This Week’s Harvest
Sungold Cherry Tomatoes
Heirloom Tomatoes
Beefsteak Tomatoes
Okra (Tuesday only. Thursday will get it next week)
Sweet Corn
Sweet Italian Peppers
Red Bell Peppers
Cantaloupe OR Yellow Watermelon
Basil
Red Potatoes
Sweet Onions
Garlic
Zucchini
Farm News
This spring I was asked to join the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association’s (OEFFA) Policy Council. OEFFA promotes a more sustainable food system and the Policy Council helps guide the organization’s priorities. The Policy Council is made up of farmers, food makers, advocates and consumers that advise and evaluate the policy work that OEFFA takes up.
Back in July we had our first conference call and were briefed on OEFFA’s main policy goals. These include “invest[ing] in the regional food economy, support[ing] agriculture practices that pay ecosystem dividends, and facilitat[ing] agriculture for the next generation.” OEFFA has done much to support all of these areas including promoting the work of the Ohio Food Policy Network, providing resources for farmers who want to transition to organic, and connecting landowners with aspiring but landless young farmers. OEFFA’s work is working. Results from the most recent Agriculture Census that was just conducted this past year show that Ohio ranks second for the number of acres being transitioned to organic production systems. Ohio farmland acreage also saw an increase by nearly 5,000 acres.
There has been much progress towards creating a more sustainable food system but there is so much more work to be done! For example, I learned that Ohio only has one certified organic meat processing facility for the entire state. That prohibitive reality most likely deters meat farmers from becoming certified organic. I’m looking forward to my continued discussions with the policy council and hope to contribute to the conversation! I’ll keep you posted on OEFFA’s progress on these important issues!
Recipes
Potatoes with Tomatoes and Basil
Coming Up Next Week (Our Best Guess…….) Edamame Beans, Acorn Squash, Basil, Onions, Garlic, Potatoes, Okra, Watermelon, Tomatoes, Peppers