Tag: Food Policy

Environment, Organic Policy and Regulations, What is Organic

This Holy Darkness Is a Call for Food Policy Change

Melody Meyer
Smoke and Haze fill the West Photo by Dave Hoefler on Unsplash

As I write, the entire west is burning up in historic conflagrations.  According to Meteorologist Daniel Swain, “Around 3.5 million acres have burned so far in California in 2020. That’s around 3.5% of the entire land area of the state and is approaching *double* the previous record for the greatest acreage burned during a single year.”

The air is laced with smoke and ash; the orange sun some days does not come forth. The darkness shrouds me, and the air places a heavy weight on my chest.

The earth is sending us a message in this holy darkness—flames sown by our sturdy two-legged species; we have ingenious brains but hold no reverence for the future.

We act like animals in fights for survival as we subjugate her with overconsumption. Burning fossil fuels, destroying ancient forests for cheap hamburgers, farming with chemicals that add to global emissions.

I believe it need not be so and that we can begin to make a difference.

Continue reading “This Holy Darkness Is a Call for Food Policy Change” →
Culinary Delights, Environment, Organic Policy and Regulations, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

Peeling Back the Onion: What this Election means for Food and Agriculture

Melody Meyer

yellow-onionEarly November in California signals the end and the beginning of many things. This year as the election looms, I cut and chop the last dry farm tomatoes from Molino Creek Farm. Each slice marks the conclusion of these ruby orbs of delight. I make caponata to extend the last vestiges of summer flavor in my kitchen. As I peel back the onion, I muse on its ability to make me weep and the way it will transform into a sweet caramelized crescendo.

This election has been much like an onion with its multitude of sharp layers, sometimes bitter, yet holding sweet potential for food and agriculture. Let’s peel back the layers this November to see where we can make progress in Food and Ag policy.     Continue reading “Peeling Back the Onion: What this Election means for Food and Agriculture” →

Environment, Organic Policy and Regulations, What is Organic

This is the year to vote for GOOD FOOD POLICY

Melody Meyer

Organic Farmers Market 3I am looking forward to the elections this fall for several reasons. Not only will we likely have several state labeling initiatives on the ballots but these mid-term elections also hold the promise for great change. On November 4, 2014, all 435 seats in the United States House of Representatives and 33 of the 100 seats in the United States Senate will be challenged. According to the Roll Call “Casualty List” the turnover in Congress will be especially acute.  As of this writing there are 30 members retiring:  24 in the House and 6 in the Senate, with 10 members resigning: 6 from the House and 4 from Senate. With this sea change upon us, how do we create change in our agriculture and food policy? I say it’s time to vote with our food priorities and begin to hold our future Congress accountable! Continue reading “This is the year to vote for GOOD FOOD POLICY” →