In this update:

* Registration for Montgomery Master Gardener Classes Coming Up Soon!
* Noble Farming, by Joel Salatin
* Foraging for Acorns - A Vey Local Food Story
* More on Apples in Montgomery County
* U.S. Justice Dept. Investigates Monsanto


 
Registration for Montgomery Master Gardener Classes Coming Up Soon!

Classes for the Montgomery County Master Gardeners program begin in January of 2010, and registration will take place in November.

We are proud at Montgomery Victory Gardens to have the privilege of working with the Master Gardeners - they are a great group of terrifically informed people, and gardening is their passion. The comprehensive course to become a certified Master Gardener in our county only happens once a year, is first come, first served, and fills up quickly -  so if you are interested you will want to send them your information right away!

Click here for more information and to get on the Master Gardener course registration mailing list.
 


Noble Farming, by Joel Salatin

In honor of Joel Salatin's appearance at the recent D.C. Greenfest, we present to you a wonderful short commentary (from Flavor magazine) by this internationally-acclaimed sustainable farmer, author and speaker.

Assailing the stigma that farming is not a "serious" or valid occupation, and is suitable only for hicks, Salatin makes it clear that if we want responsibly raised food, we have to encourage the next generation's best and brightest to become farmers. As he puts it, "I'll know a cultural shift has come when I overhear a mom proudly proclaim, 'My Johnny is going to be a farmer!'"

Salatin's broad-based social commentary makes clear that the current crisis in our food system rest on our respect for farmers and farming. "Our food quality is tied to, and can never exceed, the honor we give to good, thinking farmers. The quality of our food is a direct result of our nation's attitude toward agrarianism."

For a brilliant, provocative commentary by the nation's #1 advocate (and practitioner) of sustainable farming, click here.

 

Foraging for Acorns - A Vey Local Food Story

While Montgomery Victory Gardens focuses on helping the citizens of our county to grow their own food, foraging for food that grows naturally is also a wonderful and vital part of building our local food shed.

And if you live anywhere around oak trees, you'll know that right now there is a huge harvest of edible acorns literally lying on the ground for the taking. Hannah Joyner, along with husband David and son Abraham, tried their hand at acorn foraging for the first time, with considerable success, and we are delighted to present their story here.

For Hannah's wonderful description of her family's experience, including step-by-step instructions, helpful  photos and an acorn pancake recipe, click here.



More on Apples in Montgomery County

October and November are apple season in Montgomery County, and in addition to recommending the freshly-pressed cider at Heyser Farms in Silver Spring (see our previous update), we thought we'd present a few more local options for your apple picking and eating enjoyment.

The following article by Washington Gardener Magazine editor and Takoma Park resident Kathy Jentz is a perfect synopsis - a combination of how to prepare (dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes!), how to do it (the "rolling method") and where to go, with a comprehensive list of apple websites for more information.

So go pick yourself some apples! Click here for "Apple Picking Time" by Kathy Jentz.


 
U.S. Justice Dept. Investigates Monsanto

For anyone who has seen movies such as "Food, Inc." or follows organizations such as our partner and fiscal sponsor, Organic Consumers Association, you know that Monsanto is one of the corporate food giants most frequently targeted for criticism of their philosophy and business practices.

Now, the U.S. Justice Department is investigating Monsanto to see if they've violated antitrust rules in their ongoing attempts to expand their dominance of the market for genetically engineered crops. To read more about this long overdue development, click here.



That's it for this week! Don't forget to send us your feedback, as well as ideas for stories or local food events we can promote, by emailing us at info@montgomeryvictorygardens.org.

Thanks!

Gordon Clark,
Project Director
Montgomery Victory Gardens