Spring 2015 Published Quarterly

Emerging Opportunities in This is Part 3 of Huntsville Garden Alabama : a series on niche market collective opportunities Combating Food well-suited to Alabama grow- Injustice By Michael LaBelle by recent suc- ers. More on cessful efforts the series on By Jaleel Nash I just returned from Be- to grow bana- page 4. lize, where I’ve been helping a nas in Ala- Since 2013 a few forward- conduct a bama. Could this be a new thinking families in Alabama have large trial in efforts to “go specialty crop for you? started to take their food security green.” My visits way down Since this series of articles into their own hands, or should I south have left me absolutely is concerned with opportuni- say, each other’s hands. These enamored by bananas and all ties for Alabama farmers, I families are members of the All things tropical. I’m encouraged will endeavor to convince you African Peoples Development that a banana crop might be and Empowerment Project in your future. If you de- (AAPDEP) branch in Huntsville, cide to give it a try, you Alabama, and participate in a will not be alone. Edgar community garden collective Vinson, a doctoral candi- organized by AAPDEP members. date at Auburn, has success- In many African communities in fully grown edible specialty the there is great bananas as far north as Au- difficulty acquiring fresh produce. burn, so take heart—it This is especially true in urban really is possible! and semi urban communities, but Unlike my prior articles is frequently true in rural and in this series, with carefully traditional agricultural communi- INSIDE THIS researched market demand ties as well. AAPDEP has recog- ISSUE: numbers, production out- nized these problems and is de- veloping strategies to combat Letter from the lines and possible profit 2 margins, for this article you them. The garden collective is Board President one such strategy. Auburn Banana Plant Trial, Cacambau variety. (Continued on page 6) ASAN Board Transi- 3 Photo credit: Edgar Vinson (Continued on page 11) tions Tennessee Valley 5 Tour Getting “off the Grid” in Blount County thread underneath and Daryl Updates from the By Wade Austin ASAN office 5 all the complexity Bergquist’s What makes a farm or is lovability. We forest dwelling. Rooted in the Land homestead sustainable? Well, must love where Known as “The series: Black Wom- 8 wholesome food production, we live, what we’re Dragonfly” en Farmers great water quality, and finan- doing, and how amongst the cial viability all come to mind. we’re doing it or it locals, Sara and SSAWG Wrap-up 12 Personally, the aspect I tend to will not be sustain- Daryl’s home “The Dragonfly” in full sun, photo courtesy obsess most over is our shelter. able. perches on the News from your All of these aspects (and so Wade Austin Neighbors, Classi- 14 In my search Common fieds and Resources many more) factor into sus- for lovable habitations in rural Ground Community near Royal, tainability, but I’m going to Alabama, I found a “seek no fur- out in Blount County. Sara works suggest that the unifying Upcoming Events 14 ther” sign in the yard of Sara Rose (Continued on page 10) Page 2

Letter from the ASAN Board President alternatives in Alabama will increase in response to consumer demand. As de- I’ve read several articles markets.” mand increases, local will expand lately proving organic food I was recently smacked with the and new farms will sprout up. This is an is going mainstream. A reality of how desperately we need exciting time to be involved in the local, more educated public has food education in Alabama. I popped healthy food movement! created an unstoppable into my local grocer in search of gluten My trip down the local “nutritional” momentum so great that -free crackers. Nothing on the cracker aisle was a clarion wake up call. Our America’s largest retail or snack aisles, so I scoured the store friends and neighbors desperately need food company, Kroger, is and noticed the “nutritional foods” new information about nutrition, and not just taking notice, aisle. Aha! I assumed they put all the they need to understand that local, sus- they’re taking action. Kroger’s organic brand “healthy” options in their own little tainable food systems are critical. For hit $1 billion in 2014 and the CEO boasted area. I walked the aisle in sad disbelief Alabama food systems to change in reali- plans to unseat #1 organic food retailer and can only wonder what the store ty, Alabama eaters must first change Whole Foods. Hot on both their heels is a manager’s definition of “nutritional” mentally. ASAN has set this as a top pri- fresh new Midwestern concept grocer with might be. See if you can identify the ority for 2015 and beyond. We’ve made ambitious 2015 expansion plans, Fresh healthy food options: grits, instant great progress over the past few years Thyme Farmers Market. oatmeal, pop tarts, cough drops, medi- and we remain dedicated to changing the According to www.althealthworks.com: cations, corn sweeteners, artificial ma- definition of “nutritional” in mainstream “One of the best…tips for healthy grocery ple syrup, boxed cereals. Small wonder Alabama. shopping is to avoid the center of the grocery Alabama leads the nation in adult dia- store, instead opting for the peripheral aisles betes. I was so flabbergasted I shot a Sincerely, where most of the good stuff hangs out. The video: http://youtu.be/b2ldmdgJzp8 [Fresh Thyme] layout has been specifically Alabamians voiced our greatest designed to offer the opposite: a market concerns during the state breakout at where nutritious, organic fruits and vegeta- SSAWG last month. We worked as a Anne LaBelle bles serve as the foundation of the store, not group to identify our top priorities. #1 ASAN Board President the processed foods like in everyday super- is consumer education. Healthier food

CONTRIBUTORS: Spring 2015 ASAN Board of Directors Thank you to everyone who contributed to this newsletter, in- cluding (but not limited to): Lucy Buffett, Lulu’s (Gulf Shores) Laurie Gay, End of the Road Farm (Summerdale) Michael LaBelle co-owns MightyGrow Organics, based in Fruitdale. Randall Hastings, Hastings Farm (Bay Minette) Jaleel Nash is the Agriculture Director for the All African Peoples Develop- Kirk Iversen (Auburn) — Board Vice President ment and Empowerment Project (AAPDEP). Jaleel has worked in farm- Anne LaBelle, MightyGrow Organics (Fruitdale) ing and small scale forestry in the rural South and abroad, in The Gambia, — Board President where he is also a partner member of a community farm. Wade Austin hails from the Tennessee River Valley, where he has worked Ayanava Majumdar, ACES (Auburn) in various aspects of sustainable building, including timber framing. He is Jessica Norwood, Emerging Changemakers Net- poised to relocate from his current home in Decatur to go to work at work (Mobile) Camp McDowell’s Farm School in Nauvoo this season. Jodie Powell, Sweet Home Organics (Leroy) Karen Wynne is the owner of Rosita’s Farm in Hartselle and a consultant Deborah Thomas, Southern Rural Black Wom- specializing in planning for small farms, businesses and organizations en’s Initiative, and the Federation of Child Care around the Southeast. She is celebrating the International Year of Soils by Centers of Alabama (Montgomery) eating more dirt. Lindsay Turner, Druid City Garden Project Natilee McGruder is the Director of the River Region Food Policy Council (Tuscaloosa) — Board Secretary in Montgomery. She is also part of the Alabama Food Policy Council, and Charles Walters, River Oaks Farm (Millbrook) serves on the Junior Board of EAT South. Andrew Williams, The United Christian Com- munity Association, and the Deep South Food Anne LaBelle is ASAN’s Board President and the co-owner of MightyGrow Alliance (Safford) Organics in Fruitdale, AL. Myles Wright (Montgomery) — Board Treasurer Alice Evans is the Executive Director of ASAN. Page 3 ASAN Board Transitions: Introductions and Farewells This winter ASAN welcomed four wonderful new addition to our Board of Directors—here are some brief introductions! Lindsay Turner is the Executive Director Laurie Gay co-owns and operates End of the Druid City Garden Project in Tusca- of the Road Farm in Summerdale. She loosa. She says that “Now more than ever, first got involved with ASAN about three with a growing state-wide network of sup- years ago, and loves how ASAN porters, ASAN’s role as a leader in the local “introduces farmers to so many new ideas food movement in Alabama is critically im- and also how many great people we've portant.” As a board member she wants to met.” As a board member she wants to “grow our network, and to create the foun- represent her region of the state and “get dations of a food system that can better serve even more people involved in where their all those in its supply chain.” She hopes ASAN can “grow into an food is coming from.” She also wants to see ASAN get “even organization that leads food policy, educates both consumers and more involved in educating the state about food policy and how producers, and provides a network of support across the state.” to find good food in their area.”

Jessica Norwood is the Executive Director Charles Walters owns and operates Riv- of the Emerging Changemakers Network er Oaks Farm in Millbrook. He first got (ECN), and lives in Mobile. She says, “Very involved in ASAN at the statewide Food & early on I fell in love with ASAN because they Farm Forum in Orange Beach in 2012. He have been so willing to help [ECN] under- says, “I love how ASAN brings life to Ala- stand the needs of the rural food producers bama’s farming and sustainable agricultural and connect us to more people who are think- movement. It inspires and encourages ing about wealth creation from a sustainability farmers and consumers alike and gets peo- stand point.” As a board member, she looks ple together.” As an ASAN board member, he hopes to bring forward to getting ASAN more involved “in the movement more farmers/producers to ASAN, and hopes that ASAN can around sustainable businesses, particularly from a policy stand- become “the voice, the catalyst and network hub for sustainable point,” and to building up ASAN’s local presence. agriculture in the state.”

We also bid farewell to four board members whose terms have concluded. BIG thanks to these folks for their leadership! Sherry Johnson is the owner/operator Gene Thornton owns Sneaky Crow of SheerLark Farm in Flat Rock. Sherry Farm in Roanoke. Gene joined the is leaving the board after many years of board in 2011 and served as Board Pres- service, including serving as Board Vice ident in 2014. Of his board tenure President from 2007-2013. Of her board Gene says, “I'm most proud of my ef- tenure Sherry says she is proud of forts to re-brand ASAN as an organiza- “helping, even in my very small way, to tion with a rough edge, not overly con- keep the organization viable.” What are cerned with maintaining the status quo. her next steps? “Farming… farming… I tried to make people who were com- and farming.” She will also continue to fortable with the broken food system in serve as President of the Chattanooga Sustainable Farmers. She Alabama feel a bit less comfortable.” Looking ahead, Gene plans says, “My thanks and gratitude go to these, and many more, who to spend more time on the farm, and more time with groups came before... Edwin Marty, Gus Heard Hughes, Simon Bevis, “who educate K-12 youth, and by extension, their communities, and especially to Jim Allen, without whom this organization in all aspects of organic food production, marketing, and healthy would have ceased to exist.” To the new board, she advises eating habits.” He also plans to work with “local and regional simply, “Keep the original vision alive.” economic development initiatives focused on agro-,” like Bon Appetit Appalachia!.

Also leaving the board are Randal Wilson of Southern Oak Wines in Anniston, who served on the board in 2013-2014, and Jen Barnett of Bottle & Bone in Birmingham, who served from 2013-2014. Thank you to ALL of these fine folks! Serving on the board is a volunteer position and ASAN wouldn’t exist without the passionate service of these and many other individuals.

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Don’t Miss the 1st Annual Tennessee Valley Farm Tour By Karen Wynne For $25, each carload receives a map of the farms with directions, a copy of ASAN’s local This April 11 - 12, curious consumers food guide, and a 2015 Farm Tour magnet for and food lovers will get a chance to load up their car. Any proceeds will be granted to local their cars with family and friends and ex- farmers. plore the Tennessee Valley countryside on a If you’re a farmer who would like to host self-guided tour. The 2015 Tennessee Val- visitors, or would like to volunteer at area farms ley Farm Tour will highlight small farms during the tour, contact 256-520-2400 or from Cullman to the Shoals to Guntersville, [email protected] for more information. plus a few north of the border. The tour is brought to you by Rosita’s Participating farms will host visitors Farm; the Alabama Extension Sys- from 2-6 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The tem; the Alabama Mountains, Rivers, and Val- tour allows consumers to meet their favorite leys RC&D Council; the Northwest Alabama local farmers, see how they are getting RC&D Council; the Small Farms Research Cen- ready for a busy growing season, and do a ter (AAMU); the Greene Street Market at Nativ- little shopping. We hope the tour will get ity; the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher visitors ready for a great year of eating fresh Development Program; and the Alabama Network. More local foods. information at www.rositasfarm.com/farmtour.

Changes, Transitions, and Improvements AT ASAN! Announcements from the ASAN continue to support farm-to-school in have come to expect from ASAN. If you “world headquarters”… Alabama in whatever ways we can, of have suggestions of web tools, videos, course! We will do so in a supporting articles, or other resources that have been Farm-to-School State Lead Change role to the new State Co-Leads, Don valuable to you (as a farmer or consumer As of February, ASAN is no longer Wambles of the Farmers Market Author- or activist!), we whole-heartedly welcome serving as the National Farm to School ity and Meghan Tanner of the Bay Area recommendations! We want our mem- Network’s (NFSN) State Lead Agency for Food Bank. We are excited to work bers and other supporters to help us make Alabama. We have served in that role with these two farm-to-school leaders the page something that will be useful, since mid-2013, promoting farm-to- and their respective organizations to familiar, navigable, and worth turning to school in Alabama by lifting up success continue to grow farm-to-school in Ala- and returning to! stories, networking those involved so as bama! to share experiences and learn from one River Region Food Policy Council another, and providing a clearinghouse for New Website Partnership those interested in finding out more and If you’ve stopped by to see us at ASAN will now serve as the fiscal getting more involved. There has been www.asanonline.org anytime in the past agent for the River Region Food Policy and continues to be huge growth in farm- month or so, you’ve noticed that we Council (RRFPC), which engages the citi- to-school efforts around the state and have a brand new website! The new site zens of a handful of counties in the Mont- around the country, is simple, stream-lined, gomery area, in grassroots food policy and we’re proud to functional, and in our education and advocacy. The RRFPC is a have been a small opinions, quite good- central player in the Alabama Food Policy part of that growth. looking! Check it out! Council, a loose coalition for which ASAN However, with While you’re there, serves as the administrative lead, and many a single staff person, browse the events page of those in the RRFPC are ASAN members the board and the (which is already fully and supporters. We are excited to grow Executive Director stocked), or join/renew our partnership with the RRFPC, and to felt that we were your ASAN membership! help support the great community-based not able to devote We’re still in the process work they’re leading in Montgomery, the attention and of populating the re- Macon, Lowndes, and (soon) Elmore and energy that we sources and blog pages Autauga counties! If you’re in the area and wanted to, to the with informational good- want to get involved, check out job. ASAN will still Homepage of newly redesigned ASAN website ies, news, and all you www.riverregionfood.org! Page 6

Bananas (Continued) cause of this, lay them on the ground to About This Series

growers fertilize serve as mulch. Construct (Continued from page 1) in the direction For Alabama farmers to prosper into a wire cage from concrete will need to use your imagination. the future, we need to look outside of the plant is grow- the traditional crops that have been reinforcement wire. For We’re talking about a very novel crop, ing. In Belize, grown and sold in Alabama for genera- most of the plants you will so there aren’t a lot of numbers out growers replant tions. This series aims to highlight new need about 10’ of wire there. about every ten opportunities that Alabama farmers can shaped into a round col- Imagine the scenario: You arrive pursue with a minimum of investment in years, and a land, equipment and capital. umn. Wrap the column in at the farmers’ market early on a Satur- grower expects a Each article will consist of: an intro- stretch plastic, if available, day and begin unpacking your late sea- harvest every 15- duction to the opportunity; why it ap- and slide over the trunk of son produce. In some cases, the pick- 20 weeks. Here pears to have a bright future; potential the plant. Secure the wire in’s are slim—it’s a little early for late- pitfalls to watch out for; and the market in Alabama, we outlook moving forward. to the ground with stakes season tomatoes and not quite late can expect one and string. The plastic will enough for cooler season produce. But Recap of the series so far: part 1 crop per year. (Fall 2014) focused on elderberries, and protect the trunk from you, the ever questing Alabama farmer, Banana part 2 (Winter 2014-15) focused on wind-driven cold and will have a surprise for the market. You plants are rela- shiitake mushrooms. provide a frame in case have the only local source of Alabama tively easy to you need to cover the grown bananas! Do you think the sight grow. They like plants in extreme cold. of 4 inch golden bananas will get the ample water, but do not tolerate “wet feet,” The frames can stay in place until spring. attention of shoppers (and their chil- so plant them in well drained, compost rich dren) looking for the something differ- soil. They grow best in full or partial sun Choosing Varieties ent and delicious? and will benefit from protections against Which varieties can you grow in violent wind. In Alabama, it will take at Alabama? That depends on whether or Banana Basics least a full season to establish the mother not you want to baby these sweet little At any given time, a banana plant plant’s root system, so ideally you would guys. Growing in a high tunnel will cer- will have three successive generations order and install your banana plants after all tainly allow you to grow bananas in the in the works – like built-in succession danger of frost has passed. They should be lower half of the state and a bit farther planting! The “mother” is the fruiting planted on a raised row or bed at least 10 north. plant, which puts on a “follower.” feet apart. If planting only one row, you will ‘Ice Crème’ - This is Once the follower is about half grown, get the best growth if the row runs east/ reportedly the best tasting banana availa- the “jack” appears at the base. This west rather than north/south. This gives all ble to temperate zone gardeners. The pattern causes the plants to “walk” the plants equal access to sunlight. During leaves are silver-green in color, as is the across the field since all new growth the establishment phase while the bananas fruit. The bananas taste like vanilla cus- occurs on one side of the plant. Be- are settling in, a mulch of straw will help tard or ice cream. They grow in zones 8- maintain proper 10, in sun to partial sun and grow to a moisture and weed height of 180". suppression. Musa 'Namwah Dwarf' (Namwah Depending on the Banana) - This edible variety from Thai- variety and how far land has proven to be amazingly winter north you are, you hardy, sailing through 8 degrees F with- may need to pro- out the benefit of mulch. My two-year- vide a cage to pro- old plants top out at 8' tall in my high tect the stump of tunnel near Mobile, AL, zone 7. To get the mother plant fruit, Musa 'Namwah' will need to be during the winter. caged during the winter months. Hardi- Mild frost is to be ness Zones 7b-10. expected and will Musa 'Orinoco' (Orinoco Banana not harm the Tree) - This amazing banana is one of the plant. What I rec- most cold-hardy of the edible fruiting ommend is to let banana trees, commonly grown for fruit the first frost kill in the US Gulf Coast region. Musa Clockwise from top left: Commercial banana harvest in Belize; photo credit Michael La- the foliage. Cut ‘Orinoco’ amazes visitors with its nice Belle. From left to right, the mother stem, the follower, and the jack; photo credit Michael the leaves loose fruit clusters in our Zone 7 high tunnel. LaBelle. Auburn Banana Plant Trial, Cacambau variety; photo credit Edgar Vinson. from the plant and (Continued on page 7) Page 7

Bananas (continued) endish cultivar saved banana growers. Now, this variety is under assault by yet (Continued from page 6) another fungal attacker, Black Sigatoka. For us, a height of 10' is common, alt- Tropical growers spray fungicide weekly hough Musa ‘Orinoco’ can reach 21' in to combat the necrotic effects of this air- more hospitable climates! Musa borne fungal disease. Causing leaf dam- ‘Orinoco’ requires the pseudo stem to age, the sigatoka fungus reduces the remain growing for at least 9 months to plant’s ability to convert soil nutrients produce fruit, so we recommend caging into plant energy, reducing production. the plants in winter to preserve next The cost associated with weekly aerial year's fruiting stalks. Hardiness Zone 8- spraying, combined with reduced produc- 10, and colder with protection. Fairhope banana plants, Cavendish variety; photo credit tion can have growers struggling to re- Edgar Vinson. main profitable. Since bananas are not common in Other Benefits growing them as part of our fall fruit Alabama, your crops should be free from In the debate about reducing the crops will reduce our dependence on the diseases common to tropical fruit pro- carbon footprint of our food, tropical foreign-grown produce. duction. I’d like to encourage you to fruits are high profile items. Since many We can also contribute to diversity. explore non-traditional crops not normal- tropical fruits travel at least 1,500 miles Most people do not realize that the vast ly associated with Alabama. If bananas from to our tables, Ala- majority of the bananas consumed in the strike your fancy, there is a wealth of in- bama farmers are encouraged to search world come from one variety, the Caven- formation on the internet. Remember, out acceptable varieties that will grow dish. Developed over 50 years ago to just because a plant is not native to Ala- locally. Bananas are one of the most con- resist the disease known as “Panama Dis- bama does not mean it can’t be grown sumed fruits in the United States, and ease,” a form of fusarium wilt, the Cav- here with a little knowledge and TLC! Page 8

Rooted in the Land: Wisdom from Black Women Farmers in Alabama By Natilee McGruder intuition, listening to these high-rises and nice the earth and being houses and you look at As an Alabama woman who is a de- humble. Besides intu- whose land this was – it scendant of agriculture savvy slaves, deter- ition she says to edu- was black people’s land. mined sharecroppers, and avid gardeners I cate yourself and join Pike Road was plenty of feel that cultivating and respecting the local groups like black folks—but it’s all land is my ancestral birthright. While I ASAN to learn from gone now.” hear “the call” of the land, I need experi- others, take part in a Her advice to support ence and guidance to be successful in community and uti- young black farmers is to working it. For this installment of “Rooted lize the latest technol- Flora Brown at the Fairview Farmers Market get them educated: on (Montgomery), photo credit Kisha Nicolas. in the Land,” I asked my elders, Yawah ogy, grant and loan high tunnel, irrigation and Flora, to share some of their history programs. Things are changing – in the and intensive practices, and anything that and wisdom with aspiring black farmers 1980s Yawah was told that there were no can make it easier to farm. Young farmers like myself. programs for her by NRCS, but now she may not have access to a lot of land so they

Yawah Aniger was born into a farm- says there are opportunities for limited- need to learn how to grow to their full ing family in the town of Cuba, in Sumter resource, socially disadvantaged, begin- capacity on the properties they do have. County, Alabama, and was shaped and ning and female farmers. They must research the market and learn molded by her great aunt Mahalah Johnson Her vision is for Mahalah’s Farm to from the “farm to table” movement. See Waters who taught her the basics of farm- be a teaching farm, which busloads of who you’re marketing to and plant what ing. “Ma Dear,” as they called Mahalah, children can visit and see how the food your market will pay for, Flora advises. grew cotton and corn to make money they eat is grown. The farm would be a She also says “you must have a market- while selling eggs and butter on the side. teaching facility partnered with schools – ing plan when you go into farming. You From her, Yawah learned that farming the best solution to the problem of bridg- must be able not only to grow, but also to meant being equally frugal and generous – ing the gap between urban children and sell. That’s education—put in the ground, it’s not about the money, but the commu- country life. Yawah calls for all people to take from the ground and put it on some- nity. be good stewards of the land, to KEEP one else’s table.” It is not easy but she notes Mahalah did most of the land clear- their land, to grow where they are, and to that “we all got to eat” and if we have a ing, planting, harvesting and selling on let food be our medicine and medicine be dying breed of farmers and nobody wants their land, all while teaching Yawah about our food. to farm we are going to be in trouble.

the importance of the moon. New, full, Flora also points out that to farm you My next lessons came from Flora need finances—for , the land, waxing, waning, blue and harvest, the Brown, manager of the Fairview Farmers phases told her when to plant, harvest, basic equipment, an irrigation system and Market in Montgomery. She was raised in more—but she feels that younger black pull teeth, heal a cut and anything else that a family of farmers in the Kingston Com- needed doing on the farm. people don’t farm because they don’t have munity of Autauga County. Farming is in (or don’t know about) those resources Yawah sees the legacy of black farm- her blood because she grew up farming ing escalating in a natural way “for those of readily available to them. and eating from the farm, plus everyone us who answer the call”, following our around her in Autauga and Lowndes Overall what I learned from Yawah County farmed. She remembers that and Flora was to heed the calling that is men and boys did most of the plow- pushing me towards my land in Midland ing and planting while the women City. I believe in the words of another helped with the picking and preserv- great black woman, Mary MacLoud Bethu- ing of produce. ne who said, “For I am my mother’s daugh- As far as the future of young black ter, and the drums of still beat in my farmers, Flora says, “we owe them heart. They will not let me rest while there the opportunity to work with them is a single Negro boy or girl without a and show them how to be successful chance to prove his worth.” For me, this Top: Yawah (3rd from left) before they get discouraged and walk means to enter cautiously into the process and volunteers at a 2013 away.” She says it was a lost genera- of returning to the land – with the proper ASAN crop mob workday at tion that left the farm and now that finances, skills, education, mentorship and Mahalah Farm, photo credit: they are starting to come back they community to survive and thrive – and to Alice Evans. Right: Yawah lays irrigation line, photo don’t have property because it has all bring some folks along with me. courtesy Yawah Awolowo. been sold. “You look around and see

Page 10 Off the grid (Cont’d) rays and an assort- ment of reflective, (Continued from page 1) opaque, and trans- as a wellness nurse, as well as gardening, parent surfaces, the practicing herbalism, and duck keeping; home’s lovability lies and Daryl works on solar technologies with its functionality and energy efficiency through his busi- and technical excel- ness, Earth Steward Consulting. Their lence, which devel- Clockwise from far left: Sara Rose displays commitment to stewardship and sustaina- oped over time. some herbal remedies; Cooking sweet potatoes in a solar oven; ducks have some fun in the bility is reflected in the home they’ve crafted as well as the ways they choose to yard; solar hot water heater monitor in action. Migrating Off the All photos courtesy Wade Austin. live. The Dragonfly demonstrates that a Grid solar-powered, modern home can be Daryl ruefully admits the home actually Daryl’s, with all the necessary wiring, built on a reasonably modest budget, started completely on the grid. Its first solar hardware, and an ample battery bank, will utilizing active systems and passive design panels traveled with them from Cape Cod in reach ~$6 a watt. However, a simple grid features to create a lovable living space 1986. The initial 170-watt array (collection -tied system could be purchased for half that just keeps getting better. of solar modules) powered little more than that price. So, you can see that the goal to Sara and Daryl received plenty of fans, CFL (compact fluorescent light) and get “off the grid” or “net zero” becomes a inspiration for simple living and new ways LED lights, and a stereo. strong motivator toward employing inte- of thinking from the place where their More solar panels were added in batch- grated designs for efficiency and conserva- journey together began, The New Alche- es, now totaling around 3,500 watts (3.5 tion. my Institute, in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. kW) of photovoltaic capacity. In addition, By my rough estimates, a 10 kW After a period of seeking their own com- the solar hot water heater transitioned from a "grid-tie" or 16 kW "off-grid" solar PV munity, they settled in to build their simple thermo-siphoning system, which was system would be necessary to meet the dream home at Common Ground. prone to freezing and required a backup gas power demands of an average Alabama heater, to a more sophisticated drain-back household. Meanwhile, The Dragonfly The Birth of the Dragonfly system that integrates with their super- cruises by on 3.5 kW, no sweat. Daryl Too much living in a yurt convinced efficient wood stove. predicts that as battery prices drop, grid- Daryl that clerestory windows (windows Another important step was replacing tied systems with battery-backup will above eye-level) have major passive solar old thrift-store appliances with energy effi- become more popular due to the energy advantages over conventional skylights, cient models. In this manner, the wattage independence they provide. because they allow winter sun to shine provided by the solar panels began to eclipse When The Dragonfly was newborn, directly into the living space while block- wattage used in the house. Daryl pays close it didn’t know how to spell the word sus- ing summer sun. He also wanted a cupo- attention to balancing photovoltaic (PV) sup- tainable. It was just a shell of its future la atop his home to house a solar hot wa- ply with electrical demand and battery stor- self and had a lot to learn about being a ter heater and provide ventilation. So, age, and they now only purchase electricity lovable abode. The prospect of having a Daryl designed the house around these during extended cloudy periods, and even home base that has learned how to pay its two features. then, only to prevent the batteries from go- own utility bills has motivated Daryl to In the summer of 1989, the founda- ing below an optimal discharge threshold. In continue his work over the years, much tion was laid. Then, on Labor Day week- 2014, Sarah and Daryl purchased a total of like the idea of a home that provides much end, sixty people came from far and wide 78 kWh of electricity from Alabama Power – of its inhabitants’ food and medicine has to raise the frame and accomplish a lot of that’s about $9 worth, folks! motivated Sara to continue gardening and work in a big heave-ho of community- th If Alabama Power offered an option for raising ducks. Learning from nature is supported-architecture! On June 8 , net metering (selling surplus solar electricity actually facilitated by living in a house that 1990, Sara & Daryl spent their first night back to the grid), Sara and Daryl would be responds so integrally with the changing in their new home. They then began their paid as net producers of electricity. Many seasons. And, learning from the example interior design process, hanging sheets other providers, such as TVA, actually incen- of The Dragonfly, some possibilities where walls might go and visualizing oth- tivize net metering. emerge for those of us considering how er major elements, through which The best to live comfortably without wearing Dragonfly gained comfort and sophistica- Potential for Solar in Alabama out the ecological fabric. tion, book nooks and three-way switches. When Daryl started consulting in 1984, Find out for yourself why so many Although the exterior of the house solar panels cost $10/watt. Today’s panels people love The Dragonfly – the Common has its own visual appeal, with strong are around $1/watt. Estimated equipment Ground Community hosts a solar homes angular lines perpendicular to the sun’s costs for an entire battery-based system like tour the first weekend in October! Page 11

Garden Collective ganization that addresses the on-the-ground local (continued) problems, but also realizes the overall core cause of food injustice – as with any injustice in this (Continued from page 1) The big-picture goal of the garden world – is colonialism and imperialism. Until a collective is getting participants to use people can control the wealth that is theirs from their resources – material, physical, and a homeland, and the wealth that they create human – to work together in order to through their physical work, they will never be start, maintain, and harvest gardens. able to control their food security, no matter The gardens are located at each individu- how many community gardens or garden collec- al family’s home and the harvest is shared tives they establish. With this understanding by the entire collective. These families AAPDEP seeks to use the question of food secu- have purchased seed and starter plants rity to challenge the greater question of a peo- together, prepared soil and built raised ple’s self-determination. beds, and purchased farming tools, in- The All African Peoples Development and Em- cluding a large garden tiller. This com- powerment Project, has addressed the food jus- munity approach of sharing responsibility tice issue in many ways. This nonprofit 501c3 organization has for the last four years main- makes the garden work easier, more th successful, and creates a natural platform tained a community garden in Houston’s 5 to teach and learn from each other. Ward; taught young people in Washington D.C. What is AAPDEP and why address technical skills and the importance of agriculture food sovereignty? Huntsville, Alabama, through the Marcus Garvey Enrichment Pro- Photos from a workday with the AAPDEP’s garden gram; worked with farmers and fishermen in and even the United States as a whole is collective in Huntsville. Photos courtesy AAPDEP. just a small fraction of the area in the Sierra Leone, West Africa; and is in the process world where food injustice is taking place. AAPDEP is an or- of initiating a garden a collective in Philadelphia and partnering with a community garden in Oakland, California. We believe control of your food leads to control of your health and most importantly control of a people’s self-determination. The Huntsville garden collective is growing steadily and strong, and is primed to have more families join this year. With hard collective work and the will to take control of their lives in their own hands, AAPDEP and the families of Huntsville are establishing a model that can be used in many communities around the world. They are currently planning for planting this spring, and are looking forward to a great season and bountiful harvest. For more information on the Huntsville garden collective or the All African People’s Development and Empowerment Project, please contact us at: [email protected], 256-281-1344, or www.developmentforafrica.org. Page 12 SSAWG Conference Wraps up stint in Alabama, ASAN gives 29 Scholarships Southern SAWG has swept through conference as “farmer Clockwise from bottom left: Natilee McGruder Alabama once again, hosting its annual church.” staffs the ASAN trade region-wide Practical Tools and Solu- show booth; ASAN tions for Sustaining Family Farms Con- ASAN Scholarships scholarship recipients, ference in Mobile, AL, for the second ASAN partnered with photo credit Frannie year in a two-year stint. The SSAWG Whole Foods Market to pro- Kenworthy Griffin; ASAN members dig into Conference brings together sustainable vide scholarships for 29 Ala- the food at The Noble farmers and sustainable ag advocates for bama farmers to attend the South; Chef Chris several days of learning and training on SSAWG conference. These Rainosek introduces the everything from pastured pork to cut farmers were young folks just meal. flowers to food hubs. getting started, - The impact of the conference ses- ers looking to grow, long- sions is rivaled only by the energy that time farmers interested in attendees tap into by being part of the transitioning to more sustain- 1000-person crowd, the sense of being a able methods, and everything part of a larger movement that's vibrant in between, but needed fi- and dynamic and growing. The feeling nancial assistance in order to hits so hard because so many sustainable attend SSAWG. farmers, especially those working rurally Whole Foods is opening in the Deep South, feel like they're out several new stores in Ala- there on their own, lacking available bama in this year and next, including one in the restaurant, which opened in mid- training and resources, and constantly Mobile, and has a stake in training and sup- 2014 under of Chef Chris Rainosek. We feeling like oddballs for going against the porting Alabama farmers who may be future enjoyed drinks and socializing and were grain of what's understood to be suppliers of produce, meat, eggs, honey, and treated to an extraordinary dinner of “conventional” (ie synthetic-intensive, more. ASAN would like to express huge shrimp and grits, pork loin, brussels industrial-model) farming. thanks to Whole Foods, on our own behalf sprouts, and blackeye pea hummus, all So imagine suddenly finding your- and on behalf of the 29 scholarship recipients, prepared using local ingredients by Chef self in a single building with 1000 other for their generous support! Chris (who, incidentally, was part of a people who share your vision for an panel at the SSAWG Conference the very agriculture that lets nature lead; that ASAN Member Dinner next day, speaking on chef/farmer collab- sustains the livelihoods of farmers and A highlight of the weekend in Mobile orations!). farmworkers and restores rural econo- was the ASAN member dinner at The Noble mies; that feeds healthy bodies and South restaurant in Mobile on January 16, Sadly, SSAWG’s time in Alabama is healthy communities; and that embraces 2015. One benefit of ASAN membership is done (for now at least), as next year the and fosters democracy, diversity, and invitation to occasional members-only events, 25th annual conference will be held in justice at all levels. You can imagine, and the turnout for this one was even strong- Lexington, KY. It may not be in our then, why many folks – serial SSAW- er than we anticipated! The at-capacity backyard anymore, but you better believe Gers and first-timers alike – refer to the crowd of more than 60 ASAN members filled we’ll still be there!

THANK YOU to the more than Advertise in the ASAN Newsletter! 80 individuals, households and farms who donated as part of our 2014 End-of-Year Print and digital distribution to 2000+ around Alabama Fundraising Campaign! Together you con- tributed more than $4000 to ASAN! Diverse, informed readership of farmers, businesspeople, consumers, edu- cators, and more We can’t do what we do without our Support ASAN’s ongoing work to unify and amplify statewide efforts in members. If you have yet to join or your sustainable agriculture and local food systems membership is due for renewal, please go to www.asanonline.org/contribute or turn to page 15, and join ASAN today! Contact [email protected] for details

Page 14

News From Your instrumental to EAT South. Mark may be Upcoming Events Neighbors contacted at [email protected]. details for these events and Our friendly neighborhood timber framer, At Hartselle's Happy Heart Market, there more, at Wade Austin, is happy to report that he were always delightful folks who stopped in www.asanonline.org/events will be trading his chisel for a garden hoe for the wonderful local fare. Happy Heart March 5-8 – Selma this spring! He closed back in October, but own- Bridge Crossing Jubilee and Jubilee will be joining the These sections appear in every er Kim Prince is excited to continue as a link for good people Film Festival Farm School teach- newsletter and feature up- th dates both personal and pro- and fresh local food. When the 50 Anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the ing team at Camp Selma to Montgomery March, and the 1965 McDowell for the fessional, on ASAN members Decatur-Morgan County farmers and friends: anything from a market opens in April, look for Voting Rights Act. task of helping our new farm, to a new baby. digital youth re- her, the new market manager! Buy Local, Eat Fresh, & Be Hap- March 8 — Ashland connect with their They make existing resources Hoochee Poosa Locavores Meeting known to others, and help py! sustainable farming Potluck dinner and meeting combined, with spread the word for those heritage! a springtime cleansing theme. looking to connect. Connect- Benford Lepley of Harvest ing people in this, the barest- Roots Farm (Falkville/Hartselle) Amanda Storey bones of ways, we hope to March 9-13 – Selma/Montgomery recently returned to his native has joined the staff provide a jumping-off point for Selma to Montgomery March folks to connect on their own soil in New York. While farm of Jones Valley Reenactment of historic 54-mile march first in deeper ways. partners Pete and Lindsay will Teaching Farm made in 1965. miss all that Benford brought to (JVTF) in Birming- Have something you want us ham, as Director of to publish? Get in touch at the business, they are excited for March 7 – Tuscaloosa Partnerships. [email protected] or (256) his new adventures and the up- Container Gardening Workshop Amanda will work 743-0742. coming third season of Harvest Hosted by Druid City Garden Project. to secure new lo- Roots Farm. cal, regional, federal, and national funding March 14 — Phenix City partners, develop and maintain strategic Congratulations to Will Doonan and Liz Outreach Meeting community and school-based alliances, Meyer of Heron Hollow Farm in Falkville, On food safety, NRCS cost-share programs, manage donor relationships, and connect who are expecting their second child in new/beginning farmers, and more. Jones Valley Teaching Farm to health, March! food, and education-focused coalitions March 14 — Silverhill currently working at the local, state, and Classifieds & Composting Workshop national levels. Most recently, Amanda Resources Hosted by Blue Moon Farm, led by Mike served as the Assistant Director at the Healy. Community Food Bank of Central Ala- Moore Farms and Friends is starting a bama. Amanda can be reached at aman- new Farmhouse Supper Club, with monthly March 19-21 – Columbiana [email protected]. fixed-price dinners ($40, $10 kids menu) Environmental Education Association held on the farm. Email for calendar dates of Alabama 2015 Conference EAT South in Montgomery thanks and and reservations! Moore Farms in Wood- celebrates Mark Bowen, who has served land, [email protected] as EAT South's Education Coordinator for the past 4.5 years. Mark will be continuing Michelle French Design wants to help his education at Appalachian State Univer- ASAN members market themselves better. sity, where he will study Marriage and Strong visuals and a focused campaign are Family Therapy in order to become a full- effective ways to bring the right audience to time horticultural therapist. Mark spear- your business. Michelle, who designed our headed EAT South's summer youth em- Food and Farm Forum graphics, can create ployment program, Can You Dig It!? and logos, printed materials, packaging, and web taught students and teachers through the sites that showcase your product. She can Sprouts K-5 school gardens and Good Food guide you through the social media maze and Day field trip programs. Mark's dedication help you hone your communication strategy. and passion for education have inspired the Contact Michelle at 404-661- communities he's served, and have been 9474/ [email protected]. Page 15

Help us build a better Alabama.

Join ASAN or renew your membership today! MEMBERSHIP LEVEL Name ______Donations and annual dues are tax-deductible. Business ______Individual Supporter: $25 __ Farm or Household: $50 Address ______Business or Organization: $200 City ______State ____ ZIP ______

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Email ______$_____ TOTAL enclosed Please send me: __ monthly e-updates Not sure if you need to renew? Check your address __ quarterly print newsletter label to see when your membership expires. If you’re interested in making a larger donation to ASAN, or have any other questions, contact Please mail checks made out to ASAN to: [email protected] or (256) 743-0742. PO Box 2127, Montgomery, AL 36102.

Upcoming Events (Cont’d)

(Continued from page 14) Free workshop led by ACES. April 7 — Birmingham March 20 — Goodman, MS Connect to your Coast: Birmingham Alliance Field Day March 26 — Tuscaloosa Part of Gulf-to-table dinner series hosted by Free monthly trainings held at the Alliance Roundtable: Building an Inclusive the Alabama Coastal Foundation. for Sustainable Ag Production’s demo farm. Food Movement Featuring Eric Holt-Gimenez (see Mar 25) and April 9 — Camden March 21 – Eufaula local leaders including ASAN’s Alice Evans. Let’s Move Farm Camp Peer-to-Peer High Tunnel Training Hosted by Women and Youth in Agriculture Series of free workshops held at S&B Farms, to March 29 — Huntsville and Let’s Move Selma. help farmers develop the potential of their tunnel Farm and Fleece Day houses / high tunnels. Annual free festival hosted by the Tennessee April 11 – Tuscaloosa Valley Women in Agriculture. Intro to Organic Gardening Pt 1 March 21 — Blountsville Hosted by the Druid City Garden Project. Lactofermentation Workshop April 4-June 20 — Somerville Learn to preserve the harvest to maximize Design Course: Spring April 11 — Moundville taste and health benefits. Course taught every Saturday for 12 weeks (in Saturdays in the Park: Weaving a series) by the AL Permaculture Network. March 25 — Eutaw April 11-12 – North Alabama Direct Marketing for Farmers Work- April 4 — Moundville Tennessee Valley Farm Tour (See p.5) shop Saturdays in the Park: Basketmaking Hosted by ACES. Workshop series hosted by Moundville Archa- April 14 — Linden ological Park. Direct Marketing for Farmers Work- March 25 — Tuscaloosa shop Talk: Dismantling Racism in the Food April 4 — Florence System 8th Annual Shoals Earth Day Fest April 15 — Mobile Speaker will be Eric Holt-Gimenez of the Hosted by Shoals Earth Month in Wilson Park. Whole Foods Market Supplier Fair Oakland-based nonprofit Food First. For potential vendors for new Whole Foods April 6 — Tuscaloosa in Mobile. Appointment required. March 26 — Tuscaloosa Alabama Cottage Food Law Food Safety Vegetable and Fruit Production and Training (Continued on page 16) Food Safety Workshop ASAN P.O. Box 2127 Montgomery, AL 36102

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Upcoming Events (Cont’d)

(Continued from page 15) April 18 — Fairhope Festival celebrating Alabama’s April 15 — Birmingham Earth Day Mobile Bay artisans, this year expanded to two Beehive Design Collective Held at the Fairhope Pier rain or days. Workshop shine. May 15 — Goodman, MS Hosted by ASAN in collaboration What do YOU want April 19 — Huntsville Alliance Field Day with many partner organizations. Earth Day Festival and Farm- to read about? Send us your ideas or sug- ers Market May 16 – Eufaula April 16-18 — Knoxville, TN In Monte Sano State Park. Peer-to-Peer High Tunnel gestions for future National Women in Ag Sympo- Training features! sium April 25 — Moundville Saturdays in the Park: Natural May 16 — Tuscaloosa April 17 — Birmingham Fibers Organic Gardening 102 Birmingham Food Summit Hosted by the Druid City Garden April 28 — Montgomery Project. Healthy Food Access Advoca- April 17 — Goodman, MS cy Day Alliance Field Day May 18 — Carrollton Hosted by VOICES for Alabama’s Alabama Cottage Food Children in support of their Law Food Safety Training April 18 – Eufaula Healthy Food Financing Initiative.

Peer-to-Peer High Tunnel May 24-30 — Asheville, NC Training May 2 — Spanish Fort Wild Food and Fermentation Taste of the Farm Annual Farm Workshop with Sandor Katz April 18 — Selma Fundraiser Dinner

Mill Village Fundraiser + Commu- Hosted by Seasons in the Sun Farm. healthy farms, June 4 — Livingston nity Day Alabama Cottage Food healthy foods, For the Mill Village Community Garden May 2-3 — Montgomery and Food Park, a project of Grow Selma. Southern Makers Law Food Safety Training healthy communities.