; i.e., promote the establishment of community gardens throughout the country to increase access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, especially in low-income communities.
When USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Midwest Regional Administrator Ollice Holden learned of the Chicago Botanic Garden's (CBG) success in establishing community gardens in underserved areas of Chicago, he wanted to get involved. CBG's acclaimed programs for high school students and young adults serve both as a training ground for students of sustainable organic-method farming and as a means of providing fresh fruits and vegetables to "food deserts" in Chicago (neighborhoods lacking full-service grocery stores).
In March 2009, through a meeting arranged by Kate Maehr of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Holden met with CBG staff and asked how USDA employees could support their urban gardening efforts. They responded by offering to train USDA volunteers to plant and maintain a new garden site at 215 N. Kenneth on Chicago's west side, working side-by-side with CBG's Windy City Harvest program participants.
Continue reading here!
For
more information about the Chicago People's Garden, please contact
Angela Mason, Director of Community Gardening at Chicago Botanic Garden, at 847.650.7304.
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FEATURED PRODUCER
Oriana's Oriental Orchard
8429 N. Harding Ave.
Skokie, IL 60076
847.673.9175
Jack and Oriana Kruszewski are the proud owners of Oriana's Oriental Orchard in Skokie, IL. The orchard covers approximately 40 acres with a whole 5 acres dedicated exclusively to Asian Pears. The Kruszewski's have children, but the kids have decided to leave all of the work to their parents. Although the orchard is not organically certified, the Kruszewski's use sustainable growing practices.
Jack and Oriana sell their products directly to consumers, distribute their products to various restaurants, and also have their own CSA program!
What is your growing philosophy?
Doing the impossible... bringing back forgotten fruit. (e.g. Asian Pear, Paw Paw, Black walnuts, etc.)
What's your favorite part of being a farmer?
Educating consumers.
What's your least favorite part?
Selling the produce.
If you are organic, why did you choose this path?
We chose this path because it's sustainable, back to basics, and a simple way of life.
How did you get into farming?
I was born into it. I learned the practical, hands-on application in my youth, and carried the study further in college. It is my purpose in life, and where I receive satisfaction and contentment. The challenge has always been how to cultivate a decent income.
What makes your farm special?
Special produce, special grower.
Where do you want your business to be in the next year? 5 years? 10 years?
Provide better tasting fruit locally and offer organic workshops on how to grow these unusual trees.
For more information about Oriana's Oriental Orchard you can contact them directly by calling 847.673.9175.
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U-Pick season is almost over!
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Fall is ripe with farm fresh food you can pick yourself. So, pack up the family and head out to a nearby farm that offers U-Pick!
Click here for a great website resource for u-pick. It has a list of participating farms in all 50 states and even overseas farms!
Other resources:
Click here for Michigan U-Pick farms
Click here for Northern Illinois U-Pick farms
Click here for
a Fresh Squeeze article
naming great U-Pick apple spots around Chicago
And, for U-Pick farms in Southern Wisconsin, click here.
Happy Harvest!
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POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
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The Academy for Global Citizenship is hiring a Sustainability and Wellness Teacher.
The Academy for Global Citizenship is a Chicago Public Contract School located on the Southwest side of Chicago.
The school features daily yoga, environmental education, wellness instruction, organic gardening and ecologically sustainable school-wide practices. It also offers organic, nutritionally balanced and fresh breakfast and lunch.
Click here for more information about the position!
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POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
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 Growing Home's mission is to operate, promote and demonstrate the use of organic agriculture as a vehicle for job training, employment, and community development.
The Urban Farms Manager will be responsible for the operation of Growing Home's certified organic urban farms: the Wood St. urban farm and Su Casa urban farm, and will take an active part in the development of future urban farms. He/she will supervise urban farm staff. He/she will take an active part in hands-on teaching for Growing Home's transitional job program for low-income Chicagoans.
We are looking for someone with a passion for growing food, and a desire to share food, farming and life with our staff and trainees.
Click here for more information!
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