Saturday, February 17, 2007

An Organic Farmer's Wishes

I just got back from my weekly visit to the only organic farm in the region. They're only open Fridays and Saturdays, or I'd shop there more often. The farm consists of three acres that are farmed with love. They sell their own organic produce plus fruits and vegetables shipped in from elsewhere--as far away as China, where the garlic comes from. I'm not thrilled about buying garlic from China because although it's labeled USDA organic, it comes from arguably the most polluted country on earth. It's hard to believe that no one in the US is growing organic garlic.

The farmer, whose name is Bill Pischer, said he'd love to buy more farmland but land in this town is too expensive, and the local government doesn't seem to care about farmers. Bill's wish is for the state (in this case, Florida) to give tax incentives for local farms. He'd also like the local politicos to put out a guide to local growers. He said he's suggested it to no avail.


What would it take to get them interested in these ideas?

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