Here is a briefing I just got in my inbox and it's getting weirder and weirder...
This is from the microfarmers list...
Hello, all -
There is so much going on - hope you can hold onto your hats and attention spans for the following bits - big and small!
First - changes of address - Very fortunately, someone smart and capable has stepped up to replace Joyce, trusty Membership Volunteer. Dawn has now taken over the Excel spreadsheet that keeps us all connected. Please do remember when changing email addresses or moving to keep her informed - at dawn.said@gmail.com It really does simplify our lives later!
Ordering potatoes - Some years, we find someone kind enough to put in bulk seed potato orders for us, so that we can save on shipping costs and have access to good organic potato varieties. Linda from The Green Room Farm has agreed this year to put in orders for those of us wanting amounts too small to fart at - this always saves shipping costs while adding headaches to the person dividing and bagging. Maybe someone could help split the orders that come in, and the rest of us could show up on time with correct change to keep things simple. Otherwise, Linda might do what has happened before - bring the bags to Seedy Saturday and distribute them to people who ordered them from there - people not showing up for their orders will have them sold to the general public by a certain time !! Nyah hah hah! The only way to get coast people to show up on time ... wild threats!
Linda@greenroomorganics.ca
Update on Meat Regulations - Bob Weston from the Health Department has apparently invited me (or someone like me) to something called "working with your inspector", which I can't make it to. He has also informed me that the Sunshine Coast is part of the Vancouver area health regulations, which means that it has always been illegal to sell animals to each other without inspection. Well, this is not making it less crazy. We are carrying on with our "Be Subversive" campaign (buttons and info sheets available at Roberts Creek Healthfood Store and Ashley's books - $2). We would like to hold a large meeting about this and will keep you informed. Meanwhile, the organic certifying group in BC is holding a large meeting in Sidney BC at the COABC AGM in March. We will have folks there to take and bring back info on how other towns are handling this lack of food freedom, so that we can work as a group ... a cluster ... Nay, an Uprising!!
Stay tuned. Email Robin if you want on the Farm Food Freedom Fighters email list - it is dormant for now but I want to keep it up to date for when it is needed.
NEW - A member went to buy chicken feed today and had to sign his name to a book before he could buy it. All animal feed suppliers are now required to keep records of who buys every single bag of feed. I phoned the store and they explained that because toxic substances from China are turning up in the craziest things, all matter that could end up in a human body now has to be recorded. That way, if there is a recall, there is a way of tracing where the toxins ended up going so people can be alerted. While this sounds like an efficient paper trail in terms of having a food supply where origin of contents does not legally have to be on a label, but where it is illegal to sell many items at the Farmers Market or farm gate ... oh wait, I'm headed for a rant instead of looking for answers ... pardon me while I wipe the spit off my computer screen. (looks kind of trippy, though!!)
So -
Can anyone out there go buy chicken feed for those who would rather not? It is still imperitive, naturally, that a food warning get through to the chicken owner if some weird substance shows up in the feed - but it would make some farmers feel better to have a go-between. Let me know.
AND it is starting to feel more and more obvious that we need someone to take up the business of buying and blending an organic chicken mix up here - would be a headache and not much money, but it would be honourable.
Okay - want to really spaz out before we get on to other matters? The SCRD is getting access to a helicoptor. Supposedly this is to keep better tabs on what is going on in terms of building permits ... but they don't really need it as they recently proved by showing a local farmer a satellite photo of his land when he wanted a permit for a barn. Told him the pond was too close to his building location. He told them that circle was a trampoline. Big Brother is here!
OTHER MATTERS Sweet Cascadia will play again at Seedy Saturday this year!! So cool! But they need a sound person ... can someone step forward? Could they contact Brett at info@rollingearth.ca ?
Alain has eggs - 740-8823.
Can someone smart help Dale - he needs a computer to stay connected (he is off grid) and maybe needs advice, or a computer ... leave him a message at 740-1992
Sustainable Microfarm Forum - We are holding another forum for those wanting to learn new skills or about ideas, do some networking etc - This forum will be held all day on February 24. Cost will be $62.50
Topics - Improving Marginal Soils - for those who missed it last year or want to take it again. Or show up later for:
Then - Non Timber Forest Products
Winter vegetables and Garden Planning
Value Added - issues and ideas.
Networking galore!
More details at 6.
Thanks all - must go set up the trampoline ... seems they show up well on satellite.
