The LocalHarvest Blog

Welcome back to the LocalHarvest newsletter!

Welcome back to the LocalHarvest.org newsletter. You probably didn't go anywhere, but we have been on a long hiatus from writing. It has been a full summer here at LocalHarvest. As a few of you may know, in April our founder and president, Guillermo Payet, was critically injured by a drunk driver while out jogging near his home in Santa Cruz, CA. In what even his doctors have called a miraculous recovery, Guillermo is back at work and quickly making up for lost time. We want to thank those of you who heard about the accident and sent him your good wishes.

Meanwhile, LocalHarvest is going strong. One of the projects Guillermo has been passionate about was recently unveiled on the site – it is our new "forum" feature, where LocalHarvest fans, farmers, and the curious can discuss all manner of farm and garden related topics. Recent posts have included news and queries about a professional 'farm sitting' service, soap making, and organic school gardening. We encourage you to browse through the LocalHarvest forum and join the discussions!

With this issue of our newsletter, we are trying out a modified format. Rather than several shorter articles, we thought we would choose one topic on which to write a more in-depth piece. Each month the chosen topic will be one that affects many of our growers and also has larger implications for consumers and the world at large. This month we're writing about the tremendous growth in imports in the flower industry over the last decade, the associated environmental and social impacts, and the emerging growth in the organic flower industry here in the U.S.

We're eager to hear what you think of our new newsletter format! Please send us your comments by posting on our website's feedback form.

Guillermo

07:00 PM CDT

Welcome back to the LocalHarvest newsletter!

Whether Spring is in full swing in your part of the country, or still loitering just around the corner, one thing is certain: family farmers are hard at work. In shorts, no less. Or at least some of them are - take Keith Cooper, of Sweet Briar Farms in Eugene, OR, for example. When we called to interview him for this month's newsletter he reported that they'd had a mild winter, "It got down to ten degrees one night, but I still wore shorts underneath my coveralls. About the only time I'll put long pants on is when it's zero degrees, there's snow on the ground, or I'm going to the local rodeo." Good thinking. For more on Keith's philosophy, read on.

Guillermo

06:00 PM CST

Welcome back to the LocalHarvest newsletter!

We want to extend warm thanks to all of you who have been using LocalHarvest this Fall. Whether you have been using our unparalleled national directory to find local foods, or buying directly from family farmers through our catalog, your participation in LocalHarvest plays an important role in helping American family farms thrive.

As winter weather settles in all across the country, the season brings a shift in focus for many LocalHarvest farmers. Many are reacquainting themselves with their homes after spending most of the spring, summer and fall in their fields. It is a quieter time of year on the farm, and the natural time to review the past season and begin planning for the coming one. After the demanding production months, these slower, shorter days also offer farmers a chance to rest - even if they are poring over a seed catalog while they do so.

From all of us at LocalHarvest, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season. May you be surrounded by that which gives your life meaning and joy.

• Farm-fresh Meats for the Holidays
• Something for Everyone: the LocalHarvest Store
• Yarn, Yarn and More
• LocalHarvest Member Profile: Fertile Crescent Farm

Guillermo

06:00 PM CST

Hello, and welcome to our newsletter.

For those of us who love good food, half of the fun is the passionate pursuit of exceptional flavor and quality. The adventure of seeking out and trying new culinary treats gives us great delight, especially when our efforts are appreciated by family and friends. Little wonder, then, that Thanksgiving is the favorite holiday of so many. With good food, gratitude and loved ones at the centerpiece, what's not to love?

This year, we invite you to make LocalHarvest part of your Thanksgiving meal, either through the inclusion of locally grown foods, or by choosing some unique ingredients grown by family farmers elsewhere in the country. We have stuffed this newsletter with savory ideas for your meal. Read on, and bon appetit!

• It's Turkey Time
• Organic Cranberries: For a Real Thanksgiving
• $5 Turkey Coupon
• LH Member Profile: Speckled Hen Farm

Guillermo

07:00 PM CDT