March 26, 2009

The Film & Forum   Seeds sown at this Films & Forums meeting included the possibilities of creating a local Farmers' Market; of creating neighborhood, church, or community gardens; of creating local food cooperatives; and of learning more about CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture--in which families make a contractual agreement with a local farmer to produce food for them).  We can also encourage our local supermarkets to carry locally-grown foods.

The Film:  We watched the award-winning film Good Food.  The film is an intimate look at farmers, ranchers, and businesses in the Pacific Northwest that are creating a more sustainable food system.  After leaving the land for decades, these families are making a real comeback. They are growing much healthier food and more food per acre—while using less energy and water than factory farms.       A preview of the film is available at Bullfrog Films.

The Forum:    Roger Skipper, Fannin County Extension Agent, presented at the meeting and told us that he has received many questions recently about creating a Farmers' Market.  He said that persons interested in pursuing this project would simply need to organize and create a set of operating by-laws.  Sample by-laws are available on the Extension Service website, and Roger can serve as a consultant.

    Wylie Harris, communications specialist for the Kerr Institute in Oklahoma, was the guest presenter at the meeting.  He helped to organize the Cross Timbers Cooperative, in which members can place orders weekly and have products dropped off in Denton, TX, for pick-up.  Dr.  Harris is willing to serve as a resource person for those in the Texoma area interested in organizing a Red River or TexomaLand Cooperative.  He stated that, according to statistics, the number of farms and ranches in Fannin County has increased above the statewide average, but the food production of Fannin County is well below the statewide averages.  That means that there is room for GROWTH!  A Community Garden has already been started in Sherman, TX, so these organizers could help others interested in creating such gardens.  Once such seeds are sown, it takes patience, persistence, nurturing, and effort on the part of us humans to make them sprout and grow abundantly.

    CORE is hoping to be a catalyst for buying and growing locally, so "Let's Get Growing", folks!