March / April 2008 tilth (fr. OE “tillian” + th): Volume 19, No. 1 A. the quality of cultivated soil. FREE B. cultivation of wisdom and the spirit.

Water

www.tilth.org March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page  Editor’s Desk Winter rains assualted me during we take for granted, as growers, as urban- much of the time I put together this Water ites, or as citizens. Theme issue of In Good Tilth. It seemed an So, this issue is devoted to the many appropriate enough backdrop. facets of water; from raging floods, to its Water makes up the majority of the scarcity and commercialization and to its planet and our bodies, so it seems fitting purity. More than a few articles here offer that it should make up most of the weather strategic ways of channeling rainwater into also. At least on the Westside in winter. holding tanks, swales and rain gardens But fresh water is in fact a scarce and – with preservation of water as a goal in valuable commodity. A good friend told me large and small, urban and rural settings. over 15 years ago that water would be the Wetland reclamation goes a long way to new oil, meaning that it would become the buffer the affects of flooding, so there is a stage for the next resource wars. Over the profile of successful collaborations between years I have been following this thread of farmers and conservation agencies for river- March / April 2008 logic, and have seen it manifest. side riparian restoration. Vol. 19, No. 1 Municipalities and agriculture contin- When I moved to Oregon in 1984, I ISSN # 1065-1527, 2008 ue to be major users of this finite resource saw a flier on a health food store bulletin Oregon Tilth – with aquifers being drawn down and less board for a dowsing workshop on a farm snowpack in the mountains for summer in the Willamette Valley. Soon enough, I Editor, publisher, layout and ad sales: river flows available to replenish the supply. found myself amongst dowsers with coat Andrew Rodman The battles over water in the Klamath basin hanger divining rods that trembled down- Contributing Writers: of the last few years offer a stark view of the wards at the vibration of an underground conflicts between agriculture and fish. Fresh Melody Carr, John Gardiner spring. There is something more than we water cannot continue to be something that think we know going on, I said to myself. Marci Krass, Tara Lohan With water, that is always the case. Michael Mark, Weston Miller –Andrew Rodman Andrew Rodman. Candace Stoughton Cover photo by “Trout55” Karen Strohmeyer, Alison Kutz-Troutman Erin Volheim Water=oil Subscriptions are free with Oregon page 4 Tilth membership, which begin at $30/year ($40 outside U.S.). Contents Reprints by permission. Water is the new oil 4 Feedback, Advocacy 6

OEC gets hoops houses 7 Flood Our mission Residue of WA floods 8 page 9 Oregon Tilth, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Swale well; Wolf Gulch 12 organization that supports and promotes bio- Plant-based solutions 16 logically sound and socially equitable agricul- The pulse of water 18 ture through education, research, advocacy and product certification. Rain gardens 20 Since its inception in 1974, Tilth has Farmscaping greenhouse 21 brought together rural and urban produc- Large scale water storage 22 ers and consumers around land stewardship Scenes from Tilth conf. 24 and healthy food. Oregon Tilth administers Water wars book review 28 Rain educational programs, supports sustainable Gardens agriculture research and policy, and offers Bylund wetlands recovery 30 organic certification to producers and food En Español page 20 handlers throughout the Americas. For more information about any of the exciting programs Nuestro suministro de agua Rain of Oregon Tilth, please call on us: potable está desapareciendo 32 Storage Oregon Tilth, Inc. Research Reports 38 page 22 470 Lancaster NE • Salem, OR 97301 Classifieds 41 office(503) 378-0690, • (877) 378-0690 Calendar 45 fax (503) 378-0809 Membership 47 [email protected] www.tilth.org Submission deadline for International Organics theme issue is March 10, 2008.

Page  March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Oregon Tilth Oregon Tilth Staff Board of Directors ADMINISTRATIVE Garden Coordinator Mike Mountain, [email protected] Quality Control Director Anne Eschenroeder, [email protected] (503) 566-3018 (503) 779-4631 Jody Berry Chris Schreiner, [email protected] Mike Dill, [email protected] (503) 566-3012 Wild Carrot Herbals Enviro. Ed. Coordinator/AmeriCorps (503) 566-3010 Administration Conner Voss, [email protected] Farm Program Coordinator Jenny Smith, [email protected] (503) 798-8906 Kate Carman Tiffanie Huson Labbe, [email protected] (503) 566-3011 Editor, In Good Tilth (503) 566-3019 Carman Ranch Administrative Assistants Andrew Rodman, [email protected] Inspectors Erin Jensen, [email protected] (503) 779-3929 Andrew Black, [email protected] Miguel Guerrero Ben Ezzell [email protected] CERTIFICATION (503) 779-5876 OMRI Amanda Brown [email protected] Certification Director (503) 378-0690 Pat Moore, [email protected] Kristy Korb, [email protected] (541) 621-1777 Joe Snyder Accounts Manager (503) 566-3024 Catherine Steffens, CPA Andrew Bennett, [email protected] Myrtle Point Vet Hospital Farm Program Reviewer (541)760-9328 [email protected] John Stalley, [email protected] (503) 566-3021 (503) 566-3015 John Caputo, [email protected] Adam Zimmerman (503) 798-8216 ShoreBank Enterprise Cascadia Information Tech Specialist Latin American Specialist Heather Smith, [email protected] Garth Kahl, [email protected] Callyn Trujillo, [email protected] (503) 566-3023 (503) 507-4122 (503) 798-5974 RESEARCH AND EDUCATION Processing Program Coordinator MIDWEST OFFICE Organic Education Center Program Connie Karr, [email protected] Midwest Certification Coordinator Coodinator (503) 566-3022 Dave Engel, [email protected] Marci Krass, [email protected] (608) 637-8594 (503) 638-0735 Processing Program Reviewers Gwendolyn Wyard, [email protected] Inspector (503) 566-3017 Robert Caldwell, [email protected] (608) 606-2317

New OTCO certified farms & processors Domestic, since December, 2007

New Processors: Robert DePauw CleanWell Company (Port Byron, IL) (San Francisco, CA) New Growers: Blueberry Hill, Heiser Farms Seasonal Living Harvest Food Group, Inc. (Springfield, OR) (Dayton, OR) (Redwood City, CA) (Warrenville, IL)

Danville Dairy Iwasaki Bros., Inc. Stensland Dairy Modern Spirits LLC (Minnesota Lake, MN) (Hillsboro, OR) (Larchwood, IA) (Monrovia, CA)

DeMelo Farm J. Russ Company Stoneybrook Farm Owen Botanical Organics, Inc. (Los Banos, CA) (Ferndale, CA) (Hillsboro, VA) (Baton Rouge, LA) Redbud Farm Desert Glory Thompson Creek Organics, LLC (Inwood, WV) (San Antonio, TX) (Jacksonville, OR)

Oregon Tilth certifies: 540 organic processors • 617 organic growers • 3 organic restaurants • 1 retailer March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page  Water is the new oil and scar watersheds; unchecked industrial growth that pollutes water sources; and rising rates of consump- tion that nature can’t match. Increas- ingly, we are also threatened by the wave of privatization that is sweeping across the world, turning water from a precious public resource into a com- modity for economic gain. The problems extend from the global north to the south and are as pervasive as water itself. Equally encompassing are the politics of water. Discussions about our water crisis include issues like poverty, trade, community and privatization. In talking about water, we must also talk about indigenous rights, environ- mental justice, education, corporate accountability, and democracy. In this mix of terms are not only the causes of our crisis but also the solutions. What’s gone wrong? As our world heats up, as pollu- tion increases, as population grows and as our globe’s resources of fresh water are tapped, we are faced with an environmental and humanitarian problem of mammoth proportions. Demand for water is doubling every 20 years, outpacing popula- tion growth twice as fast. Currently 1.3 billion people don’t have access Collage by Andrew Rodman to clean water and 2.5 billion lack proper sewage and sanitation. In less By Tara Lohan Historically water has been a facet of than 20 years, it is estimated that de- Thanks to global warming, pollution, ritual, a place of gathering and the backbone mand for fresh water will exceed the population growth, and privatization, we of community. world’s supply by over 50 percent. are teetering on the edge of a global crisis. But times have changed. “In an age when The biggest drain on our water Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, the Hungarian man has forgotten his origins and is blind sources is agriculture, which ac- biochemist and Nobel Prize winner for even to his most essential needs for survival, counts for 70 percent of the water medicine once said, “Water is life’s matter water has become the victim of his indiffer- used worldwide - much of which is and matrix, mother and medium. There is ence,” Rachel Carson wrote. subsidized in the industrial world, no life without water.” As a result, today, 35 years since the pas- providing little incentive for agribusi- We depend on water for survival. It sage of the Clean Water Act, we find ourselves ness to use conservation measures or circulates through our bodies and the land, teetering on the edge of a global crisis that is less water-intensive crops. replenishing nutrients and carrying away being exacerbated by climate change, which is This number is also likely to in- waste. It is passed down like stories over shrinking glaciers and raising sea levels. crease as we struggle to feed a growing generations - from ice-capped mountains We are faced with thoughtless develop- world. Population is expected to rise to rivers to oceans. ment that paves flood plains and destroys from 6 billion to 8 billion by 2050. wetlands; dams that displace native people

Page  March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Water The privatization of water Privatization

Water scarcity is not just an issue contributed greatly to our water crisis. cash-strapped countries, is targeted by mul- of the developing world. “Twenty-one Neoliberalism is the belief in “economic tinationals that force governments to turn percent of irrigation in the United States is liberalism,” which espoused that govern- over their public water systems in exchange achieved by pumping groundwater at rates ment control over the economy was bad. It for promises of debt relief. that exceed the water’s ability to recharge,” opened up the commons to commodifica- When corporations control water, rates wrote water experts Tony Clarke of the tion and let corporations privatize what go up, services go down, and those who Polaris Institute and Maude Barlow of the once belonged to the public. can’t afford to pay are forced to drink unsafe Council of Canadians in their landmark In 2000 Fortune magazine printed water, risking their lives. This has hap- book Blue Gold: The Fight to Stop the Cor- this telling statement: “Water promises to pened across the world - in South Africa, in porate Theft of the World’s Water. be to the 21st century what oil was to the Bolivia, in the United States. The Ogallala aquifer - the largest in 20th century; the precious commodity that This same philosophy of corporate the North America and a major source determines the wealth of nations.” for agriculture stretching from Texas to It has oft been expressed that the next resource South Dakota - is currently being pumped the next resource wars will not be at a rate 14 times greater than it can be over oil - or energy at all - but over wars will not be replenished, they wrote. And, across the water. As the idea of neoliberalism, country, “California’s Department of Water proliferated by institutions like the over oil - or Resources predicts that, by 2020, if more World Bank and the IMF, spread, the supplies are not found, the state will face public sector has become dangerous- energy at all a shortfall of fresh water nearly as great as ly privatized. And it may not be the the amount that all of its cities and towns wealth of nations on the line - but - but over water. together are consuming today,” add Clarke the wealth of corporations. and Barlow. A senior executive at a subsidiary of Demand is outstripping supply from Vivendi, the world’s largest water controller control drives the construction of dams, Seattle to desert cities like Tucson and summed it up, “Water is a critical and nec- which have displaced an estimated 80 mil- Albuquerque, and from Midwest farming essary ingredient to the daily life of every lion people worldwide. In India alone, over regions to East Coast cities. The crisis is human being, and it is an equally powerful 4,000 dams have submerged 37,500 square also worldwide, most noticeable in Mexico, ingredient for profitable manufacturing kilometers of land and forced 42 million the Middle East, China and Africa. companies.” people from their homes. As population growth, development, But when private companies control Multinationals looking to cash in on consumption and pollution take its toll on water resources, people’s needs for survival the water business have also made giant our water resources, the ability to fight this are pushed aside in place of the bottom inroads in selling bottled water in richer problem has been further complicated by line. In Africa, an estimated five million countries. Expensive marketing campaigns the spread of neoliberalism. The same ideas people die each year for lack of safe drink- convince people that their tap water is that have resulted in the booty of private ing water. And yet Africa, with its many unsafe to drink. Then, companies like Coke contracts being doled out in Iraq also have Continued on page 26

March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page  Dear Tilth SEND Feedback Cow Kudos Feedback After gnawing my way through the lat- est IGT (In Good Tilth 18vi,) I feel com- ing the 30 percent 120 day language. Let pelled, impelled even to kudo you both for me please respectfully add to that discussion Stop NAIS continued fine efforts. the fact that in Feb. 2007, Organic Valley The USDA’s National Animal Iden- Andrew you are a gifted editor and a farmers approved and adopted the attached tification System (NAIS) could spell the very entertaining writer (a fly in the hemp Pasture Policy including the 30 percent/120 end for small farmers in our country. NAIS ointment indeed). I look forward with an- day language and that over the course of requires that owners of even one poultry ticipation and trepidation to each issue. The the summer our Regional Dairy Pool Staff or livestock animal, including horses, former because the material and presenta- visited every farm to assess compliance to the pay to register their property with the tion rank IGT among the very best journals standard. state, identify each animal with a 15-digit in this trade, the latter largely for the same There are a score or so of farmers international number and track animal reasons making me feel guiltily obligated who are improving their farms to meet the movements and report them to a govern- to read it pretty much cover to cover ASAP, standard by next year and a handful of farms ment database within 24 hours. Monsanto, unlike many of the newsletters that wind up which will be significantly challenged by Cargill Meat, National Pork Producers and in my cubicle compost pile. the requirements but who have developed animal microchip companies designed the Sam, thanks to you to for putting to- a farm plan to come into compliance as parameters of the NAIS requirements that gether the pasture article. (Samuel Fromartz’s well. The rest passed with flying colors, are easily met by factory-raised productions article, “What makes a cow organic?” page 8.) many with little more than a drive by since but are expensive and labor-intensive for Yours is now the go-to article for newbie’s they are by far exceeding the 30/120. This the small farmer. trying to get their arms around this Bardes- is an important message to communicate There is still time to stop this No quely tragic tale. God knows I have glazed since one of the most common critiques of Chicken Left Behind program. See: www. enough eyes trying to explain this mess. You the prescriptive language is that it will be farmandranchfreedom.org. Whoever con- lay out the story and the sidebars cleanly in difficult to measure and that many existing trols a country’s food controls that country. what? 1500 words? Whatever Andrew paid dairies will be shut down. That’s why our – Sue Deanna you, he got his money’s worth. 800+ farmers voted to do this, to show the Florence, OR Now for the constructive criticism to world that it can be done. you both (you knew it was coming). Amen. Keep up the good work, call if you At the end of the article you discuss the cent actions. sea change of pasture practices by organic want more information or bad metaphors. ur re of o dairies and the fact that processors are back- –Jim Pierce. Certification Czar, ot psh Organic Valley Family of Farms. na a s olved in education is ilth is inv , outreac ere gon T h and a ns. H Ore dvocacy for organic solutio Oregon TilthActions & Advocacy January 15, Gwendolyn Wyard gave three presentations at the Accredited Certifier’s January 21-23. Oregon Tilth presented Association Professional Development an intensive three day workshop: Soils and towards producers of livestock and crops, Training in Louisville, KY. Topics included Sustainability. Neal Kinsey Introduces the as well as processors who are considering the use of natural flavors in NOP certified Albrecht Method of Sustainable Ag at the taking the plunge and going organic. products, packaging aids with respect to the Salem Conference Center, Salem. 100 percent organic label claim and label- February, 1-3. Dave Engel traveled to the ing considerations under co-packer/private January 22-23, Dave Engel braved icy largest sustainable agriculture conference label arrangements. highways to Mendota IL, to give a presen- in Texas; TOFGA, or the Texas Organic tation on the business of organics, and get- Farmers & Gardeners Association in Col- January 18-19, Oregon Tilth hosted their ting certified at the AgriEnergy Resources lege Station to give another presentation on 33rd Annual Conference, bringing together annual conference. the business of organics. over 300 farmers, marketers, gardeners, scientists and the public for a heady mix of January 28, John Stalley gave a presenta- February 24 -26, Andrew Rodman symposia and workshops. See pages 24-25 tion at the Virginia Organic Producers and chronicled the Farmer to Farmer Exchange for highlights. Consumers Association meeting “Getting at Brietenbush near Detroit, Oregon. Tilth Sustainable and Certified Organic” held in was a co-sponsor of this event along with Upperville, Virginia. The meeting is geared Organically Grown Company. Page  March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 At last, hoophouses arrive at Luscher Farm By Marci Krass After many months of anticipation and thoughtful planning, the Organic Education Center is pleased to announce that we have completed the construction of our first new 48 x 20 ft. greenhouse at the Luscher Farm. Thanks to the generous help of the Oregon Bag Company (OBC), the greenhouse successfully took shape over an

epic three days. A great way to start off the Eschenroeder Anne new year—leaving our boots muddy, our muscles warm, and our thoughts wandering

Conner Voss and Marci Krass stand in front of the OEC Luscher Farm’s by Photo to the exciting challenge of constructing a new hoophouse, thanks to the Oregon Bag Company. second greenhouse later this year. These new structures will allow us the plants we’ll nurture and spiritually of place, while gaining applied farm skills, to expand programming to include more with all the people who will come to learn learning about good health and nutrition education around propagation and seasonal while helping us grow our gardens. This through cooking, and exploring the natural extension. Organic Education Center staff spring we are planning to pilot a field trip ecosystem along Johnson Creek. and our Luscher Farm partners are empow- program at Jean’s Urban Forest Farm to In addition to our new youth ered by the opportunity to more produc- carry on the good work of Portland State program, we are working in partnership tively grow our own starts on the farm! University. Our “Field School” program with Mercy Corps NW and the Zenger We are looking forward to the coming is intended to inspire healthy awareness Farm to help teach a training program for of spring with excitement about the beauty through our food, community, and local refugee and immigrant farmers. We of all the possibilities that exist with a ecosystem. Students will gain a strong sense new growing season, both physically in Continued on page 17 nt actions. r rece f ou ot o psh na a s olved in education is ilth is inv , outreac ere gon T h and a ns. H Ore dvocacy for organic solutio

March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page  Ebb tide: residue of Washington’s flood When the flood calls You have no home, you have no walls In the thunder crash You’re a thousand minds Within a flash –Peter Gabriel, from “Here Comes the Flood.”

By Andrew Rodman Pelting rain kept my windshield wipers batting and my defrost on over- drive, as I hydroplaned up I-5 post New Year’s day. I had to see what became of the worst of the deluge in the early December floods up in the Chehalis river communities of SW Washington. It was a month after the devestating floods. The rivers were down to their swollen winter flows, and the FEMA helicopters and news vans had long since left, but the work continued on innumerable flood-affected farms and dairies way out of the spotlight, as yesterday’s news. I checked into the Chehalis Inn, a motel who’s ground floor was flooded and was empty, gutted and stripped to the studs halfway down the walls. Outside, flot- sam piles lay in vacant lots, evidence of the high water that cut off the freeway from Portland to Seattle. At the Kit Carson lounge, I met up with Doug Sinko, the Western Coordinator for Organic Valley Family of Farms and his wife Sharon, Secretary for the Western Organic Dairy Producers Alliance (WODPA). The Sinkos ran the Myrtle Crest Dairy, the first organic certified dairy in the west. The Sinko’s are no stranger to floods themselves, hailing from soggy Myrtle Point, Oregon, up the Coquille The Chehalis River, finally back within its flood-cut banks. river from Bandon. Back in the day, dairymen floated their milk to the cheese processor by boat down the river. Cleanup will continue for a long time across the region. Doug and Sharon were on a road trip to check in with flood-afflicted organic dairy farmers and assess their needs. It seemed a good idea to tag along. The next morning, I followed the Sinkos along the Chehalis river basin to John and Traci Brunoff’s 100-acre farm in Adna. The Brunoffs were the focus of considerable media attention during the December floods, living about the worse case scenario of a flooded barn, and a drowned herd. On the drive to the Brunoff’s, signs of the floodwaters were still every- where; from fields still underwater, to mud and debris clogged pastures. Though the flood happened a month to the day of our visit; houses still sported heaps of sodden household debris in their yards. Fence wires spanning the fields all sported grassy tassels swaying in the moist winds. Along the swollen Chehalis river, garbage hung high in the treetops, and everywhere in the waterway were tangles of logs and muddy rapids. On the radio, every other ad was for flood restoration services. A realtor’s sign read “Houses for Sale, No Flood, No Mud!”

Photos by Sharon Sinko Sharon by Photos During the flood, only 12 of the Brunoff’s 375 milk cows survived, a severe financial hit. Never mind having to redo the whole downstairs of their home, who’s ground floor was swamped in the rising waters. Flood insurance is very expensive and flood insurance for cattle is almost prohibitive. When we arrived at the Brunoff’s, considerable cleanup had been underway for sometime. Reps from the Farmers Cooperative Creamery from McMinnville, Oregon had also arrived to see what kind of assistance could be pulled together for the Brunoff’s swamped operation. Between WODPA, FEMA, Organic

Page  March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Water Flood

Burn piles, mud and debris are still a prominent feature of many homes and farms in the Chehalis river valley. Photos by Sharon Sinko Sharon by Photos Doug Sinko, Western Region Coordinator for Organic Valley Family Valley and Washington Dairy Federation, substantive help was of Farms points to the high water mark on John Brunoff’s barn underway. Donations of organic cows were being organized. The during the December 2007 flood. The Sinkos were on a damage organic dairy community was beginning to be mobilized to sup- assessment trip to the Chehalis area, one month after the floods. port a member in need. For conversation, John took us into his farmhouse whose Continued on page 10

March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page  Water Flood Dairy farmers washed out Cutting our chances in a warming world Any way you call it, the impacts of warming weather and the decrease of water reten- tion in forested areas will signal more property and agricultural damage in the Northwest. The practice of clear-cutting timber- lands has also been a factor in many landslides that have been devastating to homes and had an impact on road closures, all adversely affecting rural areas. Meanwhile, researchers expect larger, more devestating storm events as the new “nor- mal” in the Pacific Northwest. Flood waters almost reached the front steps of Jim Austin’s home, where this video of the Climate researchers point to the flood was taken. Waters were waist deep in some areas of the farm. This dairy was lucky. expansion of tropical areas as the engine of storms and natural Continued from page 9 cycles of arid areas getting ground floor was stripped to the studs The Sinko’s planned to return the dryer, and wetter areas getting wetter with under four feet. Fans and heaters hummed, following day to coordinate more livestock a warming world. Climactic systems are drying out the interior. John had faced the donations. With other farmers to visit, we wildly complex, but there are certainties, abyss, and was now in the swing of getting drove further down-river towards Aber- such as warmer air’s increased capacity to his dairy back in business, and his home deen, west on Hwy 12, to the dairy of Jim hold moisture. This will almost certainly livable. An uphill slog. Austin in Oakville. play out on the ground as more severe Talk turned to the flood’s fast moving Despite being cut off for days with weather events. waters, that rose almost 10 feet in a few phone and power down, the Austin’s fared frantic hours, and swept across the lowland much better than the Brunoffs. In his com- Drowning organically or farm, innundating the barn, wrecking the fortable living room, Jim showed us a home conventionally? house. video of the flood-waters rising waist deep When the flood comes, location John recalled the path of the deluge, and across the fields from the vantage of his matters far more than whether you are “the water reaches the road about a mile front porch. The waters didn’t get very deep growing conventional or organic. While down Bunker creek, moves back towards in the barn thankfully, and none of his live- vegetative buffers are a feature of organic the hill, this is the low spot. It comes across stock was lost. His house even stayed dry. farms - and may screen out some flotsam, this way. Right in front of the milk parlor Jim mused on the increasing sever- it will not save you from the worst of the here.” ity of recent flooding. “Between here and rising waters. Going organic will save your Doug commented, “People don’t Rochester, we never had the road closed. land from being poisoned, and yield much realize it can be a few feet deep and real Now every time we get a small flood, it greater returns in the marketplace, but the swift, where you can’t stand up in it. It just floods that road. So the rivers are filling up, rigid organic regulations don’t make easy tumbles.” or the waters are getting here quicker.” to care for surviving livestock and keep it Talk turned to the thunderous roar of Doug added, “It’s like down in our organic. the waters and the grim triage of life, live- area too with the logging and everything. In the case of the Brunoff’s, surviv- stock and property saving tasks. During the The rivers have filled up. They get all that ing cows were sent to a neighbor’s farm, crisis, the Brunoff’s tried saving their cows siltation, it’s filled and changed the rivers. where they were fed conventionally, thus by loading some onto a trailer until the Logjams build up, and got the guys in trou- knocking them out of organic compliance. pickup was swamped by the rising waters. ble when the logjams broke, and brought Organic regulations will make it more chal- Then they had to save themselves. the mud and everything down so fast.” lenging to care for your animals stricken with mastitis or pneumonia with antibi-

Page 10 March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Water Flood Lessons from the abyss otics. Livestock therapies can however include herbal tincture, renovate my pastures in the spring to get sod built up, then the apple cider vinegar, aloe juice for infection, vitamins and mineral floods wouldn’t scour it out.” therapy (injected and oral). • To save the interior of your house, you have precious little time Lessons learned to cut the sheetrock horizontally, to prevent water from wick- Most of the best pastures are in flood-prone lowlands. But in the ing up the walls and spreading mold and moisture farther than case of severe flooding, there are a few preventative measures that the water’s reach. can be utilized to minimize the damage to your herd and home. • Having supplies to weather the storm and an escape plan for • Jim mentioned. “We could have crowded the cows up higher in your family and livestock, rehearsed, ahead of time can be a the holding pen” The downside to this is, “once you’re there, lifesaver. there is no way to get them out.” As I headed back, I was thankful that my own home is out of • Doug suggested, “you could probably do something like they the floodplain, but also realized that was just pure luck of the draw. do in Tillamook, with cow paddocks, right off your barn you Rain started to come down hard as I drove south again down have a raised area.” About four feet higher. “They might not I-5. I turned the radio dial, and the forecast came on. “Periods of have any cover over them, but it might save their lives.” showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 44. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 21 to 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is • Avoid tilling in flood plain areas. Leaving the fields in pasture 90 percent.” can also help maintain root structure and avoid scouring out Blinded by the spray while passing a semi, I changed the radio several feet deeper in fast moving flood waters. Doug noted dial to hear the prophetic lyrics, “If I don’t get some shelter, oh that, “I would till it, generally I would put it into pasture and yeah, I’m gonna fade away...” Ongoing support

•Flood relief donations can be made through any US Bank Donation of organic cows branch in Washington. Be sure to tell the bank your dona- For producers who would like to donate cows or young animals, tion is for Northwest Response. contact the designated people in your local area.

•Mail a check to: American Red Cross NW Washington: Hans Wolfisberg: (360) 354-0840, Send it to: Northwest Response c/o KING 5 Alan Messman: (360) 770-3937, P.O. Box 19640 Andrew Dykstra: (360) 661-4302 Seattle, WA 98109 SW Washington: Gary McCool: (360) 740-8988, Maynard •The Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund allows the agency to Mallonee: (360) 520-9346, Ross McMahan: provide relief to victims of disaster each year by providing (360) 497-3521 water, food, shelter and mental health counseling. To des- ignate your donation to a specific disaster, do so at the time Eastern WA: Alan Voortman: (509) 840-2530 of your donation. Call (800) REDCROSS or (800) 257-7575 (Spanish). Willamette Valley: Jon Bansen: (503) 838-4273

• The Washington Farm Bureau has created a Flood Relief SW Oregon: Joe Ficher: (541) 290-0699, Doug Sinko: Fund to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers impacted (541) 290-1679 by flooding. To make a donation, contact Washington Farm Bureau at (800) 331-3276. California: Cindy Daley: (530) 518-4157, Ward Burroughs: (209) 678-5967, Ron Caldwell: (707) 996-4672 •Boistfort Valley Community Foundation c/o Curtis Post Office If you wish your donation to be tax-deductible, contact Jay Curtis, WA 98538 Gordon, Executive Director of the Washington Dairy Federation: (360) 951-8149; [email protected]. •Check www.boistfortvalleyfarm.com for community updates.

March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page 11 wale well Getting creative with water in a dry region

By Erin Volheim In the spring of 1998, Wolf Creek was flowing with water on farmer Tom Powell’s initial visit to the land his family now cultivates as Wolf Gulch Farm. This first glance at Wolf Creek could have led him to believe the land was blessed with water. Sun and water are optimum situations for growing most crops, but the seemingly plentiful water of 1998 was a sea- sonal apparition, drawing its strength from a high water table born from the floods of 1997. Subsequent years were mostly dry averaging around 11 inches a year, (comparable to a good year in the Sonoran Desert), while the past two years have averaged around 27 inches per year. Wolf Gulch Farm is situated in the Little Applegate Valley of Southern Or- egon where moisture is drawn to the coniferous North-facing hillsides and drawn away from the South-facing oak, manzanita, and madrone woodlands. The terraced slopes of Wolf Gulch Farm are positioned in one of these South-facing bowls. Historically, farmers have been at the whims of weather patterns. The 21st century bears the additional burden of human-influenced global warming and the subsequent bioregional climate changes; hotter temperatures, floods and regionally uncharacteristic cold snaps. Even the centuries-old Farmers Almanac is having a hard time predicting the weather of the future. Wisely, Tom foresaw that his first priority was to drought proof the farm as much as possible. Improving the natural water storage capacity at Wolf Gulch farm was not only important for the farm’s viability but for the surrounding wildlands and wildlife, as well. He chose Photo by Teena Jo Teena by Photo to enact two general approaches to water storage, one at the surface level Continued on page 14 Continued on page 30

Page 12 March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page 13 Ponds and underground storage Continued from page 12 and the other subterranean. lower fields. The best pond is one in which is achieved with ponds, swales, cultivation The surface approach was to install water is naturally held by a clay soil layer, and roads that direct water. The practice cisterns and create two ponds. The 3,000 surrounded by non-invasive native vegeta- has become a model for sustainable agri- sq. ft. roof of the main house has a water tion which shades the pond from evapora- culture. Designing a keyline system for any catchment system that routes water to two tion, filters the water and creates wildlife property requires good initial planning. A 2,000 gallon cisterns that can be used in habitat while providing irrigation water. contour map is essential in order to best the summer to supplement irrigation for Tom first tried a pond without a plastic understand the rise, fall and flow of water the kitchen garden around the house. The liner, but since Southern Oregon summers on the land. house has access to a five gallon per minute are generally dry; it was hard to maintain Proponents of keyline design recom- well. The rain water catchment system, the necessary water level that would prevent mend the use of aerial photomaps because when it’s managed in a more aseptic man- the natural clay bottom from cracking. As of their increased contour detail. With ner, can also be filtered for drinking and nature’s best is hard to imitate, he eventu- keylining, the three fundamental concepts bathing water and provide back-up irriga- ally had to install a black plastic liner that that must be understood are keypoints, tion for the lower fields. kept water in the pond. Initially, he started keylines and keyline cultivation patterns. In the first year, Tom also built two with open ditches that also exposed the wa- A keypoint is a position located along the ponds. Winter rains fill the ponds supple- ter to the sun and absorption into the soil. centerline at the base of the steepest part mented with seasonal water from Wolf Now the flow is funneled through pipes of a primary valley, the place where there is Creek and the farm’s roads. These ponds instead. An additional water source for a change in a slope. A keyline is a contour are gravity-fed with one above the first set the ponds, is channeled from access roads line that runs through the keypoint and of higher fields and the other above the through the fields that are angled to divert extends to where the curve of the valley water into a parallel ditch that directs run- start to become the sides of the ridge. off to the pond. On average, Tom maintains the keyline design the first pond holds a half- on the farm by keyline cultivating annual acre foot of water while the fields two times a year, and the pasture second one holds three-acre and perennial fields once a year. Yoeman feet. With his ponds, Tom invented a special plow for cultivation in was able to directly irrigate his pastures. The plow is a modified ripper two acres of annuals the first designed to loosen soil without turning year. it over. Keyline cultivation is done across Another way to hold the slope, slightly off contour, on a line water is in the soil structure dropping in elevation as one moves from utilizing a keyline system. a valley to a ridge. The keyline rips absorb P.A. Yoemans of New South water and influence its flow across the Wales, Australia, developed slope, moving it from wetter areas (valleys) the keyline method to stretch to drier areas (ridges). water resources available on The keyline plow that is used has three his ranch in its arid climate. shanks, each with a tapered foot at the bot- The system uses various tom and a wheel on each end. The wheel methods to spread water lat- is what you use to adjust the depth of your erally, across slopes and also, shanks. This kind of plow breaks up clay to slow its movement off the without turning it over, thereby maintain- farm. Utilizing gravity, this ing the soil structure while allowing air and water to penetrate. Simultaneously, this form of passive tillage adds organic matter to new depths. This approach, coupled with additions of organic matter results in the formation of more topsoil. The first time Tom keylined at a shallow four inches because the soil was very

Page 14 March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Keyline design works with topography compacted. Later, he fast growing deciduous Nightshade, Curcubitae and Allium fami- went to 12 inches and trees that will shelter lies. His market field’s focus has been led now it’s 18 inches each the slower-growing fruit away from fussy water-intensive Brassicas, time. Every spring in his trees into maturity. This except for those less water-intensive variet- annual fields, Tom turns provides habitat for ies that are closer to their wild relatives like in his cover crop, lets wildlife and for other cabbage, kale and collards. He also recom- it decompose, keylines pollinators, as well. Tom mends growing income-producing seed his contours and then also planted chestnut crops. Seed crops conserve water because rototills down six inches trees which have a long you need to stop watering in the hottest maximum while adding taproot, very much like months, like August to convince them into amendments to his annu- the native oaks and producing seed and to let them dry out al fields. A second keyline manzanita of this area. before the autumn rains. ripping, just before sow- In Southern One of the first signs that keylining ing fall cover crop, breaks Oregon, though the was a success at Wolf Gulch Farm, was the up any hardpan from use summers are dry, the immediate effect Tom saw on his parsnips www.soilandhealth.org of the rototiller. It’s not Keyline cultivation is done across winters can be very and carrots. He can now direct seed with- recommended to plant the slope, slightly off contour, on a wet. So when plant- out forking the soil and instead of harvest- small seeded annuals into line dropping in elevation. ing trees in areas like ing small stunted, forked roots that hit the keylines, because the these, he recommends hardpan; they are big, sweet and straight. seed will be overwhelmed at that depth. not planting them too deeply, not only to Perhaps one of the clearest signs of suc- Potatoes, onions for seed and garlic and prevent suckering at the graft point but cess, that doesn’t require a farmer’s wisdom, other low water tubers and bulbs could be because water-filled basins in a wet winter is being able to jump into a water-rich planted along with fruit and nut trees into will easily rot the root systems of newly pond on a hot, global warming day in the the keyline rip. planted trees. He plants the trees with 21st century. A swale is a slight depression that runs their fine upper roots above the soil line along the contour of the land. That is to and then generously top dresses them with Erin Volheim lives in the Little Applegate say, it is level all along its length. It can compost. For the first several years, it will of Southern Oregon where she writes her be deep, shallow or even hidden. The dirt be necessary for him to water in the dry award winning journalism. from digging the swale is usually used to season till the roots of these newly planted make a berm on the downhill side. Rain- trees are established and can begin to take fall, instead of running straight down the advantage of the water stored in slope runs to the swale. There it soaks in the clay. He will also sheet mulch slowly, forming a lens of water underneath these hedgerows with cardboard that is absorbed into the clay layer. This to supress weeds. provides a plume of shallow subsurface Two other facets of being a water down slope from the swale where it water-wise farmer are utilizing is stored for a long time. A common-sized low water irrigation methods and swale is two or three feet wide. Of course, choosing the right crops. Conven- you can make them any size you want. An tional agricultural irrigation is one important distinction is that a swale is not of the largest groups of consump- a drain. It is a water collection device. The tive water uses in Oregon state. cheapest way to store water is in the soil. Overhead sprinklers and big water And of course, by stopping the run-off it guns result in excessive evapora- prevents erosion as well. tion and deep percolation losses, After five years of water storage in it’s estimated at least 25 percent is swales and keylining, Tom started plant- lost to evaporation, even more if ing his orchard hedgerows three years ago. you water during the heat of the He planted apple, plum and pear trees as day. Tom switched to drip irriga- as a hedgerow – or windbreak – which tion as soon as he could. are flanked on one side by a row of native Tom has also built his farm conifers like ponderosa pine. On the other around root crops and the more side are native alder and ash, which are drought tolerant and heat loving

March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page 15 Growing growers y Weston Miller Weston y b Photo Photo Students at Miller Education Center East in Hillsboro engaged in plant-based community service project.

By Weston Miller for many of the social and environmental there is considerable interest among urban From war to climate change to hun- problems that we face. Two interconnected dwellers to do right by the environment. ger, there is a lot of bad news these days. foci are woven into Horticulture’s vision: There are already many organizations and Countless social and environmental issues ecological landscapes and resilient farm and agencies involved in education around the pose very real challenges for the future. At food systems. food system and ecological landscaping. As this juncture in human history, we face The Community and Urban Horticul- a relatively new player in this realm, OSU some tough questions, namely how can we ture Program has emerged in the last several Extension aims to leverage its vast network meet the material and immaterial needs of years through the leadership of Department of resources and volunteers to work in people without undermining the capacity Chair, Anita Azarenko, who has brought an partnership with other government agencies of ecosystems to provide the services on ecological focus to the educational activities and organizations to affect positive change which we depend? The United Nations of the Department of Horticulture includ- in the community through education and defines ecosystem services as: 1) Provision- ing academic instruction, research, and service. ing including food, water, building materi- extension. On campus in Corvallis, both Particularly, the OSU Extension als, fuel, 2) Regulating such as climate basic research on the ecology of managed Service Master Gardener™ Program regulation, and disease management, and landscapes and applied research on green is well positioned in the metro area to 3) Cultural including spiritual fulfillment, roofs is being conducted. Also, under- conduct novel educational opportuni- and aesthetic enjoyment United Nations graduate instruction is infused with the ties and to encourage over 700 existing Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005. ecosystem services theme; the Horticulture Master Gardener volunteers and nearly Integrating plants into the social and physi- Department has recently opened the Oak 200 new trainees each year to engage with cal landscape in well-designed ways can Creek Center for Urban Horticulture as a the general public about these issues. The improve our quality of life and gives a sense living laboratory to immerse students in Master Gardener training and volunteer of hope for the future. Indeed, we can grow practical and hands-on learning experiences practicum gives participants the knowledge, our own future, and the Community and in ecological landscaping and food produc- tools, skills, and support that they need to Urban Horticulture Program at Oregon tion. effectively communicate about all aspects State University (OSU) aims to grow the This focus on plant-based solutions is of gardening with diverse audiences. The people who will grow the future. also reaching the entire state through OSU scope of this education has been widened This program is a recent adaptation of Extension Service. Particularly, the ecosys- to include units on ecosystem services such the Department of Horticulture at OSU, tem services theme is becoming well-estab- as watershed health, streamside gardening, which strives to provide the Northwest lished in the Portland metro area, where stormwater infiltration, and chemical-free with a palette of strategies and solutions food production techniques. Page 16 March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Oregon State University OEC update Continued from page 7 focuses on the future will assist the farmers by providing an opportunity for hands-on classes in our demonstration gardens highlighting organic farming Gardening is America’s number one hobby. It is widely seen principles and practices in the Northwest region. as a powerful vehicle for environmental activism; enabling people For the backyard gardener community, this season we will to act locally while thinking globally. Despite the strong interest in be offering some of our more popular classes again at the Luscher organic food production and “natural” gardening, there is cur- Farm; Organic Gardening 101 on March 1st, Organic Gardening rently not a comprehensive education program that encompasses 102 on March 15th, and Soil Health and Ecology on April 5th. these themes. Thus, OSU Extension Service, in partnership with These classes will all cost $20 and will be taught by Andy Parker. Oregon Tilth and other organizations, is rolling out the first-in-na- Additionally, Toby Hemenway, a well-regarded Permaculturalist tion Organic Master Gardener training produced by a land grant and the author of Gaia’s Garden, will be teaching an Introduction university in the fall of 2008. to Permaculture. This class will cost $30 and take place at our Imagine the synergistic effect of an army of Master Gardener new site, Jean’s Urban Forest Farm on April 26, from 1-4 p.m. volunteers working in the community to educate the public about This fall Oregon Tilth, in partnership with OSU Extension, plant-based solutions for the problems that we face. This network and several other community pursuits will be offering to the of human capital might just be the missing piece of the puzzle community a new Organic Master Gardener Certificate Program. to move school gardens, farm to school programs, community This comprehensive course will provide 60 hours of horticulture gardens, and the food system into the forefront of the public’s training over 10 weeks. Stay tuned for more details! Register now mind to make ecosystem services a priority for decision makers for all Organic Education Center spring classes online at in Oregon and beyond. OSO Extension Service hopes to provide www.lakeoswegoparks.com or call (503) 638-0735; or email leadership for this change. [email protected] with questions.

Weston Miller is the Community and Urban Horticulturist Marci Krass is the Organic Education Center Program Metro Extension Horticulture Faculty at OSU. Coordinator.

SUPPORT FAMILY FARMS

CROPP Cooperative, owner of the Organic Valley Family of Farms brand, announces it is raising capital through the sale of Class E, Series 1 Preferred Stock. This stock carries a cumulative annual dividend of 6%, to be paid quarterly.

copies of the offering circular Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools (CROPP) may be obtained by calling the croPP cooperative office at: 888-444-6455 or by visiting our Preferred Stock website at www.organicvalley.coop Price $50.00 per Share • Minimum Investment $5,000

the offering is made by the offering circular only and is open only in the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, california, colorado, connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, New Jersey, North carolina, ohio, oregon, South carolina, South dakota, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin.

the Preferred Stock described above is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), pursuant to Section 3(a)(5) of the Act and pursuant to certain exemptions from securities registration in various states. In addition, the Preferred Stock is a “covered Security” pursuant to Section 18(b)(4)(c) of the Act. Neither the Securities and exchange commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved the Preferred Stock or determined if the offering circular is accurate or adequate. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. this announcement is under no circumstances to be construed as an offer to sell or as a solicitation of an offer to buy any of these securities or as an offer to sell or as a solicitation of an offer to buy any of these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page 17 By Michael Mark We all know that water is essential to the growth of plants, but this deceptively simple statement belies the fact that water possesses a broad spectrum of qualities and attributes that impact its value to liv- ing systems. Despite the fact that water is one of the most researched phenomena on the planet, not all of these are well understood. The purpose of this article is to highlight some interesting waypoints along the road towards a holistic understanding of water’s full spectrum of functions in the natural world. Clearly, water that is contaminated with chemical toxins carries negative attributes that outweigh the positives. None of us want to grow and eat food that is laced with toxic ingredients that have been gleaned from the environment. That aside, an interesting question to consider is the following: when we talk about the positive aspects of water, what positives are we talking about? Can they be enhanced? Is good water simply water with the absence of negative con- taminants? Or is there something more to it? I’m going to suggest there’s something more to it, but that putting your finger on precisely what “it” is and holding it up for all of the world to see may be a challenge. One reason is that water is intricately interwo- ven into Nature’s web of living systems, and those systems are alive, dynamic, and evolving all the time. They are complex and span an enormous range of factors and variables. Seemingly small influences can have big results. Plants respond to everything within their environment, to one another, to the cycles of the day, the night, and the seasons. Pinning success or failure upon one single factor is almost impossible to do. When you look more deeply at water, you will discover that it is not fully described by chemical formulas. There is something more at work, something subtle that is bound up within a complex web of relationships that exist between water, plant, stone, microbe, sun, and soil. One place that this type of thinking exists is biodynamic farming. Here the subtle – yet important – relationships that exist between living systems, their environment, and the various cycles that drive the natural world are honored and explored. The biodynamic approach has been described as one that “emphasizes the importance of the rhythms of the universe—the sun, moon, planets and stars—to plant and animal life.” Water is not only a chemical medium, but a carrier of subtle, yet active information from the larger environment that is valuable to living systems, and passes it along to them. The value of water is not just in its ability to dissolve and transport materials, but is also dependent upon the quality of the information that it contains. This information content could be thought of as the water’s life history. Everywhere water goes, it is absorbing not only minerals, proteins, and solids, but also the more subtle character of that which it contacts- their natural rhythms and energetic properties. Filtration can remove the gross elements, but it does not rewrite the history. In an interesting study that the HeartMath Institute conducted, they discovered that different waters have varying abilities to receive and amplify the electromagnetic pulse of the human heart. Water is indeed so sensi- tive to its surroundings, the researchers were able to detect the pulse of the heart when the water sample was several feet away from the person. Ideally our water will be charged with very positive and valuable information content. The basic idea is that water is very sensitive to various forms of energy and information in its environment, and like a tape recorder, it receives and passes these along to the systems with which it inter- acts. These influences may be positive, and lead to an enhancing of natural processes, or they may have an opposite effect.

Page 18 March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 To learn about safe food handling practices, Water see www.uga.edu/nchfp. Purity Exchanging information between living systems

Stanford University Professor Emeritus Dr. William Tiller has also Optimal quality water is thus a link between living considered these ideas. He once said, “Abundant data now exists to show systems and the larger natural world: it receives, amplifies, that water, structured by applied electric and magnetic fields of a variety and transmits beneficial information from the environ- of configurations and magnitudes, beneficially influences seed germina- ment. Imbued with these natural qualities, water serves tion, plant growth and a human’s sense of beverage softness and flavor the growth of plants in subtle ways that are as diverse as as well as personal physical well-being.” So, the idea that water possesses the natural environments in which the plants are grown. qualities that transcend conventional chemistry are not restricted to one If Nature is envisioned as a dynamic system in which each particular modality of research or approach to understanding the natural element supports the integrity of the whole, we can start world. to appreciate the beauty of healthy water. It is not merely a The question remains: what is good water? I think the answer to this chemical medium, but a conduit for the healthy exchange question must take into account water’s receptivity to energy and infor- of energy and information between living systems that mation from its environment. While our water should first and foremost supports each of them, and contributes to the successful be chemically clean and free of toxins, the next level of quality relates to development and unfolding of the whole. Water is thus the water’s information properties. According to naturalists like Johann integral to the dynamic, evolving processes of life, and this Grander and Viktor Schauberger, water develops beneficial internal is what must be taken into account when considering the energy and information properties through its dynamic interactions with full spectrum of water’s properties in relation to our farms its environment- through its flowing movements and its journey through and gardens. the landscape water is renewed and imbued with optimal qualities. In contrast, water that is chemically disinfected and forced at high pressure Michael Mark is the Director of Technical Services at through distribution systems lacks the same recourse to Nature’s complex Water Revitalization Ltd. Grander® Technology, array of living rhythms and information. [email protected].

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Northern California Pacific 1101 Sunset Boulevard P.O. Box 247 Rocklin, CA 95765-3710 Kealakekua, Hawaii 96750 (530) 889-9531 (808) 322-6633

For thousands of years salmon have been flinging themselves up waterfalls Visit us on the web at www.unfiw.com and rapids to spawn in their native grounds. The least we can do is keep those rivers clean and safe for new generations. That's why Salmon-Safe is partnering with Oregon Tilth to certify Northwest farms. One visit from a Tilth inspector can easily provide both certifications for an additional $99. The organic label lets customers know that your food is healthy. Get Salmon-Safe certified by Oregon Tilth and they'll also know it’s local and helps protect native salmon. It’s great to be organic, why not go the extra mile to Salmon-Safe certification. The salmon will thank you.

For more information call Salmon-Safe at 503-232-3750 or Oregon Tilth at 503-378-0690. www.salmonsafe.org. Thanks Organic Valley for sponsorship and support.

March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page 19 Yard & Garden Rain Gardens

Sunken rain gardens can enhance your landscaping and add in soil on a small scale. This rain garden is incorporated into a yard in the Portland area.

as well by undercutting bridge supports, exposing sewer lines and washing out roads. Non-point source pollution (carrying metals, oils, bacteria, fertilizers, etc straight to streams) is associated with excess runoff as well. Why build Rain gardens are becoming very popular because they are planted with By Candace Stoughton one? When a landscape is covered in beautiful, hardy, low-maintenance and Have you considered building a natural vegetation, most rainfall soaks into drought tolerant plants. These gardens rain garden in your yard? Many of us in the ground. As we start creating impervi- also provide food and shelter for birds, Portland have seen the swales being built ous surfaces: roofs, driveways, sidewalks, butterflies and beneficial insects. This all around the city to manage stormwater and streets, much of the rainfall can’t soak approach to gardening is an easy way for all runoff and protect our rivers. Did you into the ground anymore. This can create of us to do our part to protect our streams know you can do the same thing in your problems, not just for people, but also and rivers. yard to capture the runoff from your roof, for streams. Rain gardens are a beautiful driveway, etc? When we build swales in our way to manage stormwater runoff because yards, we call them rain gardens. Frequently asked questions they allow rain to soak into the ground Do rain gardens breed naturally. This prevents pollution from What is a rain garden? entering our local streams and wetlands, mosquitoes? A rain garden is a “sunken garden recharges groundwater and keeps water in No. Because rain gardens are shallow bed” in your yard where you can direct our streams during Oregon’s dry summer and are only built on soils with sufficient runoff from your roof, driveway and other months. drainage, they are designed to dry out impervious surfaces on your property. The Urban stormwater runoff causes before mosquitoes can reproduce. rain can then soak into the ground natu- unnaturally high flooding downstream. In- Will my rain garden have standing rally rather than running off into storm stream erosion degrades water quality, and water for more than a day? drains. compromises habitat for wildlife. Erosion Rain gardens are designed to infiltrate in streams imperils the “built environment” Continued on page 23 Page 20 March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Yard & Garden Farmscaping your greenhouse

This “incubation station” with barley grass is being for aphid control used to grow on the “host” aphid for placement as a banker plant in the greenhouse setting.

this growing up stage, and keep from freez- ing. If on a cart or rack, wrap some vispore or light cloth around the rack to keep the Cherry Oat aphids in, and native aphids

BioBest- Plant Products Plant BioBest- out. This also serves to keep enemies of

y of the Cherry Oat aphids out as well. Use some velcro to set up the rack so that it is completely covered, yet easy to get into and out of for watering purposes. In essence, hoto courtes

P this becomes your host aphid nursery for the season! By Alison Kutz-Troutman a food-source variety aphid that will not Wait about a week, before releasing For those who are interested in a natu- affect our cash crops, but instead act as a your aphid predator on top of your banker ral solution to their aphid problems, here is host to beneficial aphid predators that can plants. At this point you can keep them a one idea whose time has come. How about use the banker plants as a proverbial “home bit warmer, but screened. Consider that integrating the ideas of biological farming base.” From this safe base, they can migrate you will find the optimum activity of the and management into the greenhouse pro- to nearby crops that might be host to our predator at or above 60F night temperatures duction setting? With more of us extending normal pest aphids, particularly the green in the greenhouse. our seasons and cropping with a bit more peach and melon aphids. Plan your shipment of the aphid preda- heat, cold frames and greenhouses have One such system has been developed tor (start with Aphidius matricariae here become very important tools to optimize using a “host” aphid that will not leap to in the Pacific Northwest.) Your treatment production. your cash crops, that is, assuming that you rate per acre might be as low as 2.5 banker With a little extra heat, generally come are not a wheat grass grower or ornamental plants per acre for a young monocrop a few of the problems that more closed sys- grass grower. Introducing a special aphid, (peppers) or twice that amount for mixed tems invite, like explosions of aphids from called a Bird Cherry-Oat Aphid, Rhopalo- crops and propagation areas. One banker time to time. Adult and juvenile aphids siphum padi, into your greenhouse system, per 1000 sq. ft. of crop should work for can infest a crop in short order. Why not affording it only its favored “host” plant. In most of us. After establishment, you could think about creating your own beneficial this case, barley or wheat grasses. continue your introductions of established insectaries for greenhouse control? Bio- The thickly sown grass plants are banker plants, seeded with your biologi- logical diversity, and creating habitat is as established (usually in 8” pots or hanging cal predator or parasitoids at one per acre important in the greenhouse as it is in the baskets) and then inoculated with a plug of as needed, and fresh aphid/grass plants field. Unfortunately, most large greenhouse the grass and aphid combo that is shipped biweekly to feed the parasitoids that you growers using beneficial insects think about in rock wool. have now established in the crops. screens and keeping pest insects out. Let’s Planning your needs to have estab- Another bonus is that at any time you shift that thinking and figure out how lished banker plants for aphids needs to can move these bankers plants to an out- to invite the beneficial insects into these take place now, before the season gets too break area, or out of an area that has to be intensely productive areas. Biological man- far along. Needs are determined by your sprayed for what ever reason. This preserves agement does not need to be expensive to yearly pest history and normal pressures. your investment in creating this biological be effective. Treatments can be adapted to seasonal or “hot spot” of activity, and allows you to As diverse farmers, we actively seek new crop changes. If you tend to see the first in- pinpoint your few problems with less spray! tools and ways to save precious time dur- flux of aphid pressure around mid March, ing the busy spring and summer months. you would sow your barley plants four to Alison Kutz-Troutman runs As a production greenhouse grower for six weeks ahead, keeping them dry, then SoundHorticulture and can be reached at 27 years, this year I am going to finally just water them when you desire them to (360) 739-9095, or email formalize my banker plant program in germinate. Grow them up for four or five [email protected]. regards to aphid management. The idea is days before releasing the Bird Cherry-Oat to create appropriate habitats in our various Aphid onto them, and placing them in the greenhouse environments that will support greenhouse. Keep the plants covered during

March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page 21 Water storage on a large scale

By John Gardiner for its purity and softness, is a very old mended. Generally, 0.6 gallons of water The harvesting of rainwater can be technique enjoying a revival in popularity. can be harvested from each square foot of traced back 4,000 years, maybe 6,000 years Driving this revival is a recognition of the roof per inch of rain received. So if an inch in China. Some of the ancient in-ground inherent quality of rainwater, and interest of rain falls upon a 2,000 square foot roof tanks built in India are now being rehabili- in reducing consumption of treated water. surface, then 1,200 gallons of water can be tated in response to falling groundwater Unsullied rainwater has a nearly harvested, yielding 21,600 gallons of water levels (www.siruthuli.org). Ruins of cisterns per year with an average 18 inches of built as rainfall. In a typical home collection early as The farm at Tickle Creek. Rain- system, gutters transport the rainfall 2000 water storage on a large scale. into a “roof washer,” which collects B.C. for the trash, debris, and dust contained storing in the initial water runoff. After the runoff roof washer is full, the rainwater may from hill- go through screens or filters before sides for being diverted into a covered collec- agricul- tion tank. tural and This tank can be above or below domestic ground, depending on the landscape purposes and the uses for the water. A pump is are still usually needed, but can be optional standing for above-ground tanks if there is in Israel. Gardiner John by Photo enough vertical distance between the The use lowest part of the tank and the irriga- of cisterns neutral pH, and is free from by-products of tion area; drip irrigation needs a minimum is still common in many parts of the world, treatment, salts, minerals, and other natural of 10 psi. so the tank needs to be at least including Australia, the Bahamas, and Ha- and man-made contaminants. Plants thrive 20 ft. above the delivery point, allowing for waii. Thousands of miles of Qanats, hand- under irrigation with stored rainwater, and friction losses in the system. dug adits (or tunnels) that collected water appliances last lon- These tanks can be as small as a 55-gal- ger when free from lon barrel or much larger, depending upon Generally, 0.6 gallons of the corrosive or scale the roof surface area and potential rainfall effects of hard water. to be stored in the tank. Generally, the water can be harvested Users with potable average cost for storage per gallon of water systems prefer the ranges from 40 cents to $1.25 per gallon. A from each square foot of superior taste and covered tank minimizes evaporation water cleansing proper- losses, algae growth, mosquito breeding and roof per inch of rain ties of rainwater. In trash entering the tank. some parts of the Some 60,000 gallons of rainwater received. world, however, rain storage were installed in above-ground, washes out aerosols horizontal 8 ft. diameter tanks at our Farm from the mountains for irrigation and from industrial processes, giving rise to acid at Tickle Creek, near Sandy, Oregon, taking cities, were built in China, Iran (170,000 rain. In this case, the harvesting system may water from a 40 ft. x 60 ft. workshop roof, miles of tunnel dating from 3,000 B.C.!), need to be isolated from the first flush of with a further 20,000 gallons from a 24 ft. the Arabian Peninsular, North Africa, rainwater in a storm. x 36 ft. barn roof. With a poor yield from Spain, Italy and Luxemburg. Qanats in Rainwater harvesting also includes the well, and a further well being disallowed the Americas can be found in the Atacama land-based systems with man-made land- because of the proximity to Tickle Creek, regions of Peru, and Chile at Nazca and scape features to channel and concentrate the water was used not for home consump- Pica. The Spanish introduced qanats into rainwater in either storage basins/ponds tion but for drip irrigation, mainly for 18 Mexico in 1520 A.D. Houses in London or planted areas. An advantage with ponds raised beds. It was also piped to five barns used to be built with rainwater storage in designed for vegetative treatment is that im- for a herd of alpacas. The cost of the storage the basement, reflecting the difficulty of proved water quality can be achieved with installed was about 50 cents per gallon, with obtaining clean water until the latter half of appropriate design (www.cwp.org). the plumbing being done by myself. A word the 19th Century. Rainfall can be collected from any of warning; if you intend to move in a few The harvesting of rainwater, valued rooftop surface; sloping tin roofs are recom- years, you may not get back the investment you made. Page 22 March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Water Storage Trickle & bloom with little room The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Continued from page 20 Research Center in Austin, Texas is a water in about a day. If it rains several days well-known large-scale use of rainwater to disconnect your downspout or if in a row, it is possible that your rain garden harvesting. The center has an entry cistern there are special requirements. may have standing water until the rain stops that holds 12,000 gallons of water and the and the water has time to soak in. • Dig a shallow depression to create a rain 43 ft. tall observation tower has a 5,000 garden area about six inches deep. You gallon cistern in the middle of it. These are Don’t rain gardens can make it as long and wide as you part of the center’s 60,000 gallon rainwater like - the bigger it is, the more rain harvesting system. require sandy soil? If your soil can percolate two inches water it can soak up. Don’t forget to of water per hour, you have adequate call before you dig so you don’t hit Summarizing the benefits of drainage. any buried utility lines. In Oregon call rainwater harvesting: (800) 332-2344. •The water is free; the only cost is for Can I install a rain garden if I • Use the soil you dig up to create a berm collection and use, and so reduces have a septic system? on the down slope side and direct consumers’ utility bills. Yes, but it is very important not to place a the overflow safely away from nearby •The end use of harvested water is located rain garden over a septic system. buildings. Make the bottom of your close to the source, eliminating the rain garden level. If you like, you can need for complex and costly distribu- Get started! amend the soil in your rain garden tion systems. Find a spot in your yard where you with compost. •A volume of water is kept out of the can easily direct the runoff from your • Plant your plants and then mulch. Water storm-water management system, downspout or other impervious surface. thereby helping to reduce flooding the plants until they are established. Do a percolation test to ensure that the (For sample rain garden planting risks and non-point source pollution. soils in that spot can soak up rain water. •Rainwater provides a water source when designs, go to our web site: groundwater is unacceptable or How to do a percolation test www.welcometherain.org. unavailable, or it can augment limited • Dig a hole at least twelve inches deep. For more information, or to get up- groundwater supplies. • Fill it with water and let it drain. dates on our upcoming rain garden classes •Rainwater harvesting helps utilities reduce • Fill it with water a second time. If the in 2008, please email Candace Stoughton the summer demand peak, and delay water drains at least two inches in an at [email protected] or call expansion of existing water treatment hour the second time you fill it, your (503) 222-7645x109. plants. soil has adequate drainage for a rain Candace Stoughton is the Low Impact •The zero hardness of rainwater helps garden. Development Specialist with East prevent scale on appliances, extend- Multnomah Soil ing their use; rainwater eliminates the • To avoid drainage problems, place your and Water need for a water softener and the salts rain garden at least six feet from your Conservation added during the softening process. house if you have a basement (two feet District. •Rainwater is better for plants as it has a if you don’t) and five feet from your balanced ph and is free of chemicals property line. Call your local jurisdic- such as chlorine. tion to find out if you need a permit •Rainwater is sodium-free, important for persons on low-sodium diets.

John co-runs WaterCycle, Inc. in Cave Junction, Oregon. WaterCycle is dedi- cated to improving understanding of the water cycle for land management and stream health.

March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page 23 rd 33Annual Conference On January 18 - 19, over 300 participants attended Oregon Tilth’s Annual Conference at the Salem Confer- ence Center. There they found in-depth symposia on Main- streaming Organics and Livestock, followed by an organic Symposia wine, beer and cheese tasting with OSU organic potato Mainstreaming judging. An Awards dinner, astounding food and amazing

Organics workshops and speakers all made for a memorable time.

Moore Photo: Photo:

Mainstreaming panelists were Holly Givens, Organic Trade Assoc.; Chris Harris, New Seasons Market; Tedd Heilmann, Organic Prairie; Gene Ruda, Successfoods Moore Photo: Attendance for the Friday Symposiums were packed with Marketing; Lucy Norris, from The Hartman Group. Livestock David Lively from Organically Grown Company also participants both in Mainstreaming Organics (pictured) Production presented. and Livestock Production.

Food, drink & Community

Potato judging was never this much fun. The varieties

Photo: Rodman Rodman Photo: were, quite frankly stunning.

Even the connoisseurs were impressed by the Photo: Rodman The fine organic dining. organic wine and An impressive array of organic beers also kept the

cheese Labbe Photo: tasting good times rolling. was a festive blur. A fine social lubricant,

Labbe

Photo:

Rodman Photographers: Tiffanie Huson-Labbe

Pat Moore Photo: Andrew Rodman for high-level strategic planning. Page 24 March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Organic Intergrity: Annual Conference A few highlights of an amazing gathering

Craig Winters from the Cam- ...It’s hot! Silo inferno, let’s go! paign to Label Genetically You’re rockin’ with farmer Joe Engineered Food and Rick North Me and big bro use hoes, from OR Physicians for Social dig rows, sow and grow Responsibiltiy at the Infiltration ... of GMOs panel. Silo Inferno By: Krooked K

Casey and Workshops Katie Kula of Oakhill Organics at the Next- Gen: Young Photo: Moore Farmers workshop discuss

The tradeshow floor, abuzz Rodman Photo: farming as a with activity. career move.

Oregon Tilth Awards

Photo: Rodman Rodman Photo:

Photo: Labbe Photo: Photo: Labbe Photo: Luis and Dorita Elizondo Emma Sirois, Director of the Center’s Healthcare without Keynote Closing Tilth Awards Dinner recipients Harm program. Volunteer of the year: Students from Christie Cares, a program at the Speaker Address Christie School providing mental health services to children who in turn grew and managed two plots of vegetables at the Organic Education Center. In Good Tilth author of the year: Erin Volheim for extraordinary re- porting on a wide range of themes, elevating this magazine above the ranks of organic trade journals. A staff favorite. Handler of the year: New Belgium Brewery for community involvement, green building, serious sustainability and waste recycling, philanthropy, green power, employee ownership, water conservation and

Photo: Rodman Rodman Photo: greenhouse gas reduction. Photo: Moore Photo: Visionary of the year went to The Oregon Center for Jim Riddle from the Dr. Chuck Benbrook Environmental Health for the Healthy Food in Healthcare Program, University of MN., from The Organic employing market incentives to increase demand for sustainably produced charted the constella- Center, called for inde- foods, improving hospital food quality, and bolstering the local economy. tion of values in the pendent testing of the organic movement, quality of organic food Producer of the year went to Luis and Dorita Elizondo, OTCO- reminding us of where as a means to maintain- certified growers in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, for being enthusiastic proponents of organic agriculture. They work tirelessly to promote organic agriculture we have been, and ing consumer trust in a in Mexico, not just for export, but for domestic consumption, as a way to where we should be changing marketplace. revitalize the rural economies. heading.

March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page 25 Water Privatization Communities fight corporate control of water Continued on page 5 Native Chez Panisse, Incanto, and and Pepsi bottle municipal tap water and American tribes Poggio and New York’s others like Nestle, pilfer spring water from in the region - the Del Posto have gotten on rural communities and resell it at huge Klamath, Hoopa, board. San Francisco has profits. Karuk, and Yaruk also led the way among The water crisis may be growing, but - with priority municipalities that are so is resistance to privatization. Communi- rights to water, beginning to cancel their ties are fighting back against the corporate have struggled bottled water contracts, control of the world’s most vital resource. with farmers over understanding the great limited water harm the industry does to How we can fix it resources. Nature the environment and com- We need water to survive, not just as has been unable munities. individuals, but as communities. Author to deliver as much It is not just bottled John Thorson put it perfectly when he water as the gov- water that has posed a said, “Water links us to our neighbor in a ernment has promised to farmers and tribal problem, but private companies buying way more profound and complex than any members, as well as downstream fishermen. out municipal water systems and then other.” With not enough water in the river, either raising rates and lowering services. One of Just ask the people of the Klamath crops have failed or fish have died, creating the best examples is Stockton, California, Basin of Southern Oregon and Northern community strife and economic hardship. which went private in the largest “public- California. They’ve experienced water wars But in the last year, things have begun private partnership” in the West. Since for the last hundred years that have pitted to change. These groups have formed a 2001, the people of Stockton have been neighbor against neighbor and tribal mem- coalition to save the river they all depend fighting for control of their water against a ber against farmer. on for survival. They are sitting at the same multinational consortium. table and finally beginning to The case gained international atten- hear from each other about tion when it was featured in the film and the needs of farmers, the value book Thirst: Fighting the Corporate Theft of subsistence economies, the of Our Water. The public finally won out history of families on the river, in July, when the city council voted to get the ceremony that comes with rid of the 20-year contract and send the the salmon runs, the rights of corporation packing. nature. The citizen groups that have been Together, this unlikely al- working to defend their communities are liance is taking on PacifiCorp, being supported by many national and one of the largest multina- international groups pushing back against tional power companies, corporate control and empowering people whose out-of-date dams are - groups like Tony Clarke’s Polaris Institute threatening the ecosystem and in Canada, which has focused on public the economy of the region. education and research around issues like And just over the peak of the privatization of water services, bulk Mount Shasta another com- water exports, water security and bottled munity and tribe are battling water. to save their spring water from In the United States, Corporate Ac- Nestle, which hopes to tap the countability International is encouraging community’s greatest asset for people to drink tap water over bottled its own wealth. water with their “Think Outside the Bottle The people of the small Campaign.” They are working to educate town of McCloud and the the public, as well as city governments and Winnemem Wintu tribe are businesses, with great success. fighting back, and they are not On the 35th anniversary of the Clean alone. Across the country a Water Act, Food and Water Watch spon- backlash to the bottled-water sored a National Call-In Day for action business is gaining steam. Fan- on clean water to urge representatives to cy restaurants like California’s support the creation of a clean water trust Page 26 March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Water Privatization Reclaiming the community well fund, “which is a long-term, sustainable, Some countries are now treating waste It ultimately comes down to an issue of and reliable source of funding to upgrade water so that it can be used - and drunk democracy. “We came to see that the con- and improve our public water systems.” - several times over. flicts over water are really about fundamen- The organization has been working to Desalinization makes sea water avail- tal questions of democracy itself: Who will protect public water systems from private able, but takes huge quantities of energy make the decisions that affect our future, takeover and to help fund municipal water and leaves vast amounts of brine. and who will be excluded?” wrote Alan Sni- so that all residents have clean, safe and But many warn against relying on a tow, Deborah Kaufman and Michael Fox affordable water. “techno-fix” to solve our problems. in their recent book Thirst. “And if citizens The movement extends across the Water experts argue that we need to re- no longer control their most basic resource, country and the world as people are also duce consumption on individual and com- their water, do they really control anything rebelling against the corporate takeover of munity levels. Author Tony Clarke advises at all?” their municipal water systems - in Cali- working with those closest to the problems, fornia, in Ghana, in Brazil, in Canada, in such as helping farmers to develop a more Tara Lohan is a managing editor at France, in Indonesia - and the list goes on. sustainable agriculture system. And the www.AlterNet.org. AlterNet’s aim is to Opposition to corporate control is same goes for industry. Looking to the folks inspire citizen action and advocacy on rooted in the belief that water is part of the who have been on the land longest, like in- the environment, human rights and civil commons. Everyone should have access digenous and traditional cultures, will also liberties, social justice, media, and health to clean water, regardless of their level of help us learn how an ecosystem works. care issues. income or their country’s international And experts say that we also need to standing. start developing a comprehensive wa- In order to ensure that all people have ter policy that goes from the regional to access to clean, affordable water, we need to international level. The World Bank and make some changes. United Nations Some see technology as the necessary have the capability fix - or at least a step in the right direc- to change the des- tion. New technology can help, however, ignation of water especially by cleaning up pollution and so from a human making more water useable, and in agricul- need to a human ture, where water use can be made far more right, ensuring efficient. Drought-resistant plants can also that corpora- help. tions can’t exploit Drip irrigation drastically cuts the this resource for amount of water needed, low-pressure economic gain, as sprinklers are an improvement, and even Clarke and Barlow building simple earth walls to trap rainfall advocate for in is helpful. Blue Gold. Gov- ernments should be investing in their people, in conserva- tion and in the infra- structure that we depend on to ac- cess clean, affordable water.

March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page 27 Book Review

abamba, Bolivia in 1999. A subsidiary of The future Bechtel gained ownership of the municipal water supply through the sanction of the World Bank. The cost of water then sky- is on tap rocketed, becoming unaffordable for many By Melody Carr people of the town. Millions of Bolivians marched in protest and shut down the city. Water Wars: Privatization, Pollution Though people were killed to suppress the and Profit. By Vandana Shiva strike, eventually, the water ownership was South End Press, 2002, paperback, 156 returned to the people. But Bechtel is su- pages, $14.00 ing Bolivia and the warfare over the water continues. Who does water belong to? Is water Shiva looks at other examples of monu- private property or a common resource mental water projects that claim to trans- to all on earth? These are the questions of form water scarcity into abundance, but Vandana Shiva’s Water Wars. “The global- argues that they ignore the environmental ized economy is shifting the definition of costs, polluting and extracting water unsus- water from common property to private tainably. They typically benefit the wealthy good, to be extracted and traded freely.” or foreign consumers, far from the location a free gift Shiva, an Indian environmental activ- of dams, or in the case of irrigation, benefit to the thirsty. This was a clash between two ist, feminist, and scientist argues that wealthy cash-crop landowners. Poor people cultures: a culture that sees water as sacred “Water rights as natural rights do not are dispossessed of their land or forced into and treats its provision as a duty for the originate with the state; they evolve out marginalized lives to support these water preservation of life and another that sees of a given ecological context of human projects. Cash crops are grown instead of water as a commodity, and its ownership existence.” Because water is necessary to food crops. and trade as fundamental corporate rights. everyone, “People have a right to life and Community rights are necessary for both The culture of commodification is at war the resources that sustain it, such as water.” ecology and democracy, Shiva declares. with diverse cultures of sharing, of receiv- This is the fundamental argument that any Communities benefit by managing resourc- ing, and giving water as a free gift.” democracy is based on—that people have es sustainably and equitably, but market Historically, Shiva relates, most societies inherent rights that other human beings forces can ignore the holism inherent in have treated water as a “commons,” a re- must respect, that transcend the claims of democracy and ecology. “At the core of the source that was managed cooperatively for private property, ownership, material gain. market solution to pollution is the assump- the good of the community. Shiva traces Shiva tells this story in the preface to tion that water exists in unlimited supply.” the current push to privatize common Water Wars: “Recently, when I was travel- Corporations’ focus on maximizing profit water sources to practices originating in ing to Rajasthan’s capital, Jaipur, in western ignores long-term environmental and social “cowboy economics,” from the settlement India, for a public hearing on drought and problems. Pervasively and insidiously, water of the American West. Here, the first per- famine, I experienced the clash of these two wars increase as the tension grows between son to appropriate land or resources gained cultures of water. On the train from Delhi the tradition of resource democracies in exclusive rights to use them. to Jaipur, we were served bottled water, governments and communities, and the “The cowboy sentiment that ‘might where Pepsi’s water line, Aquafina, was the impetus of corporate ownership and con- is right’ meant that the economically brand of choice. On the streets of Jaipur, sumerism. Shiva, by illustrating models of powerful could invest in capital-intensive there was another culture of water. At the ecological democracy, summons us to resist means to appropriate water regardless of peak of the drought, small thatched huts the privatization of water and the environ- the needs of others and the limits of water called Jal Mandirs (water temples) were put mental and social injustices it creates. up to give water from earthen water pots as systems.” The newest twist of this frontier mentality is the partnering of corpora- Melody Carr lives in Eugene and works tions with governments to take for OMRI. She has a passion for writing, LOCAL GRASS-FED MEATS control of water resources, using CERTIFIED ORGANIC PRODUCE literature, the environment, spirituality, • ANTIBIOTIC/HORMONE-FREE public money to subsidize their POULTRY creativity and healing. • BULK FOODS, HERBS & SPICES takeover, transferring to corpo- • NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS • HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES rate ownership water systems • LOCAL PRODUCTS Article reprinted from the Provender • CARROT/WHEATGRASS JUICE that were once administered by • FINE WINE & BEER Journal, Vol 29 iii, May June 2003. • WINE TASTING SECOND THURSDAY municipal governments. Shiva OF EACH MONTH DURING ARTWALK Member governed since 1971 relates the history of one of the Coos Head Food Store most famous examples: Coch- 1960 Sherman, Hwy. 101 S. ◆ Downtown North Bend 541-756-7264

Page 28 March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 New Organic Herbicide Finally, an effective and economical

MarroneOrganicInnovations.com herbicide for organic growers • NOP compliant • Coming Spring 2007 for NON- • EPA registered CROP uses in WA, OR, ID, NV, • Post emergence control UT, AZ and HI. Fall 2007 CA • EPA crop label - Summer 2007 MontereyAgResources.com • Kills most weeds (559) 499-2100 • Non-selective * Contains d-limonene (citrus oil • Fast-acting extract), patent pending

March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page 29 Farmer and Feds help provide vital habitat

decrease erosion and improve floodplain function, protect surface and groundwa- ter, and restore riparian forest and fish and wildlife habitat. With assistance from programs like the USDA Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and Wetland Reserve Program (WRP), forested riparian buffers and wetlands are planted with native vegetation. These conservation practices protect streams and rivers from sedimentation and from pol- lution from agricultural chemicals. They also create habitat for threatened fish and wildlife species. Photo from CPRCD files. CPRCD from Photo A controlled burn at the M-DAC Farms Wetland Resotration project in Harrisburg, Oregon. Two projects completed by landown- ers with assistance from Cascade Pacific RC&D are the Bylund/Oregon State Parks Willamette Floodplain By Karen Strohmeyer Restoration Project and the M-DAC Farms Wetland Restoration Sometimes the best use for riverside farmland is to let it return Project. Richard Bylund grows filberts on Kiger Island, located to wetlands. An innovative program to return riverside farmland to along the Willamette River in Benton County. Over the years he its natural state is leading the way in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. has lost more than 10 acres of land and trees to erosion. Oregon Cascade Pacific Resource Conservation and Development’s State Parks owns the adjacent land, which was primarily in weeds Willamette Floodplain Restoration Program focuses on collabo- and non-native vegetation. Funding from eight different sources rating with farmers along the Willamette River on projects to allowed the landowners to work cooperatively to restore 1.2 miles

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Page 30 March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 M-DAC Farm leads the way New non- GMO! The 2008 Non- GMO Sourcebook, the world’s only “farm to fork” di- rectory of suppliers of non-genetically modified products, features more than 700 suppliers of non- GMO products and services. Individuals can order The 2008 Source- Photo from CPRCD files. CPRCD from Photo Geese fly over the restored wetlands at M-DAC Farms, a leader in habitat restoration. book for $27.95 by phone: (641) 472-1491 or (800) 854-0586 (U.S. and Canada), or of forested riparian buffer, which protected gases from the air you breathe. The brightly online: www.non-gmoreport.com. 3,000 ft. of back slough along the Wil- burning fire of oak logs that keeps you lamette River. The banks of the river were warm on a cold night and the medicine sloped, six stream barbs were installed you take to ease pain come from nature’s and native vegetation was planted. The warehouse of services. Civilization depends Making hay outcome of the project is a win-win for the on the fundamental life-support services A new website, HayFinder, matches landowners and the environment, provid- performed by natural ecosystems. Unless hay producers with consumers looking to ing much needed fish and wildlife habitat. human activities are carefully planned and purchase hay - and is well positioned to The M-DAC Farms Wetland Res- managed, valuable ecosystems will continue serve the entire U.S. farming and ranching toration is a cooperative effort between to be impaired and destroyed. Farmland of- community. To find out more, visit: landowners Pat and Stephanie Hagerty, US fers an opportunity to restore and improve www.hayfinder.com. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW), Natural important ecosystems. Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Our environment uses ecosystem Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board services to produce resources that we often and Cascade Pacific RC&D. Five hundred take for granted, such as clean water, tim- eighty acres farmed in perennial ryegrass ber, habitat for fisheries, and pollination of were returned to native wetland communi- native and agricultural plants. Whether you ties including wetland prairie, emergent live in a city or a rural area, the ecosystems marsh and bottomland hardwood forest. that surround us provide familiar goods Jarod Jebousek, a biologist with USFW, and service we depend on, such as clean noted that he has already seen eight eagles water and air and crop pollination and and one golden eagle, peregrine falcons, seed disbursement services. Not to men- prairie falcons, merlins, thousands of small tion protection from extreme weather and shore birds, the rare Mountain Plover and ultraviolet light, and control of pests and 75 snow geese since construction began disease-carrying organisms. in the summer 2007. M-DAC Farms The choices we make today about our Wetland will be protected in perpetuity use and conservation of land and water by NRCS with a conservation easement resources have enormous impact on the through the Wetland Reserve Program. future sustainability of earth’s ecosystems and the services they provide us. Why should farmers be concerned with healthy Karen Strohmeyer is the Coordinator ecosystems on their property? for Cascade Pacific RC&D, and can be reached at (541) 757-4807; email at Have you ever considered that the [email protected]. See cereal you eat is brought to you each www.cascadepacific.org. morning by wind, or the glass of clear, cold water drawn from your faucet may have been purified for you by a wetland or perhaps the root system of an entire forest? Trees in your front yard work to trap and remove dust, dirt, and harmful

March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page 31 Escoja historias en Español

Nuestro suministro de agua potable está desapareciendo

su supervivencia, el agua se ha convertido en una víctima de su indiferencia,” escribió Rachel Carson. Andrew Rodman Andrew Como resultado, hoy, 35 años de haberse aprobado el Decreto de Agua Limpia (Clean Water Act, en inglés) nos en- contramos tambaleándonos en una crisis global que está siendo agravada por el cambio climático, el cual está disminuyendo los la impresión del linóleo por la impresión glaciares y elevando los niveles del mar. Nos encontramos con un desarrollo Por: Tara Lohan tierra, aportando nutrientes y arrastrando desconsiderado, que pavimenta planicies Traducido por: Odilia Hernández Onofre los desechos. Es heredada como leyendas de pluviales y destruye pantanos; presas que Gracias al calentamiento global, la generación a generación – de una montaña des contaminación, el crecimiento poblacional de picos nevados a los ríos y a los mares. plazan a gente nativa y que destruyen y la privatización, estamos tambaleando en Históricamente el agua ha sido la los parteaguas de las cuencas; crecimiento el filo de la crisis global. faceta para los rituales, un lugar para re- industrial sin un control que contamina las Albert Sznet-Gyorgyi, biquímico unirse y acampar, además de ser la columna fuentes de agua; y tasas de consumo que la húngaro y ganador del premio nobel a la vertebral de las comunidades. naturaleza no puede abastecer. Y creci- medicina dijo una vez “El agua es la materia Pero los tiempos han cambiado. “En entemente estamos amenazados por la ola y matriz de la vida y madre y mediadora. una era en que el hombre se ha olvidado de de privatización que está azotando todo el Sin el agua no existe la vida.” sus orígenes y que se ha segado a incluso mundo, convirtiendo al agua de un recurso Dependemos del agua para sobrevivir. ver sus necesidades más elementales para Circula a través de nuestros cuerpos y la Continuado en la pagina 34 Page 32 March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Escoja historias en Español Everything You Need to Grow Organically! - -Best selection around (over 4,000 items) -Great prices & generous quantity discounts ---Freight Allowances up to $400 on large orders ---Need a competitive quote? Call Hope at ext. 100

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March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page 33 En Español La Privatización del Agua

Continuado desde la pagina 32 calienta, se incrementa la contaminación, Unidos se logra mediante el bombeo del público muy preciado a una mercancía para la población aumenta y las fuentes de agua de los acuíferos a una tasa que excede benefic económico. agua dulce en nuestro planeta son explota- la habilidad de recargo,” escribió el experto Los problemas se extienden desde el das, nos encontramos con un problema en agua Tony Clarke del Instituto Polaris y ambiental y Maude Barlow del Ayuntamiento Cana- humanitario diense en su exitoso libro Oro Azul: La Las siguientes guerras sobre de dimensiones Lucha para Ponerle un Alto al Robo de las gigantes. Empresas al Agua Mundial (Blue Gold: los recursos no serán por el The Fight to Stop the Corporate Theft of the World´s water). petróleo, ni siquiera por la La demanda de El acuífero Ogallala – el más grande agua se incre- en Norte América y una fuente impor- energía, si no por el agua. menta al doble tante para la agricultura desde Texas hasta cada 20 años, Dakota del Sur – está siendo bombeado a hemisferio Norte hasta el Sur y son tan sobrepasando una tasa 14 veces más de lo que se puede dominantes como el agua misma. Igual de el crecimiento poblacional dos veces más recargar, escribieron los autores. Y, al otro importantes son las políticas del agua. Los rápido. Actualmente 1.3 billones de perso- lado del país, “el Departamento de Recur- temas de discusión acerca de nuestra crisis nas no tienen acceso a agua potable y 2.5 sos de Agua de California predice que para del agua incluyen también temas como billones no cuentan con un alcantarillado el 2020, si no se encuentran más fuentes la pobreza, el comercio, la comunidad y y servicios de sanidad pública. Se estima de agua, el estado se encontrará con un la privatización. Si hablamos del agua, que en menos de 20 años la demanda de déficit de agua dulce casi tan grande como también debemos de hablar acerca de los agua dulce excederá en un 50% el abastec- la cantidad de agua que todas las ciudades derechos indígenas, la justicia ambiental, la imiento global. y pueblos están consumiendo en día,” educación, la responsabilidad empresarial y La alcantarilla más grande donde se agregaron Clarke y Barlow. la democracia. En esta mezcla de términos van nuestras fuentes de agua es la agricul- Desde el lluvioso Seattle hasta las no solo somos la causa de nuestra crisis si tura, que es responsable del 70% del agua ciudades desérticas de Tucson y Albuquer- no también la solución. que se utiliza a nivel mundial – la mayoría que y desde la región norcentral agrícola de esta es subsidiada en el mundo indus- hasta las ciudades de la costa del accidente trializado, ofreciendo pocos incentivos a la demanda de agua está sobrepasando al ¿Qué salió mal? los agronegocios para que utilicen medidas suministro. A medida de que nuestro mundo se de conservación o menos cultivos de alto Esta crisis es a nivel mundial, y es más consumo de agua. notable en México, el Medio Oriente, Con toda China y África. Premium Organic Fertilizers, seguridad este El crecimiento poblacional, el desar- número se incre- rollo, el consumismo y la contaminación Soil Amendments, Composts, mentará conforme ya están cobrando sus secuelas en nuestras Potting Mediums and more. luchamos para fuentes de agua, la habilidad de combatir alimentar a un este problema se ha complicado aún más mundo en creci- por el esparcimiento del neoliberalismo. miento. Se espera Las mismas ideas que han resultado en el que la población botín de los contratos privados que han se incremente de estado saqueando a Iraq también han sido Organic Materials Review Institute 6 a 8 billones para los que han contribuido a nuestra crisis de el 2050. agua. El neoliberalismo es la creencia en el La escases “liberalismo económico” lo que acompañó de agua no es un a la idea de que el control del gobierno so- tema de interés bre la economía era malo. Abrió las puertas solo para los para que los bienes comunes se convirtieran países en desar- en mercancía y permitir que las sociedades rollo “el 21% del anónimas privatizaran lo que alguna vez les agua de irrigación perteneció al público. For more information or a commercial price list call: 1-800-234-5932 en los Estados En el 2000 la revista Fortune imprimió DTE_IGT_Jan/Feb_ad Page 34 March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 En Español Retomando el Pozo Comunitario

segura para beber. Entonces, las empresas como Coca y Pepsi embotellan el agua mu- nicipal y otras como Nestle hurtan el agua de los arroyos de las comunidades rurales y la revenden con grandes ganancias. La crisis del agua estará creciendo, pero también la resistencia a la privatización ha medida que las comunidades están pelean- do en contra del control de las sociedades anónimas sobre la fuente vital más preciada del mundo. ¿Cómo lo Podemos Resolver? Necesitamos el agua para sobrevi- vir, no solamente como individuos si no como comunidad. El autor John Thorson lo expresó de la mejor manera cuando dijo “El agua nos une a nuestro vecino de una forma más profunda y compleja que cualquier otra.” Pregúntenselo a la gente de la cuenca de Klamath del sur de Oregon y del norte esta frase: “En el siglo21 el agua promete murieron por falta de agua potable segura. de California. Que han experimentado ser lo que en el siglo 20 fue el petróleo; Y aún así, África con sus países con grandes guerras de agua por los últimos cientos una mercancía muy valiosa que determi- necesidades de dinero, es un atractivo para de años y han competido vecino contra nará la riqueza de las naciones.” las multinacionales que obligan al gobierno vecino y miembros de las tribus contra los Se ha expresado en numerosas oca- a entregar sus sistemas de agua públicos con agricultores. siones que las guerras de recursos no serán la promesa de liberarlos de sus deudas. Las tribus Nativas de América es sobre el petróleo – o la energía – si no por Cuando las sociedades anónimas esa región – los Klamath, los Hoopa, los el agua. A medida que la idea del neoliber- controlan el agua, los costos se elevan y la KaruK y los Yaruk – con prioridad de alismo proliferó, las instituciones como el calidad de servicio disminuye y los que no derechos sobre el agua han peleado con Banco Mundial (World Bank) y el Fondo pueden pagar el precio son obligados a con- los agricultores sobre los recursos de agua Monetario Internacional (IFM, por sus sumir agua que no es segura, poniendo su limitados. La naturaleza no ha podido siglas en ingles) se extendieron, el sector vida en riesgo. Esto ha sucedido en todo el proveer el agua que los gobiernos les han público se ha privatizado de manera alar- mundo, en SudAfrica, Bolivia y los Estados prometido a los agricultores, miembros de mante. Y por lo tanto no sería la riqueza Unidos. las tribus, ni a los pescadores rio abajo. Sin de las naciones lo que está en juego si no la Esta misma filosofía del control por suficiente agua en el rio, o bien los cultivos riqueza de las sociedades anónimas. sociedades anónimas es lo que hace que se no han prosperado o bien los peces se han Un ejecutivo subsidiario de Vivendi, construyan represas, que han desplazado muerto, creando una disputa comunitaria y la controladora de agua más grande a aproximadamente a 80 millones de per- una escasez económica. nivel mundial lo resumió de la siguiente sonas en el mundo entero. Solamente en Pero en los últimos años, las cosas han manera: “el agua es un ingrediente crítico India, más de 4,000 represas han sumergido comenzado a cambiar. Esos grupos han y necesario para la vida diaria de cada ser 37,500 Km cuadrados de tierra y han forza- hecho coaliciones para salvar al rio del cual humano y es igualmente importante como do a 42 millones de personas a abandonar todos dependen para sobrevivir. Se están un ingrediente para redituar ganancias en sus hogares. sentando en la misma mesa y por fin se las empresas de manufactura.” Las multinacionales que solo ven las están escuchando unos a otros, de las nece- Pero cuando las empresas privadas ganancias en el negocio del agua también sidades de los agricultores, el valor de las controlan las fuentes de agua, las nece- han hecho una gran incursión vendiendo economías de subsistencia, de las historias sidades de sobrevivencia de las personas agua embotellada a los países más ricos. Las de las familias vividas en el rio, la ceremo- son puestas hasta lo último en la fila. En costosas campañas publicitarias convencen a África, cerca de 5 millones de personas las personas de que el agua de la llave no es Continuado en la pagina 36

March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page 35 En Español Las Comunidades Luchan con las Empresas Privadas por el Control del Agua Continuado desde la pagina 35 Incanto y Poggio y New York´s Del Posto. al público y la investigación en los temas San Francisco ha encabezado el movimien- nia que se celebra cuando el salmón inicia de privatización de los servicios potables, to de municipalidades que están cancel- exportación de agua en cantidades masivas, su recorrido y los derechos de la naturaleza. ando sus contratos de embotellamiento de Juntos, esta alianza poco común le está la seguridad del agua y el embotellamiento agua, entendiendo el gran daño que se está del agua. dando la lucha a Pacific Corp, una de las causando al ambiente y a las comunidades. multinacionales energéticas más grandes, En los Estados Unidos, Corporate El agua embotellada no ha sido lo Accountability International, está promovi- la que sus represas descontinuadas están único que ha representado un problema, amenazando los ecosistemas y la economía endo con su campaña “Campaña, Piensa también las empresas privadas que han Fuera de la Botella” (Think Outside the de la región. comprado los sistemas de agua munici- Y un poquito más allá de la punta de Bottle Campaign) que las personas tomen pales y que después aumentan las cuotas y agua potable de la llave. Con gran éxito, la Montaña Shasta, otra comunidad y tribu disminuyen la calidad de los servicios. El está peleando para salvar su agua de man- están educando a las personas al igual que a mejor ejemplo está en Stockton Califor- los gobiernos municipales y a los negocios. antial de Nestle, que tiene pensado explotar nia, que se privatizó, en la “privatización el recurso más valioso de la comunidad par Y hoy, en el 35 aniversario del Decreto pública más grande” en el Oeste. Desde el de Agua Limpia (Clean Water Act, en su propio enriquecimiento. 2001 las personas de Stockton han estado La gente del pequeño poblado de inglés) Vigilantes del Agua y los Alimentos peleando para ganarle el controla un cons- (Food and Water Watch, en inglés) está fi- McCloud y la tribu Winnemem Wintu orcio internacional. están dando la pelea y no están solos. Por nanciando un llamado a nivel nacional para El caso obtuvo atención internacional que le pidamos a nuestros representantes toda la nación se está preparando un contra cuando se presentó en el libro y película golpe hacia los negocios de agua embotel- en el gobierno que apoyen la creación de Sed: Peleando con el Ladrón Corporativo un fideicomiso de agua limpia “que sea un lada. A ellos se les han sumado restaurantes de Nuestra Agua (Thirst: Fighting the de primera clasecomo California´s Chez, fondo a largo tiempo, sustentable y eficaz Corporate Theft of Our Water, en inglés). para actualizar y mejorar nuestros siste- Por fin, el público ganó en Julio cuando mas potables”. La organización ha estado el ayuntamiento trabajando para proteger el sistema potable votó a favor de público de la privatización y ayudar a que eliminar el con- el agua municipal sea limpia, segura y de trato de 20 años y costo accesible. la empresa se tuvo El movimiento se extiende por todo que retirar. el país y el mundo conforme las personas Los grupos también se están rebelando en contra de las de ciudadanos empresas privadas que quieren apoderarse que han estado de sus sistemas de agua potable municipal trabajando para – en california, en Brazil, en Canadá, en defender a sus Francia, en Indonesia – la lista continua. comunidades han La oposición al control de las empresas sido respaldados privadas tiene sus fundamentos en la creen- por muchos cia de que el agua es parte de los comunes. grupos nacionales Todos debemos tener acceso a agua limpia, e internacionales sin importar el nivel de ingresos o de la que los impulsan clasificación con que se catalogue a su país. a dar la batalla en Con el fin de asegurar que todas las contra del control personas tengan acceso a agua limpia y ac- de las empresas cesible, necesitamos hacer unos cambios. y regresar el Algunos ven a la tecnología como la poder a la gente- solución necesaria – o por lo menos como grupos como: un paso hacia la dirección correcta. Como Tony Clarke´s reporta BBC: Polaris INstitute La nueva tecnología puede ayudar, en Cánada, que no obstante, especialmente limpiando la se ha enfocado contaminación y por lo tanto haciendo en la educación

Page 36 March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 En Español Los grupos se defienden en Contra del control de las corporaciones que el agua sea más usable, y en la agricultura en donde el uso del Y los expertos también nos dicen que necesitamos comenzar a agua puede hacerse mucho más eficiente de lo que es. Las plantas desarrollar una política del agua entendible y que abarque desde el resistentes a las sequias también pueden ayudar. nivel regional hasta el internacional. El Banco Mundial y las Nacio- El riego por goteo reduce drásticamente las cantidades de agua nes Unidas tienen la capacidad de cambiar la designación del agua que se requieren, los aspersores de baja presión son un avance e de una necesidad humana a un derecho humano, asegurándose que incluso, construir paredes de tierra como represo para el agua de las empresas privadas no puedan explotar este recurso para benefi- lluvia, pueden ayudar. cio económico, como lo plantean Clark y Barlow en Blue Gold. Algunos países estás tratando las aguas residuales para que Todo esto se viene a resumir como un tema de democracia. puedan ser utilizadas o bebidas varias veces. “Comenzamos a ver que los conflictos que se pelean sobre el agua La desalinización aporta agua de mar, pero consume grandes son realmente una cuestión fundamental de la democracia: ¿Quién cantidades de energía y deja enormes cantidades de salmuera como tomará las decisiones que afecten nuestro futuro? Y ¿Quién será producto secundario. excluido? Escribió Alan Snitow, Deborah Kaufman y Machael Fox Pero muchos nos advierten de basarnos en las “soluciones en su reciente libro Sed. “Y si los ciudadanos ya no controlan sus tecnológicas” para resolver nuestros problemas. fuentes vitales básicas, su agua, ¿Acaso tienen control de algo más?” Los expertos del agua nos incitan a que disminuyamos nuestros niveles de consumo como individuos y como comunidad. Tara Lohan es director editorial de www.AlterNet.org Su meta de El autor Tony Clark nos aconseja trabajar con las personas que AlterNet es inspirar a los ciudadanos a tomar parte y acción en los están más cercas del problema, por ejemplo, que ayudemos a los temas del ambiente, derechos humanos y libertad ciudadana, en agricultores a desarrollar sistemas agrícolas más sustentables. Y lo los medios de comunicación y en temas del cuidado de la salud. mismo va para las industrias. Si nos adentramos con las personas que han estado más tiempo en la tierra, como las comunidades indígenas y las culturas tradicionales, nos ayudará a aprender como funciona un ecosistema.

March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page 37 Research Reports

Alluring news for flies ludens) at Allende and Linares in Nuevo producers who have excelled, for many years, Several Anastrepha fruit fly species that Leon, Mexico; Caribbean fruit flies (A. in the production of both conventional and plague Latin American fruit growers are suspensa) near Fort Pierce, Fla.; and West organic tomatoes. also quarantine pests in the United States. Indian fruit flies (A. obliqua) at Hato Damas Organic fields were farmed in accord To evaluate lures used to monitor fruit flies in the Dominican Republic. Researchers with the USDA’s National Organic Program in production areas, Agricultural Research tested six treatments, including two standard rule, and conventional fields were managed Service (ARS) scientists and colleagues in liquid protein baits and four synthetic lure using typical and recommended commercial the Dominican Republic recently tested two combinations, for periods of eight to 16 fertilizers and synthetic pesticides. Because ammonia-based formulations and found weeks, replacing the synthetic lures after four of differences in tillage, irrigation, and soil them to differ in effectiveness, depending on weeks. types across the farms, this study’s findings the Anastrepha species. At both Mexican sites, traps with the cannot be extrapolated beyond these four Synthetic lures rely on the attractiveness ammonium acetate-putrescine combination farms. Still, some interesting and highly of protein sources to catch hungry fruit flies. captured more Mexflies than all of the significant results emerged. One commercial attractant--Biolure, made other attractants, and the ammonium Quality testing was done on tomatoes by Suterra LLC of Bend, Ore.--includes biocarbonate-putrescine combination after they were heat treated in a microwave, ammonium acetate and putrescine among performed better than protein-baited to mimic the impact of tomato processing. its components. Entomologist Nancy traps. The ammonium acetate-putrescine The team reported that there were Epsky at the ARS Subtropical Horticultural combination also worked better with significant differences in a number of quality Research Station in Miami, Fla., tested Caribflies at the Florida test site. parameters across growers, but also between the effect of ammonia formulation, But with West Indian fruit flies in the conventional and organic systems. For substituting ammonium biocarbonate for the Dominican Republic, protein baits this reason, results across the four growers the ammonium acetate. outperformed both synthetic baits, although could not be pooled to increase the statistical Using Multilure traps, Epsky tested ammonium acetate again proved more power of tests comparing conventional and both ammonia formulations--at different attractive than ammonium bicarbonate. organic varieties. release rates in combination with putrescine- While one lure combination will not be The team reports several significant -on wild fruit flies. Collaborators at the optimal for all species and all regions where differences between the conventional and Instituto Dominicano de Investigaciones fruit flies are pests, these results showed organic processing tomatoes. The organic Agropecuarias y Forestales in San Francisco what works best in the locations tested. The tomatoes were superior in: brix levels, de Macorís, Dominican Republic, assisted findings were reported at a recent meeting of tritratable acidity, Bostwick consistency, with the testing. the Entomological Society of America. catsup yield, and Hunter b value. The Traps were deployed at study sites with –ARS conventional tomatoes were superior in active populations of Mexican fruit flies (A. Organic processing tomatoes LED color, ascorbic acid, and total phenolics found superior in in micro-waved juices. There were no statistically significant differences in sensory several key quality color, texture, flavor or overall quality, nor parameters organic and conventional yields. The research team This study reports two highly included co-author significant findings for the processing Craig Weakley of Small tomato industry, and consumers and Planet Foods, an active farmers. First, processing tomato yields and always constructive were basically the same in the organic and member of the Center’s conventional production systems on four scientific advisory farms run by seasoned, skilled management committee. Tomatoes in teams. Second, the brix levels and soluble a Can. solids of the tomatoes were higher in the The crops were organic system, which lowers processing grown using the same costs, reduces energy requirements, increases tomato varieties on each catsup yield, and likely enhances some flavor of four participating attributes. farms. Each farm was The authors state that: “One important operated by experienced result of this work was the finding that the

Page 38 March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Research Reports

agricultural production system is a critical such as pollution.” changes in bahiagrass-based beef cattle factor in determining the quality of fruit Interestingly, in the Lee study an pastures from 1988 to 2002. Analysis of produced.” association between obesity and diabetes was data from that research shows that cattle But perhaps the most important absent in people with low concentrations can be managed in an environmentally safe conclusion from this important study is that: of POPs in their blood. In other words, way, despite the large quantities of waste “The potential exists to affect both individuals were more at risk of diabetes if the animals generate. positive and negative attributes of fruit they were thin with high levels of POPs in The pastures were managed for quality through a better understanding their blood than if they were overweight but spring grazing and late-summer haying. of the production system, whether it be with low levels of POPs. Soil scientists monitored changes in conventional, organic, or something else.” Dr Jones said: “I think research should soil nutrients. The data they generated This is an important message for all be carried out to first test the hypothesis that enabled them to predict soil chemical and farmers, researchers, and consumers, and POPs exposure can cause diabetes, perhaps physical changes likely under continuous why The Organic Center is committed to using cell or tissue cultures, so we know for forage-livestock cultivation, and to devise peeling back layers of the onion, toward sure if this can occur. Assuming POPs can measures to manage them. the goal of figuring out how to grow more have this effect, the next step would be to try The herd used in the study--about nutritious and safer food for all. and develop a method of treatment for those 1,000 cows, bulls and calves--is maintained – D. M. Barrett, et al., “Qualitative and people who might be affected.” for nutritional, reproductive and genetic Nutritional Differences in Processing POPs came into prominence as effective research at Brooksville. Tomatoes Grown under Commercial pesticides with the introduction of DDT Overall, there was no buildup of soil Organic and Conventional Production in the 1940s. However, many of these phosphorus or other crop nutrients, despite Systems,” Journal of Food Science, Vol. chemicals, including DDT, fell out of favour the annual application of fertilizers and 72, No. 9, 2007 after they were blamed for the declining daily in-field loading of animal waste. number of wild birds and other animals Periodic soil analysis showed declining Diabetes links to pesticides (brought to the public’s attention in Rachel nutrient levels, especially of phosphorus. Cambridge scientists are advocating Carson’s Silent Spring) and the possible –ARS additional research into the little understood negative human health effects. links between environmental pollution and As the compounds biodegrade slowly, type 2 diabetes. they continue to find their way into the In the most recent edition of the food chain and ultimately into the blood Lancet, Drs Oliver Jones and Julian Griffin streams of individuals even though many of highlight the need to research the possible these toxins were banned many years ago. link between persistent organic pollutants Additionally, these compounds can persist (POP)s, a group which includes many in body fat for very long periods of time pesticides) and insulin resistance, which can following exposure. lead to adult onset diabetes. – University of Cambridge In their commentary, Dr. Jones and Dr. Griffin cite peer reviewed research including Managing that of Dr. D Lee, et al, which demonstrated Cattle to a very strong relationship between the Protect Lakes levels of POPs in blood, particularly organochlorine compounds, and the risk of and Rivers type 2 diabetes. Concerns “Of course correlation does not about long-term automatically imply causation,” says Dr. effects of beef cattle Jones. “But if there is indeed a link, the browsing more than health implications could be tremendous. 11 million acres of At present there is very limited information. Florida grazinglands Research into adult onset diabetes currently led Agricultural focuses on genetics and obesity; there Research Service has been almost no consideration for the (ARS) scientists to possible influence of environmental factors examine soil fertility

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Page 40 March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Classifieds Deadline for Next Issue Page 41 is March 20. Email [email protected] for ad changes! Classified Ads Organic claims made in the chemicals. For info or plant list contact: Fern Certified organic beef! Participate in raising classifieds are not verified! Hill Nursery (541) 942-3118 or a cow. Retain ownership, we’ll raise it. No [email protected]. antibiotics or hormones. Grass fed and grass Organic Products, finished. Call Leon Baker, (541) 576-2367. Services & Equipment Survive the oil crash! Learn to drive draft Marine Phytoplankton, alive in ocean water horses for power on your farm. Farm grown Certified organic cover crop seed!Farm- concentrate. 400 times the energy of any and trained, intelligent, friendly, sustainable direct organic bell beans, organic crimson known plant. Contains sea minerals that are power! Calm trained Belgian teams avail- clover. Call Jim Bronec, Praying Mantis Farm, absent or may be low, even in organic pro- able to learn with and to purchase. David Canby, OR. (503) 651-2627; duce. Pamela Melcher. pamelamelcher@gmail. and Deborah Mader, Horsepower Organics [email protected]. com. (503) 946-8048. - Halfway, Oregon. OTCO since 1993. (541) 742-4887; [email protected]. Certified organic cayuse oat seed. Farm equipment for sale. Troy-Bilt Pro-Line $20/50 lb. bag or $720/ton. FOB Grants Pass, Tiller w/Honda 5.5hp engine $800. Honda Grass-fed beef, pastured pork, chicken, and OR Pacific Botanicals, Call (541) 479-7777; Mini-Tiller FG100 $200. 400’ 2” Alum. lamb. Buy by the side for greatest savings or in [email protected]. Irrigation Pipe w/1” outlets $500. Drip irriga- mixed boxes starting at 20 lbs. 10 percent dis- tion supplies, shade cloth, and lots more. Can count for local pickup. Call (541) 998-4697; Organic Cranberries and cranberry vines e-mail complete list. Contact Bernard [email protected], for sale. Brush Prairie Bogs, Sixes, Oregon. at 503-835-0894 (Rickreall, OR) or e-mail www.deckfamilyfarm.com. 541) 348-2370. Email hjwalter@harborside. [email protected]. com. Incinolet electric toilet for sale. Used 5-6 For Sale: 150 Organic Jersey Cross Cows times. $900. (541) 895-2957; Certifiedo rganic herb plants. Rosemary 4” from two seasonal, grass-based family farms [email protected]. to 5 gallons. Figs, lemongrass, lavender, plus in central California. Due to calve April many more rare or unusual varieties. For more 08- August 08. First calf heifers through fifth Seascape strawberry plants (C.O.) available info call Brennan at (503) 678-5056; lactation cows. Birthdates starting March 15, Lots of 100 only. $35.00 ea. + Shipping USPS [email protected]. 2008. Available now, 30 cross bred organic Priority. Teal Creek Farms (503) 623-6605; heifer calves. 7-8 months old, asking $1500. [email protected] Falls City, Oregon. Farm equipment for sale. 1000’ of 3” pipe, Please call (209) 678-5967 or (209) 605- 130’ of 4” pipe and 600’ of 5” pipe for 90 0235 or e mail [email protected] for more 200 varieties of certified organic, non- cents a foot. 5” flexible irrigation line. Large information. GMO, garden seeds. Printable online catalog greenhouse fan. Single-phase irrigation pump at www.organicseed.com. David Seber/Sow with 2 motors. Irrometer moisture indicator. Grade AA brown eggs from happy cage Organic Seed (541) 345-7498; Frazer tiller. Rears-PTO-driven 100-gallon free-ranging chickens. No chemicals, [email protected]. sprayer with two section field boom. Wheel- antibiotics or hormones. Combo large/extra driven lime spreader. Dump truck. Call Jean, large $2.75/dozen. Medium (1/4 oz. less than Bamboo stakes. Direct sales of bundles of (541) 937-2837. large) for $2.00. Chickens fed oyster shells to presized and cured bamboo canes. Wholesale strengthen the egg shells. Portland-Woodstock prices, many sizes from 1.5’ to 12’ in length. Two 1000-watt grow lights for sale. Metal area. (503) 310-4992. E-mail Light, durable and naturally attractive. Visit: halides. Includes two 120-volt transformers, [email protected]. www.canby.com/bamboobuzz. email: two large circular reflectors, two bulbs. Excel- [email protected], or call Colin lent condition. $150 each OBO. Also have a Certifiedo rganic pasture and hay fed beef (503) 351-7143. new roll of over 1000’ large-meshed Hortnova and goat meat (no grain) available year-round plastic trellis, will sell cheap. Andrea, (541) on direct sale basis. Great meat. We also sell Certified organic alfalfa, grass hay and rye 929-4054; or [email protected]. areated supreme compost and compost tea. hay! Will deliver lots under three tons. South- (bulk, bagged or we can apply). Soil Foodweb central, OR. Call Leon Baker, Certified organic grassfed beef and lamb. quality checked. Harmony J.A.C.K. Farms, (541) 576-2367. Your clean source for protein, Omega 3 fatty Scio, OR. (503) 769 2057; [email protected]. acids, CLA’s and the good cholesterol! Eastern Fresh certified organic seed garlic.Grown in Oregon raised - ecologically grown and hu- Permaculture Plants for the Pacific NW. Hood River, Oregon. Farm direct. Gourmet manely handled. Check our website: Edible, medicinal, drought-tolerant, and Hardneck and Softneck varieties. Certified www.doublediamondranch.us or call multi-functional plants grown without Organic by the Oregon Tilth since 2002. Bulk (541) 853-2320. prices available. (541) 386-1220; email www.hoodrivergarlic.com. Continued on page 42

March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page 41 Land for Sale Classifieds Opportunities Continued from page 41 100 percent organic baby clothing and Certified organic farm for sale.South - knowledge and experience wanted to explore accessories. Diapers, carriers, blankets, toys, ern Oregon, 23+ irrigated acres, fabulous options. [email protected] or etc. Call for free brochure. Williams, Oregon peaches, cherries and nectarines. 20 + yrs. (503) 559-5572 evenings. (541) 846-0848. in business with established accounts. Nice home and guest cottage. Turn key operation. Apprentice opportunity at Sunbow Farm Organic alfalfa hay and winter barley seed $1,500,000. (541) 821-4939 Alan Kaufman, in Corvallis, Oregon. Living communally for sale. 3000 N 7500 W. Abraham, Utah Broker, Royces R.E., Inc. (share kitchen and bath) with your own room. 84635. (435) 864-5400; [email protected], Rent is $200 per month. Apprentice would [email protected]. Organic farm for sale. 59 Acres. 16 Acres be working with seasoned certified organic Certified. 41 Acres leased for grass seed. farmers for 10-30 hours per week. Email to Organic seeds available: forerunner triticale Water Right on 12 Acres. 60-gpm well. Excel- [email protected], see www.sunbowfarm.org. (good supply), fava beans (Good supply), lent quality water. Underground irrigation vetch (limited supply), oats (limited supply). lines with numerous outlets.2 greenhouses, Land for lease in upper Hood River Valley. Weaver Seed of Oregon, Crabtree OR. 97335 each 20’ x 95’. Some orchard & berries, 1 20 to 100 acres, currently pasture, no synthet- (541) 924-9701; [email protected]. Needed: Acre lilacs. 12 miles to Salem, McMinnville or ics added for 3 years, easily certified to organic, more Organic acres for seed production. Dallas.Offered by owner at $609,000 Shown mostly fenced, 2400’ elevation, some equip- by appointment only. Contact Bernard Tranel ment available, irrigated, terms negotiable, call Land for Sale at (503) 835-0894 or email [email protected] (541) 490-7591. Five organic acres on a dead-end road, 8 miles from Eugene. Fenced, well, septic, Employment, Internships Small organic apple orchard. Experienced southern exposure and within walking & Opportunities organic grower wanted to lease or crop share distance of designated wetlands with bird- Seeking one or two renters to share garden this orchard. Tilth certified, established local ing trails. Not in a flood plain. 40’ x 100’ and orchard, angora goats, and forest (for fire- markets, 11/2 acres of producing trees, 1-2 garden areas, fields. Loanable, double-wide, 3 wood and mushroom propagation) on farm additional acres available, irrigation and equip- bedroom, 2 bath,1792 sq’, 1978 home, Solar 15 miles west of Eugene. Partially furnished ment, small house available. Call Gene at water. Some livestock, hay elevators, trailers house. Work credit available; partnership pos- (541) 942-7454. Kizer creek orchard, Cottage and a small tractor included unless negotiated. sible. $650. Contact: [email protected] or Grove, OR. $335,000. (541) 688-6607, lapalmarosa@ (541) 485 1426. gmail.com. Organic grower with family seeks farm. Wanted Farmer’s Assistant – Cut Flower Seeking to partner-up in joint venture raising 2-acre building site in beautiful rural com- Manager. March – November (start by April diverse vegetables, eggs, livestock, etc. support- munity of Summit.$119,900. Judy Gibson, 7) Dancing Moon Farm is a certified organic ing market stands, restaurants, and a CSA. Broker, Coldwell Banker Valley Brokers, 1109 vegetable and cut flower farm in Hood River. Buy-in or Buy-out opportunities prefered. Just NW 9th St., Corvallis. (541) 257-3426. Seeking dedicated individual with knowledge because you want to slow down, your farm of flowers, farming or floral sales experience to doesn’t have to. If you would be interested Land for Sale. 43 acres, 3 bed, 2 bath solid manage the harvest and sales of our cut flow- or know of someone who may, respond to farmhouse, barn, small orchard. 12,000 sq’ ers. 1-3 early morning early trips into Portland [email protected]. glass greenhouse. 17 acre 2nd growth. 7’ per week to sell to florists. Contact Nicholas deer/elk fence. Trees, pasture, creek, lake. 35 Walrod at (541) 386-6930; Small Permaculture nursery and botanical minutes to Eugene. Call Jean (541) 937-2837. [email protected]. sanctuary in Cottage Grove, is seeking a part- time intern for the Spring and Summer 2008. Land for sale. 2.32 acre parcel. Small creek, Northwest Medicinal Herb Work/Study Seeking hard-working self-motivated people access to Nat. Forest, with Hwy 22 Frontage. internship positions available for 2008 season. for nursery and garden tasks and permaculture $55,000. (503) 392-4572. Three 10-week sessions starting in April and projects. Living on-site is a possibility. Contact the last ending in November. Help us get the Devon at (541) 942-3118 or Certified organic farm, in Southern Oregon. work done on our medicinal herb farm while [email protected]. 23+ Irrigated acres, fabulous peaches, cherry, learning about growing, harvesting, and using & nectarines. 20+ yrs. in business w/ estab- many plants. Email [email protected] Seeking Representatives. Become part of the lished accounts. Nice home + Guest Cottage. or call Nome at (541) 513-8385. Eugene area. world’s first and only certified organic com- Turn-Key Operation. $1,500,000. (541) 821- pany with a full line of health care products 4939 Alan Kaufman, Broker @ Royce R.E., Opportunity Available. Land owner in to international (food) standards. Full support Inc. [email protected]. South Salem wants land put to good use and training provided. Contact: www.nature- growing organic/natural product. Person with screation.info, www.naturescreation.biz.

Page 42 March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Classifieds Opportunities

Trade work for housing. Yamhill County, functioning, brings greater mental clarity and both wholesale and mail order. Contact (541) Oregon. 30 acre estate of trees, trails, mead- energy. Home business opportunity. Pamela 673-7775, fax 957-5121; [email protected], ows, pond, and seasonal creek 25 miles SW of Melcher. [email protected]. www.asianpearsorganic.com. Portland. Community-minded owners seek www.mywaiora.com/472784.(503) 946-8048. hard working individuals for orchard, garden, Organic Farmer-Gardener-Permacultur- natural building and permaculture projects. Organic land for lease. Six acres, Central ist with 20 yrs. experience. looking for Land share for agricultural options avail- Point, 9 miles from Medford, 1 acre plowed a home. Have mate and self-contained able. Contact Pam or John (503) 538-8096; garden area. (1) 7000 sq’ green house, (5) trailer. Need water and soil. Power would be [email protected]. hoop houses 5000 sq’(1) 1500 sq foot starter nice. Focused, no drugs or tobacco! (541) green house. Serious inquiries only. Ken 482-8568; [email protected]. Want to buy land, Williams, Applegate, or Brown, PO Box 858, Gold Hill, OR 97525, Jacksonville area for permaculture. 10-40 (541) 855-1846 or info@angelsorganicfarm. Land wanted to lease, with purchase option, acres, good water, good soil. Secluded, quiet com. with or without house, outbuildings, etc. with small house, cabin or yurt site. Call N. OR. Call John Paxson at Metro, (541) 836-2943 or email at Will lease 3+acres for organic farming. West (503) 349-9153. [email protected]. facing slope in SE Portland. Rich topsoil, well water and springs, good drainage. Willing to Caretaker available, strong healthy experi- Farmland for lease, rent or partnership: negotiate terms and assist with startup. Sunny enced. N. Oregon. Call John Paxson at Metro, One acre with room to grow in Salem, Or- airy basement apartment available. You must (503) 349-9153. egon. Pump, irrigation, small greenhouse, cold have experience. (503) 760-5891. frame and tractor available. Excellent soil and Experienced, landless, organic grower look- location, lets talk. Call Charles at The Dreaming Gardeners Commune is ing for 1 to 5 acres (or large city lot) to rent/ (503) 569-6787. inviting a few to participate in the plant-based lease/use for CSA/Market Garden operation clarification of the sacred temple of the body. in or around Portland or Eugene. Housing Organic farmland for rent, 20 acres in Fall Collectively through veganic gardening and on-site or off. (503) 313-5239; or email Creek. Creek water with pipe and pump. Call integrated dreamwork, effecting the akashic [email protected]. Jean (541) 937-2837. significance of the human story. $200/month for room. Trades ok. Mark at (541) 453-4374. Couple looking to buy farm land or form Intern/couple wanted on small organic CSA/ land partnership. Experienced in organic market farm in the Applegate valley for 2008 Looking for responsible field hands ot farming and permaculture design. Want land growing season. Room, board and stipend assist on well established organic farm in SW with irrigation rights or good year round water provided. Contact Josh or Melissa at (541) Oregon. We grow and pack diversity of roots, source. Open to purchasing land, leasing land 846-6297; or [email protected]. veg, trees, vine fruit and seed crops. Weekly or working out an alternative arrangement. weeding, harvesting and maintenance. Send Contact Lauren and Brian at Workers Wanted - Winter Green Farm (near resume or work history to Hi Hoe Produce at [email protected]. Eugene) is seeking workers for the 2008 sea- Bluebird Farm, 1785 Caves Creek Rd. Wil- son and beyond. Biodynamic (Tilth Certified) liams, OR, 97544. (541) 846-6676 for details. Ecovillage in NE Portland. We are a cohous- farm. 500-member CSA program, five farmers ing community in Portland with 3.73 acres, markets, grow for processors and distributors, Two acres for very reasonable rent or lease. including extensive orchards, gardens and play and have a herd of beef cows. No employee McKenzie River bottom land near Walterville, areas with existing residential buildings and housing. Applications are available online at OR. Excellent S/SW exposure, gently swaled a common community house. Projected 37 www.wintergreenfarm.com or call Wali Via at loamy pasture. Irrigation well, no pump. condominiums renovated for energy effi- (541) 935-1920. Serious inquiries. Organic only. Email your ciency, healthy indoor air and environmental proposal to: [email protected], or call responsibility. Studios and one, two and three Farm land in Corvallis, Four acres, south (541) 741-7336. bedroom units available. Email info@colum- facing, tiled, Coburg soil. For lease or partner- biaecovillage.com, ship. Organic, biodynamic. Great opportu- Wanted: organically grown cattle. Buckaroo ww.columbiaecovillage.com. nity. (541) 752-6797. Cattle Co. Contact (541) 865-4386; [email protected]. Looking for another couple or individu- Safely Detoxify with Natural Cellular als to buy into and share resources, work, Defense: purified, micronized, liquid zeolite. Organic Asian pear and apple orchard. and vision on a 36-acres medicinal herb, and Removes heavy metals, herbicides, pesticides, Looking to enter into a lease or crop-shar- sustainable-living farm and forest, located in depleted uranium, etc. Absorbs free radicals, ing agreement with experienced grower. Our SW Oregon, 2 hours south of Eugene. Also buffers the body toward alkalinity, inhibits brand label fruits are in demand and are sold viral replication, improves liver and immune Continued on page 44

March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page 43 Classifieds Continued from page 43 offering apprentice/internship opportunities. Opportunity! Harmony JACK Farms, of super-food through the use of quantum Call Liz or Jeff (541) 825-3402; email Scio/Stayton area, is looking for a partner/ physics technology, energy patterning, sound [email protected] owner to run our/your organic free-range frequency generation and the use of sea poultry operation, year round. We have great solids for ultimate mineralization of produce. Internship, March 30 - October 31, Live land, water and facilities, but want the right Interns stay onsite at our health food institute on a scenic organic farm working side-by-side person to grow this aspect of the farm system. facility. To learn more please contact us at with dedicated family farmers. Within Earthly Please call if interested (503) 769 2057; (541) 292-7696. Bounds small Farm Internship Cooperative. [email protected]. Applegate River Valley of Southern Oregon. Stipend and other yummy benefits. Weekly Angels Organic Farm Internship openings classes and field trips on the practical elements in Southern Oregon’s beautiful Rogue Valley! and the politics of sustainable farming. Access Learn first hand the diverse and complex to wild natural areas nearby. Call Hanya, (541) procedures involved in our state of the art 727-1177; [email protected]. growing operation, including how to grow

Page 44 March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 February 20-24, Northwest Flower and Garden Show. Washing- March 9, Tao of Ducks Workshop. Sunbow Farm in Corvallis. ton State Convention Center, Seattle, WA. More information at Instructor: Carol Deppe. (541) 929-5782; [email protected], http://www.gardenshow.com/seattle/index/index.asp. www.SunbowFarm.org.

February 21-23, 19th Annual Upper Midwest Organic Farming March 12-14, GLOBE 2008 Trade Fair and Conference. Vancou- Conference. La Crosse Center, La Crosse, WI. An extraordinary, ver, BC. This biennial event will be a major international mar- farmer-centered event, the largest organic farming conference in the ketplace for innovative environmental technologies, products and U.S. Last year, more than 2200 people attended from 41 states and services, as well as a venue to meet with international buyers coming seven foreign countries. The foremost educational and networking to the Pacific Northwest. See www.globe2008.ca. event in the organic farming community. (715) 772-3153; [email protected], www.mosesorganic.org. March 13, Responsible Packaging Solutions. Anaheim, CA at the Natural Products Expo West. A free educational event. Morn- February 28, Small-Scale Orcharding. OSU Extension Audito- ing session will focus on challenges and solutions in produce. rium, Central Point, OR. 5-8 PM. Nuts and bolts of designing, Afternoon session will focus on challenges and solutions in grocery, planting, and maintaining small-scale fruit and nut orchards. HABA, household, supplements, etc. To sign up for the morn- Topics include choosing cultivars, pruning for improved yields and ing session, email [email protected]. Afternoon session email pest control methods. $10. More information at http://extension. [email protected]. oregonstate.edu/sorec/about/CurrentClassesPrograms.php. March 13-16, Natural Products Expo West. Anaheim Convention March 1, 8, and 15, Organic Fertilizer Sale. First Alternative Center, Anaheim, CA. The largest natural and organic trade show, Co-Op South Store SE 3rd St, Corvallis. Stock up on a wide brings you a World of Goods – thousands of new products, cutting- variety of organic amendments in bulk at discount prices. Consult edge trends, engaging speakers, informative seminars and endless with experienced gardeners. Sponsored by Corvallis Tilth Organic networking opportunities. Over 2,800 exhibitors. Gardening Club. Call Carol (541) 758-0316. See www.expowest.com.

March 2, Grafting Workshop. Sunbow Farm in Corvallis. In- March 15, Tree Fruits Pruning Field Seminar. Lewis Brown structor. Delbert McComb. (541) 929-5782; [email protected], Horticulture Research Farm, Corvallis, Oregon. 10 a.m.-1p.m.. www.SunbowFarm.org. Practice pruning under the guidance of Ross Penhallegon, Dr. Anita Azarenko, Scott Robbins, and other orchardists. One of March 4, Sustainable Integrated Pest Management. OSU Exten- three in a series. $10 per seminar or $25 all. See http://calendar. sion Auditorium, Central Point, OR. 9:30-2 p.m.. This workshop oregonstate.edu/event/16563/. will cover reduced risk pest management strategies; preserving and enhancing predators, pollinators and parasites, and bee farming. March 16, Compost and Compost Tea Workshop. Sunbow Farm ODA Recertification Credits available for this class. Free. More in Corvallis. Instructors: Harry MacCormack and Shepard Smith. information at http://extension.oregonstate.edu/sorec/about/Cur- (541) 929-5782; [email protected], www.SunbowFarm.org. rentClassesPrograms.php. March 18-19, Organic Certification with Foundation of Food March 5, Choosing your best market option. 2008 Farmer Safety. American Institute of Baking (AIB). Minneapolis, MN. Training workshop Zenger Farm, 11741 SE Foster, Portland. Span- Protect consumers, and your brand name with this valuable informa- ish, Hmong, Mien and Russian interpreters available. Sliding scale. tion. Connie Karr and Gwendolyn Wyard of Oregon Tilth co-pres- (503) 282-4245; [email protected]. ent one day of workshops. (800) 242-2534; www.aibonline.com.

March 8, Organic gardening 101. Luscher Farm, West Linn. 1-4 March 19, Farm business management. 2008 Farmer Train- p.m. Designed for the beginning organic gardener or the conven- ing workshop Zenger Farm, 11741 SE Foster, Portland. Spanish, tional gardener wanting to explore organic alternatives. Seed selec- Hmong, Mien and Russian interpreters available. Sliding scale. tion, seed starting, site selection, bed preparation, soil building, and (503) 282-4245; [email protected]. garden planning. Residents $20, non-Residents $22. Contact Anne Eschenroeder, (503) 779-4631; [email protected].

March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page 45 Calendar Continued from page 45 March 22, Organic gardening 102. Luscher Farm, West Linn. soil balance to plant health. Lake Oswego Residents $20, non- 1-4 p.m. Covers: planting (companion, intensive, intercropping); $23. Register at www.lakeoswegoparks.org/ or contact fertilization (short and long term); pest management (preventive [email protected] with questions. and emergency); irrigation; diversified yields and harvesting. Resi- dents $20, non-Residents $22. Contact Anne Eschenroeder, (503) April 6, Small-Scale Goat Dairy Production. OSU Extension 779-4631; [email protected]. Auditorium, Central Point, OR. 9-5p.m.. Fundamentals of raising dairy goats including nutrition and health; regulations for dairy March 25-27, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education production in the state of Oregon; breeding; marketing; and other (SARE) 20th Anniversary New American Farm Conference. production issues. Field visit to Siskiyou Crest Dairy included. Advancing the Frontier of Sustainable Agriculture. Kansas City, Lunch included. $25. More information at http://extension. MO. Tap into 20 years of groundbreaking SARE funded research, oregonstate.edu/sorec/about/CurrentClassesPrograms.php. experience and innovation. Learn about marketing and production, talk with innovators, meet and build partnerships. April 9, Farmers market display/merch/customer service. 2008 www.sare.org/2008Conference/index.htm. Farmer Training workshop Zenger Farm, 11741 SE Foster, Port- land. Spanish, Hmong, Mien and Russian interpreters available. March 26, Plant propagation, transplanting and direct seed- Sliding scale. (503) 282-4245; [email protected]. ing. 2008 Farmer Training workshop Zenger Farm, 11741 SE Foster, Portland. Spanish, Hmong, Mien and Russian interpreters April 13, Water: Cellular Vitality in Agriculture and Health. available. Sliding scale. (503) 282-4245; [email protected]. Sunbow Farm in Corvallis. Instructor: Harry MacCormack. (541) 929-5782; [email protected], www.SunbowFarm.org. March 28-30, Energy Trust Better Living Show. Portland EXPO Center. Ed Begley Jr. Keynotes Friday night. 3-day festival that pro- April 19, City Repair Annual Earth Day Celebration. Music, vides an entertaining setting to explore sustainable choices for your vendors, food and celebration. Overlook Park. Intersection of N. home, garden and life. Featuring eight core areas: lifestyle, food Interstate Ave. and N. Overlook Blvd. Portland. (503) 235-8946; and beverage, transportation, conservation, home and garden, eco www.cityrepair.org. adventure, clean tech, and recycling. See www.betterlivingshow.org. April 24, Making Renewable Energy Projects Happen. Double- March 29 – May 25. 6th Annual Willamette Valley Permac- Tree Hotel, Lloyd Center, Portland. Addresses specifics of renew- ulture Design Course. Eugene. Six weekend certification Series. able energy project development in the NW, with perspectives on Cascade Permaculture Institute. Jude Hobbs and Tobias Policha what it takes to successfully design, finance, and build successful (541) 687-9699; [email protected]. projects in both the electricity and biofuels areas. For more infor- mation, see www.nebc.org. March 30, Biodynamics for Beginners: Nurturing the Spirit of the Earth and Gardener. Friendly Haven Rise Farm, Battle April 26, Introduction to Permaculture Jean’s Urban Forest Ground, WA. Growing methods and herbal preparations, Grow Farm, SE Portland. 1-4 p.m. Join permaculturalist Toby Hem- plants that have powerful natural resistance and more. enway in the exciting world of sustainable design! Patterning, (360) 687-8384; [email protected]. elements, functions, appropriate technology, regenerative gardens, and more! Lake Oswego Residents $30, non-$33. Register at March 30, Cosmic Influences on Agriculture. Sunbow Farm www.lakeoswegoparks.org/ or contact [email protected]. in Corvallis. Instructor: Harry MacCormack. (541) 929-5782; [email protected], www.SunbowFarm.org. April 27, Water: History of Agriculture and Current Local Food Transition Sunbow Farm in Corvallis. Instructor: Harry April 1-2, 2008 Women in Agriculture Educators Conference. MacCormack. (541) 929-5782; [email protected], www.Sunbow- Oklahoma City, OK. Conference will broaden risk management Farm.org. educational programming for women in agriculture. A pre-con- ference from 1-5 p.m on March 31st will focus on Agricultural May 3-4, Seattle Tilth’s Edible Plant Sale. Meridian Park in the Law Topics for the Farmer/Rancher and Educator. More informa- Wallingford neighborhood, Seattle.The largest selection of organi- tion at www.agrisk.umn.edu/wia/Conferences/WIA2008/. cally grown heirloom vegetable starts in Seattle. These plants are hand-selected by the Seattle Tilth experts to perform in our Pacific April 5, Soil Health and Ecology. Luscher Farm, West Linn. 1-4 Northwest Climate. Information at www.seattletilth.org/events/ p.m. Living soil is the foundation of a healthy agriculture. Effec- edible-plant-sale/PlantSale08. tive ways for enhancing soil biology and explaination of basic soil types, how to interpret and use soil tests, and the importance of Calendar deadline for May / June In Good Tilth is March 20th. Page 46 March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Membership Name Your membership fee gives crucial support to Tilth’s Research & Education Address programs, entitles you to a one-year subscription to In Good Tilth, gives you free County classifieds and reduces your admission fee at Tilth-sponsored events. $10 more enrolls you in the Oregon Tilth Yard and Garden program. Additional donations City, State, ZIP to Oregon Tilth Research & Education are welcomed! Detach and mail with your Phone check for $30 ($40 outside U.S.), plus $10 for the Yard and Garden program, if applicable, to: Email Enclosed is my membership fee plus a Research & Education donation of ____. Oregon Tilth, 470 Lancaster Dr. NE, Enclosed is my additional $10 for one year for the Salem, Oregon 97301 Yard and Garden program. I am a current member with a new address.

Catagory Voting Privilege Benefits Dues Please allow six to eight weeks for delivery of In Good Tilth. Oregon Individual 1 Vote -In Good Tilth Subscription $30/year ($40 outside U.S.) Tilth Certified Organic -Free classifieds in IGT $150 ($160 outside U.S.) growers, processors and -OTCO directory (1) Lifetime restaurants are eligible -Discounts (1 person) to events for complimentary membership. If you are a certified operator making Household 1 Vote -In Good Tilth Subscription $45/year ($55 outside U.S.) an additional donation, Primary Member -Free classifieds in IGT $225 ($235 outside U.S.) please indicate your Identified -OTCO directory (1) Lifetime status. For questions about membership contact -Discounts (2 person) to events Oregon Tilth, (503) 378-0690. Non-profit 1 Vote -In Good Tilth Subscription $60/year ($70 outside U.S.) Organization Primary Member -Free classifieds in IGT $300 ($310 outside U.S.) THANKS FOR Identified -OTCO directory (2) Lifetime -Discounts (5 person) to events YOUR

For-profit 1 Vote -In Good Tilth Subscription $100/year ($110 outside U.S.) SUPPORT! Organization Primary Member -Free classifieds in IGT $500 ($510 outside U.S.) I do not want my name Identified -OTCO directory (2) Lifetime listed as a new member. -Discounts (5 person) to events

New Oregon Tilth Supporting Members Oregon Tilth currently has 832 supporting members 47th Avenue Farm Virginia Gibbons North Pacific Dan & Erin Turner Dana Alexander GR Products John O’Brien Andrew Wagner Allan and Joan Hedges Jean Lucy Gravinese Carol Oldershaw Andrew Wallace Mary Ann Baclawski Mary Ellen Greenlaw OSU Marion County Extension Lu Ann Ward Pauline Baumann, ND Warren Griffin John Paisley Michael G. Wise Mary Baumgardner Dan Hannon & Cathie Pake Anthony Pavel John Bayles Richard Harrington Pearmine Farms, Inc. David Beller Beth Hoinacki Ilsa Perse Regional Chapters Benton Soil & Water Conservation Sharon Hollomon Pringle Creek Sustainable Living District Hummingbird Wholesale Center B Street Project, Biodynamic Farming & Gardening Jesse Hannon & Courtney Wilson Sherry Reed Forest Grove Association John Karlik River City Gardens Contact Terry O’Day, Todd Birzer Ken Johnston Rob Reish Ted Cafteel Karen Kerwin Robert Taylor (503) 352-2765 California Organic Fertilizers, Inc Andreas Kolshorn Steve Rose Cathy Callaway Theresa Kunch Terry Rossiter Corvallis Garden Club Noel Carlson Jay Leone Ruby & Amber’s Organic Oasis Meetings are the second Sunday of Derek Cartwright Lisa Marie Johnson Ron Sacchi every month. Contact Colin King, Charlie’s Produce Marion Soil & Water Conservation Salmon-Safe Carol Cina District Jimmy Shaper (541) 758-0316 Ken Condliff Luke McCollum Douglas and Shanon Sinko Stacey Cooper Sarah McConnell Stacy Spencer In Good Tilth online Robert Day Miles McCoy Tina Streight Visit the IGT page on the Tilth Eat Well Guide Mary McDowell Al Tabayoyon site for a listing of distribution Eric Pestalozzi Chantel Meghadadi Megan Thompson sites, select online articles, display Bridgette Fresz Pamela Melcher Rick Thronburg ad rates and specs, deadlines for Friends of Family Farmers Douglas Meyer Janet Throop theme-issue articles, classifed and Amy Fuller Will Middlebrooks Top Hat Mushrooms calendar listings, and sending let- Mike Gamroth Karen Minihan Lonnie Tucker ters to the editor. Visit www.tilth. Bold indicates Yard & Garden member org/IGT/index.html. March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1 Page 47 ORGANIC

GROWERS

WANTED

Scenic Fruit Company is looking for new growers.

CROPS: • Rhubarb • Strawberries • Red and Black Raspberries • Blackberries • Blueberries

ALL VARIETIES!

Please call or email for more information: (503) 793-3764 Ask for Jay

[email protected]

Page 48 March / April 2008 • In Good Tilth • Volume 19, Number 1