SlowFood Hudson Valley Blog

2012-01-03T10:22:00.000-05:00

Welcome

Carbon Farming puts carbon where it belongs – in the soil.

Carbon Farming combines cutting-edge agricultural practices with the tools of ecological design to build healthy soil and profitable farms. The Carbon Farming Course is hosted by the beautiful ThreeFold Educational Center in Chestnut Ridge, NY, home of the Pfeiffer Center for Biodynamic Agriculture. Evening lectures will be held at the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Pocantico Hills, NY.

Top farmers and researchers from around the world are gathering at this unique event to train land-owners, farmers, policy-makers, investors, and in the best practices of carbon farming. Each Workshop in the 2012 Carbon Farming Course focuses on an essential component of profitable regenerative agriculture:

Holistic Management: Decision-making for profit and purpose.
Keyline Farming: Water planning and rapid soil development.
Perennial Agriculture: Mimic ecosystems for resilience and risk-management.
Tree Crops & Agroforestry: Perennial systems to multiply your yields.
Living Soils: Activate soil biology for fertility and input-reduction.
Local Food Systems: The Polyface Farm strategy for economic abundance.

Presenters will include Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm, Darren Doherty of RegenAG, Dr. Elaine Ingham of Soil Foodweb, Dr. Wes Jackson of the Land Institute, Dave Jacke of Dynamics Ecological Design, and more. See our full list of presenters here.

Click here to register and secure your place!

2011-11-11T23:42:00.016-05:00

Join us for a Slow Food Olive Oil Dinner

Hosted by Brasserie 292 and Artist’s Palate

Enjoy a 4 course meal highlighting Lorenzo Caponetti's Organic Olive Oil,

our local Hudson Valley bounty, and artisanal New York wines.

6:30 Hors D' Oeuvres and Cash Bar

7pm Dinner Begins

First Course
Duo of Hudson Valley Duck
Confit “Marmalade” Toasted Brioche, Foie Gras Torchon,
Clinton Vineyards Cassis Gastrique

Second Course
Montauk Striped Bass
Canivano Olive Tapanade, Broken Romesco, Micro Arugula Salad

Third Course
Braised Fazio Farms Rabbit
Picholine De Languedoc Olives, Fresh Rosemary, Orange Infused
Oil, Fennel Pollen Risotto

Fourth Course
Lorenzo Caponetti's Organic Olive Oil Three Ways
Olive oil Ice Cream, Semolina-Olive Oil Cake, Pine nut-Olive
Brittle, Thyme Honey

Our Hosts: Brasserie 292, the Artist's Palate and Canvas
Date: Wednesday December 7th
Location: Canvas | 305 main street | Poughkeepsie, NY | 12601
Cost: $75 per person
RSVP: The Artist’s Palate 845-483-8074, www.theartistspalate.biz

CASA CAPONETTI

TUSCANIA - ITALIA

2011-11-08T10:46:00.001-05:00

Welcome

Carbon Farming puts carbon where it belongs – in the soil.

Holistic Management: Decision-making for profit and purpose.
Keyline Farming: Water planning and rapid soil development.
Perennial Agriculture: Mimic ecosystems for resilience and risk-management.
Tree Crops & Agroforestry: Perennial systems to multiply your yields.
Living Soils: Activate soil biology for fertility and input-reduction.
Local Food Systems: The Polyface Farm strategy for economic abundance.

Click here to register and secure your place!

The internet buzz about

Carbon Farming

carbonfarming @climatenews @farmingnews Everyone seems excited about #biofuels - what will people eat? No-Kill Farming: http://t.co/zCbQtDNk 4 days ago · reply · retweet · favorite

carbonfarming RT @mhmcgrath: The #ag Daily is out! http://t.co/L6IP2Uzv Top stories today via @windcatcher1 @utagecon @will_fw @minnesotafarm 4 days ago · reply · retweet · favorite

AmznDeSale #Amazon #Deals : The Biochar Solution: Carbon Farming and Climate Change (Sustainable Agriculture) http://t.co/86BGa0Ma 4 days ago · reply · retweet · favorite

MikeKellyMP For a party that pretends to represent regions should explain why they opposed spending on schools & health, NBN, Carbon Farming Initiative 4 days ago · reply · retweet · favorite

CitizenWatcher RT @MikeKellyMP: For a party that pretends to represent regions should explain why they opposed spending on schools & health, NBN, Carbon Farming Initiative 4 days ago · reply · retweet · favorite

Join the conversation

2011-08-09T18:48:00.031-04:00

THE LOCAVORE CHALLENGE

A Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) Initiative Sponsored by Slow Food Hudson Valley  

Celebratory All Local BBQ: Join us on Sunday, September 25th at the Epworth Center at 8 Epworth Lane, High Falls, NY 12440 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and celebrate our regional abundance with a locally grown BBQ meal cooked by amazing area chefs. Other activities include cooking demos and informational sessions conducted by local experts.  

PLANNED MENU:

Moveable Beast Burgers and Steak
Northwind Farms “Incredible Hotdogs” 
Gill Farm Sweet Corn 
Chef Jessica Winchell from the Global Palate prepares Cole Slaw and Potato Salad Cabbage from Maynard Farm 
Salads, Tomatoes and other Fixings 
Chef Agnes Devereux of Village Tea Room prepares Hudson Valley Apple Rum Cake (Apples: Stone Ridge Orchard, Rum: Tutilltown Distillery, Flour: Wild Hive Bakery) 
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Migliorelli Farms Apple cider

Informational and Cooking Program:

Dan Guenther: Farmer and Activist
Noah Sheetz: Chef’s Consortium
Joe Fitzgerald: Director of the Kingston Farmers Market
Jessica Winchell: Chef -Global Palate
Nicci Cagan: From the Ground Up – Farm-to-School
Don Lewis: Wild Hive Bakery

The Locavore Challenge: Are you up for the rewarding experience of eating Hudson Valley grown food for 1 day, one week or one month? Right now, join thousands of New Yorkers who are taking on the challenge and learn how easy and delicious local eating can be. Check out www.nofany.org for helpful guidance and to sign up for the free challenge.   

We want your locavore story: Write it down with all its successes and failures, bring it to the All Local BBQ and we’ll give you a bar of Kallari Chocolate produced by www.kallarichocolate.com, an Ecuadorian cooperative of family farms.

The cost for the food prepared on September 25th will be: $12 for adults, $6 for children from 6 through 12 and free for children under 6.

You must buy your BBQ tickets online before the event by September 21:

2011-07-07T19:49:00.004-04:00

(Click here to download a PDF of this flyer to print & hang in your town!)

__________

REGISTER NOW!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO VOLUNTEER? CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.

__________

This year continues the tradition of bringing the permaculture community together to share, learn, collaborate and celebrate. The Hudson Valley is world renowned for its natural beauty and our region is up-and-coming in the permaculture world with new events, activities and projects happening everywhere from NYC to Albany and beyond. We expect to offer sessions ranging from “new-to-permaculture” workshops up through advanced and broadacre permaculture strategies. Special kids and wellness areas are planned also!

Check back regularly as these pages will be updated as the event evolves.

Mission:

Our mission for the 2011 Northeast Permaculture Convergence is to stimulate the network by focusing on local and regional connections, sharing resources, and continuing to define the structure, function, and organization of the group. We intend to create an open and inclusive atmosphere that is a well-balanced experience of interactive presentation, roundtable discussion, and skill sharing mixed with healthy local food, music, and ample social time.

These gatherings are made by the participants (YOU!). The organizing group is focused on ensuring that the logistics and mechanisms to achieve our stated goals (above) are functional, and we are asking everyone to get involved as best they can (presenter, speaker, outreach and spreading the word). Consider leading a session or volunteering.

When:

July 22-24th, 2011

Where:

Camp Epworth - 8 Epworth LaneHigh Falls, NY 12440

2007 Convergence

Who:

We welcome all interested people with open arms. Permaculture has much to offer in these challenging times and anyone who would like to learn about this approach and set of skills and strategies is strongly encouraged to join the one-day Permaculture Festival on Saturday July 23rd from 10:00am until bedtime.

For active or practicing permaculturists in the region (teachers, designers, organizers, etc.), the full Friday-Sunday convergence offers a unique chance to gather, socialize, and work strategically together. Special sessions and dedicated areas, such as the Designers’ Lounge and a Regional Panel, will facilitate our connection and collaboration. The full weekend designed for people who have taken a Permaculture Design Certificate course or self-identify as a permaculturist.

Cost to Attend:

We are offering a very affordable sliding scale. Apart from the amazing of array of sessions and activities that come with your ticket, the price also includes delicious meals suitable for vegetarians, vegans and meat-eaters. Camping in several woodland or field campsites is included as well.

photo by Anne Allbright Smith

2011-07-06T14:57:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends,

You are cordially invited to attend a special reception & screening of the new food documentary, Farmageddon - the Unseen War Against American Family Farms. Join Filmmaker, Kristin Canty and other foodies this Friday, July 8, to celebrate the New York Premiere of this important film about our rights to healthy food.

Tickets and more details are available from this website: http://farmageddonnyc.eventbrite.com/

Farmageddon is playing July 8-14, at Cinema Village Theatre. If you are unable to make Friday's event please take a group of friends to the movies! Group sales will be the secret to box office success, and getting the film into wider circulation.

Can't attend, but want to organize your own event? Email us at chapters@organicconsumers.org and we'll help you out any way we can!

2011-07-01T23:25:00.002-04:00

Hi Friends of Slow Food,

Yesterday government bureaucrats gave the go-ahead for Gov. Cuomo to lift the statewide ban on hydrofracking*. They want him to keep it banned in some places, like New York City's watershed, but not in others. We need to keep the ban in place everywhere. If fracking isn't safe enough for NYC, then it shouldn't be safe enough anywhere else in New York either.

*Hyfrofracking is a dangerous technique used to extract natural gas from rock formations and is associated with chemical and carcinogenic contamination of drinking water.

So I signed a petition to Governor Andrew Cuomo, which says:

"Governor Cuomo, please do everything in your power to ban hydraulic fracturing throughout New York State. There is no part of the state that should be eligible for fracking. The risks are too great. We can't afford to drill first and ask questions later."

Will you sign the petition too? Click here to add your name:

http://signon.org/sign/ban-hydrofracking-in?source=s.fwd&r_by=356600

Thanks!

Dina Falconi, Slow Food HV steering committee member

2011-05-21T09:11:00.000-04:00

Building an Earthen Oven

Want to bake great bread, pizza and other amazing foods outdoors?

In this 4 day program (over two weekends in June & July), we will learn to build an earthen oven using natural materials.

Guided by Jim Luckner, an expert on natural building techniques, we will explore the construction process, building a beautifully simple, functional, earthen oven for your home use or community project.

This program will include hands-on construction, lecture and presentations covering all the building fundamentals including siting, design, materials selection, structure, moisture protection, heating and insulation.

An Overnight Gypsy Camp

Together we will build this earthen oven at a unique “gypsy camp” setting at Dina Falconi & Tim Allen’s homestead in the hamlet of Lyonsville, Stone Ridge, New York.

During the program, Dina will offer delicious meals, snacks and drinks, grown locally, much from her own gardens.

After program hours, we are welcome to stroll mature permaculture gardens and participate in campfires and music making.

Registrants (limited to 15 people) are warmly welcomed to camp overnight at the Gypsy Camp. It is going to be a blast!

About Jim Luckner

Jim Luckner has 25 years of experience as an engineer. Since 1995, he has designed, constructed and taught natural building and for the past six years has been building cob ovens. Jim has taught at the elementary, middle and high school levels and college courses. Additionally he has been involved in homeschooling, much of it in the context of integrated, interdisciplinary, experiential studies.

Program Information

For: Adults of all ages, Teens age 14 and older. Limited to 15 participants

Dates: Two weekends, June 18-19 & July 30-31.

Time: Workshop hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm each day. Participants are encouraged to camp overnight on the Saturday evenings at the Gypsy Camp (the site is primitive with minimal amenities, but promises to be lots of fun).

Instructor: Jim Luckner and special guests

Location: Dina Falconi & Tim Allen’s homestead in the lovely hamlet of Lyonsville, Stone Ridge, NY.

Cost: $315, includes camping accommodations and meals (lunch and dinner on Saturday, breakfast and lunch on Sunday and snacks and drinks during the day).

Register Now for Earthen Oven Intensive

Additional Questions and Information

Please call David at (845) 256-9830 or email him at david@wildearthprograms.org about this program.

Whole Earth - Local Earth

2011-05-02T09:42:00.003-04:00

Join us Wednesday, May 4th, 6:30, at Aroma Thyme Bistro in Ellenville!

Enjoy the fruits of our earth, in a spring Tapas Dinner prepared by Chef Marcus who will share his mission with a cooking demo and talk.

Be part of "Healthy Ulster County Week" and meet Michael Hein, the County Executive.

Find out what Slow food Hudson Valley is and how you can get involved with Rich Vergili and Nicci Cagan.

Please RSVP to Info@Aromathymebistro.com

Kallari Chocolate Tasting and Presentation

2011-04-21T00:50:00.004-04:00

Join Slow Food Hudson Valley for a Chocolate Tasting and Educational Presentation featuring Kallari, an organic sustainable chocolate cooperative from the Amazon.

Date: Sunday May 1st

Time: 4:30-6 pm

Place: Jack & Luna’s Café Located at 3928 Main Street, Stone Ridge, NY 12484 jackandlunas.com

Cost: The $10-15 (sliding scale) entry fee entitles you to participate in the chocolate tasting accompanied by the educational presentation. Jack and Luna’s Café will be offering tea, coffee, wine, beer and other comestibles during the chocolate tasting for you to purchase at an additional charge.

RSVP required: email: info@slowfoodhv.org or call Dina @ 845-687-8938

Learn Regional Flavor Profiles from Cocoa Seedlings to Chocolate Bars 

Experience the world of dark chocolate in this blind tasting, educational and sensory stimulating lecture. Learn to distinguish chocolate notes, discern roasting techniques and recognize origins. Savor gourmet chocolates from around the world, while developing sensory control of the palate and texture identification. Become familiar with the numerous stages in cocoa production from an Amazon cocoa grower. Then, an experienced chocolatier will share about the regional flavors of cocoa beans, the chocolate making process, and the economic impact of the world's third most important commodity. Chocolate bars processed nearby the cocoa groves will be matched up against the top rated leading gourmet, fair trade, and organic dark chocolates in a blind tasting that will challenge even experienced chocoholics.

We are very pleased to host this tasting with the Kallari Association of indigenous cacao growers. They are one of only two cacao cooperatives to be recognized with the Slow Food Presidium award for their heirloom cacao beans.

To find out more about Kallari see www.kallari.com or check out these articles at:

New York times

Sagemagazine (article begins on page 12)

treehugger.com

Whole Earth - Local Earth event still open

2011-04-13T22:32:00.004-04:00

Sometimes things just fall into place. A few months ago, former Slow Food committee member, Melinda Beuf, suggested hosting an event at Aroma Thyme Bistro, a fantastic restaurant in Ellenville that I too had enjoyed, not only for the delicious food but for the "eco-lectic" phoilosophy put into practice by Chef Marcus. After getting together with Marcus and Jamie Guiliano we decided to have a spring tapas dinner on May 4th. Slow Food representatives would explain what Slow Food Hudson Valley is, does, and believes and Chef Marcus would explain the term "eco-lectic", which he coined. To top it off, as if the dinner would not be enough, he agreed to give a cooking demo as well. It was exciting to see this event coming together. A few days later I heard that the Ulster County Executive, Michael P. Hein, also wanted to visit Aroma Thyme that day as a part of Healthy Ulster County Week. We all decided to co-sponsor the event and the County Executive will be there to share his goal of making Ulster County the healthiest county in NY. The press release is out, there's a buzz, and I'm guessing that if you're interested in attending and don't RSVP to Info@Aromathymebistro.com shortly... there may not be room.

2011-03-24T00:40:00.001-04:00

Hydro-Fracking Day of Action
Date: April 11, 2011
Location: Capital Lawn, Albany, NY
Time: 10:30am - 3:30pm
For a full listing
For a full listing of regional events, please visit our website here.

2011-03-22T17:26:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

We want to let you all know about the exciting rallies around the nation this Saturday, March 26th that are being organized by our friends at The Organic Consumers Association, Millions Against Monsanto campaign. Their events are designed to spread awareness of genetically modified foods and Monsanto’s increasing monopoly of our foods. The main rally will be at the White House, with others being held around the United States.

Current events are listed below. New locations are being added, so please check the campaigns' Facebook page for updates in your area/location: www.facebook.com/rallyfortherighttoknow2011

MAIN EVENT: Washington, D.C., 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, The White House Sidewalk (The White House Sidewalk is the sidewalk between East and West Executive Avenues on the South side of Pennsylvania Avenue NW) 11am- 3pm

Dates for ALL locations is Saturday March 26, 2011 and include (alphabetically):

Ann Arbor MI, Southeast corner of Catherine Street and N. 4th Avenue, just south of the A2 Farmers Market and Kerrytown Shops 12pm – 3pm
Albuquerque NM, UNM 12pm - 3pm
Atlanta GA, Around Centennial Olympic Park across from the CNN Bldg. 11am - 4pm
Austin TX, at The Capitol 12pm - 3pm
New York City, City Hall steps, between Broadway and Park Row 12pm - 1pm
Colorado Springs CO, Acacia Park 11am - 1:30pm
Hollywood FL, Open Air Bandshell Theatre on Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, 100 Johnson Street and North Ocean Drive/A1A 11am - 2pm
Indianapolis IN, 200 W. Washington Street #220 12pm - 2pm
Kansas City MO, The Plaza Downtown Kansas City 11am - 3pm
LA CA, Los Angeles (Westwood) Federal Bldg, 11000 Wilshire Blvd. 11am - 2pm
Maui HI, in front of Long's streetside on Ka'ahumanu Ave in Kahului 8am - 11am
Milwaukee WI, Water and Wisconsin 11am - 2pm
Montpelier VT, Outside CITY HALL 11am - 3pm
Nashville TN, Nashville Farmers Market, 900 Rosa Parks Boulevard (Eighth Avenue North) 10am - 1pm
Queen Creek AZ, Safeway Food Store, Queen Creek, Arizona East valley Power and Queen Creek road 12pm - 1pm
Saint Paul MN, Minnesota State Capitol Building - South Mall, 75 Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd 12pm - 2pm
Salem OR, 900 Court St. NE, Salem, Oregon 97301 12pm - 3pm
Seattle WA, Westlake Park 12pm - 2pm
Tampa Bay FL, Downtown 11am - 2pm

We urge you to forward this information to your networks. And click here to visit our site and post this alert to Facebook.

Also, don't forget to join the Tipping Point Network to connect with local and national Non-GMO Action Groups, so the momentum continues.

Thanks for your support!

The Staff of the Institute for Responsible Technology

2011-03-11T16:03:00.001-05:00

Hi,

Spring's going to be a lot quieter this year. Something is killing off almost 40% of North American honeybees each year, and it's threatening our entire food chain. Mounting scientific evidence suggests agricultural pesticides are one of the culprits.

The Environmental Protection Agency has the power to investigate and ban the pesticides thought to be responsible but, despite their own scientists' advice and under pressure from pesticides companies, they're dragging their feet.

Much of the plant-life we depend on for food exists thanks to honeybees. Now the bees are depending on us to return the favor. Click here to sign our petition calling on the EPA to solve the mystery that's killing our buzz:

http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5986/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=5833

Bees don't just make honey: from apples to lemons, much of the food we eat may disappear with the bees. Even milk and beef production could be threatened: guess what makes the plants that feed the cows? Our friend the honeybee.

What's more, bees add $15 billion to the annual US economy, and their loss will have a devastating impact on food production and food prices. But the EPA is under pressure to do nothing about it from pesticide companies and the pesticide 'scientists' those companies bankroll.

The EPA has already acknowledged it should look into the causes of "Colony Collapse Disorder". We need to counter the pesticide lobby's pressure and hold the EPA to that commitment, by sending them a message they can't ignore:

http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5986/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=5833

Everyone stands to lose with the threat to our food chain known as CCD. That's why everyone needs to stand together to counter the pressure the EPA is under not to do it's job: protect the things we rely on to survive.

Many Slow Food chapters are also hosting screenings of a new CCD documentary, Vanishing of the Bees. It's a great way to get together in your community and learn more about what you can do to help solve this problem.

Time and again Slow Food members get together to celebrate the importance of food. It's now the time to take action to protect that which binds us together, and stand up for the bees that make it all possible.

Thanks for spreading the buzz,
The Slow Food USA team

PS - Can you help spread the buzz? For every 100 signatures we collect on our petition to protect the bees we depend on for our food,we'll send a bee-shaped postcard to the Director of the EPA’s Pesticide Programs. Imagine those on the wall the next time the pesticide lobby pops in!

2011-03-09T10:16:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

We’re angry! MILLIONS of us are angry and outraged at the approval of GM alfalfa. And on top of that, the USDA also did an end-run around the courts to keep GM sugar beets growing, AND approved a GM corn used for ethanol.

So what do we do? Surrender? Never!

Before I propose a way forward, I want to share a victory you may have missed in the first paragraph. I said MILLIONS. That’s right, there are millions of us. And you can hear our frustration flying around in blogs, emails, press reports, petitions, etc. Do you remember the reaction just four years ago when GM sugar beets were approved for sale? There was nothing close to this response. It was hardly a blip. Where we have come in just a few years is a cause for celebration. And an unprecedented opportunity to throw our new weight around.

Within the first six months of last year, we witnessed more people in the US than ever before enthusiastically getting the word out about the dangers of GMOs. This was in part due to the huge internet distribution channels that have been getting articles and videos out to MILLIONS every month. (Thank you all!) And then there was the high profile media coverage of GE salmon and the sugar beet and alfalfa court cases.

In spite of their bitter outcomes at the hands of the USDA, the prolonged alfalfa and sugar beet fights actually helped elevate GMOs on our personal and national radar screens.

And now with MILLIONS of us grasping the significance and devastating loss of yet another crop, we have the components in place for a national revolution. We have the knowledge, the emotion, the network, and the profound injustice. Now we need an action plan. Enter Alfalfa: Plan B.

It’s time to use our collective power to move the market directly. It’s time we let the food companies know that we have new healthier criteria if they want to keep us as customers. And front and center in those new criteria is to commit to no GM alfalfa in their supply chain (which is used as animal feed, particularly to dairy cows).

This is our moment! Send a letter to dozens of dairies and food companies simultaneously. Let them know how strong we feel and how MILLIONS strong we are. When they get the message about the coming non-GMO tipping point, they’ll realize it’s time to remove all GM ingredients, not just alfalfa.

Share this “click and send revolution” with your friends, shop using the Non-GMO Shopping Guide, and tell the food companies the truth about GMOs. And for those who want to do even more, you are invited to join a local or national Non-GMO Action Group, to expand our numbers even further!

Send a letter now!

Safe Eating,

Jeffrey

Support NY Dairy Farms. The Hudson Valley has lost 48% of it's dairy farms since 2002!

2011-03-03T22:45:00.002-05:00

GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCES PLAN TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO NEW YORK DAIRY FARMS

Solutions to Urgent Dairy Crisis Can’t Wait For 2012 Farm Bill Gillibrand Plan Would Make Dairy Pricing More Competitive for NY Producers, Prevent Cuts To MILC Program, Help Bolster NY’s Milk Exports, Improve Storage Reporting Standards and Trade Price StabilityCOUNTY-BY-COUNTY DATA: NYS Lost Nearly One-Quarter of All Dairy Farms From 2002 to 2007

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced a comprehensive plan to provide immediate support for New York’s dairy farmers who are facing an imminent crisis. After hearing from dairy farmers at six agricultural listening sessions across New York State in preparation for the 2012 Farm Bill, Senator Gillibrand concluded that farmers cannot wait for solutions, and that steps are needed now. The cornerstone of Senator Gillibrand’s plan is overhauling the milk pricing system with fair, competitive pricing for New York dairy producers, and making the opaque pricing system more transparent in an effort to fix a system where dairy farmers often pay more to produce their products than they make from selling them. Senator Gillibrand is also working to prevent looming cuts to the MILC program, bolster New York’s dairy exports, improve cold storage inventory reporting standards to stabilize dairy trading prices, and arm dairy farmers with more of the tools and information they need to thrive. “Our dairy farmers are facing a real crisis, and we simply cannot wait until the Farm Bill to find solutions. We need to address this crisis now,” Senator Gillibrand said. “New York is home to the hardest working farm families and the finest dairy products in the world, but outdated regulations, broken pricing structures and a bad economy are hurting our dairy farmers, and farming communities across the state. We need to act now to support New York’s dairy farms.”In the span of just five years, New York State lost 23 percent of its dairy farms. As of 2007, New York State is home to nearly 5,700 dairy farms, down from nearly 7,400 in 2002, according to the USDA. These county-by-county data reflect the most current data available. Since 2007, though, New York has lost even more dairy farms, with 5,400 dairy farms today.

· Western New York is home to more than 910 dairy farms as of 2007, down from nearly 1,170 in 2002, an average decrease of 20 percent.

· The Rochester/Finger Lakes Region is home to more than 830 dairy farms as of 2007, down from nearly 900 in 2002, an average decrease of 15 percent.

· Central New York is home to more than 1,240 dairy farms as of 2007, down from 1,635 in 2002, an average decrease of 23 percent.

· The Southern Tier is home to more than 850 dairy farms as of 2007, down from more than 1,100 in 2002, an average decrease of 24 percent.

· The Capital Region is home to nearly 640 dairy farms as of 2007, down from nearly 850 in 2002, an average decrease of 28 percent.

· The North Country is home to more than 1,050 dairy farms as of 2007, down from nearly 1,500 in 2002, an average decrease of 39 percent.

· he Hudson Valley is home to nearly 150 dairy farms as of 2007, down from more than 230 in 2002, an average decrease of 48 percent.

Senator Gillibrand’s Dairy Agenda
1. Prevent Cuts to MILC ProgramSenator Gillibrand is working to prevent cuts to MILC program that are set to take effect on September 2, 2012. The MILC program was designed to be a safety net when prices fall below $16.94 per hundredweight. However, because of the high costs of feed and fuel, dairy farmers are not even receiving enough income to cover the cost of staying in business. New York farmers have been forced to either take on massive debt to cover their costs or go out of business.Starting September 2012, the MILC reimbursement rate is set to decrease from 45 percent to 35 percent of the difference between the $16.94 trigger price and the actual Class 1 Boston price. Senator Gillibrand is working to prevent these cuts and preserve this vital safety net for New York producers.2. Increase Competitiveness of Dairy Pricing MeasuresSenator Gillibrand is urging the USDA to collect and publish data on alternative measures of dairy pricing, such as competitive pay pricing so that everyone can clearly see if this would be a better way to price milk. This idea has also been endorsed by Secretary Vilsack’s Dairy Industry Advisory Committee and the National Milk Producers Federation. Since it was adopted in 1996, the current system of end-product pricing has contributed to increased volatility in the prices farmers receive for their milk. A competitive pay pricing system would base the price of milk on a survey of prices paid to farmers for milk used in cheese production in a competitive market, which are counties with at least five different milk buyers. New York is one of only three states with competitive counties today. In noncompetitive areas, the existing Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) system would take effect, however base prices would be established by the competitive pay pricing system.A competitive pricing system would benefit New York because of our proximity to competitive markets, and would be a more transparent and direct way of pricing milk based on the actual prices that farmers receive.Senator Gillibrand is urging Secretary Vilsack to collect this data retroactively to allow the comparison of prices derived under this system to end-product pricing, and determine a thorough, informed decision about the best path forward.3. Reduce Somatic Cell CountsTo improve America’s milk quality and bolster New York’s dairy exports, Senator Gillibrand is leading the effort to limit somatic cell counts (SCC) – the most basic measure of milk quality – from the current standard of 750,000 cells/ml down to 400,000 cells/ml. Lowering the SCC limit can benefit both producers and consumers. Milk with low SCC has a longer shelf life, better taste, and greater cheese yield. Studies have shown that for every doubling of somatic cell counts in a herd, milk production drops by 400 pounds per cow per lactation. Many cooperatives already provide incentives for farmers to produce milk under the legal SCC limit, and for the last 7 years the national average SCC count has declined. In 2008, the average SCC in the U.S. was 262,000 cells/ml, far below the legal limit of 750,000 cells/ml. 4. Require Cold Storage Inventory ReportingInventories of certain types of classified cheeses have the ability to significantly influence trading activity on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. However, cold storage facilities are currently not required to report their inventories of dairy products to the USDA Natural Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), and only do so on a voluntary basis, creating an environment of volatility and uncertainty for dairy trading. In fact, by February of 2009, the low point of the dairy crisis, NASS reported that Cold Storage Inventories had been inflated by approximately 9 percent. Senator Gillibrand is introducing legislation that would make reporting to the NASS Cold Storage Report mandatory, and give the USDA the authority to audit warehouse inventories to help bring more stability to dairy trading prices. 5. Increase Transparency and Information for Dairy FarmersTo provide more transparency into dairy cooperatives and arm dairy farmers with more of the information they need to thrive, Senator Gillibrand is introducing the Democracy for Dairy Producers Act. The legislation would require dairy cooperatives that engage in bloc voting to provide their member farmers with written notices when votes occur that provide the following information:
Procedures by which a producer may cast an individual ballot;
· Contact information for the milk marketing order information clearinghouse;
· Point of contact within the cooperative to provide members with information about upcoming bloc voting
The bill also requires each milk marketing order to establish an information clearinghouse to provide information regarding any proposed milk marketing order reforms. This information is required to be published on a website and distributed to producers through a fax list, email distribution list, or U.S. mail list, at the discretion of individual producers. Clearinghouses would be required to provide:
· Information on procedures by which a producer may cast an individual ballot;
· Due dates for each specific referendum;
· The text of each referendum question under consideration;
· A description in plain language of the question and relevant background information

No Farms No Food Rally and Lobby Day

2011-03-03T22:44:00.000-05:00

More than ever before, we need your help to tell our state leaders why they have to invest in New York’s farms, food and agricultural land. On Wednesday, March 30, we will hold our second annual No Farms No Food® Rally & Lobby Day at the State Capitol in Albany, New York.

This is a critical opportunity to join farmers, food advocates, local officials, environmentalists and others from across the state to meet with legislators about the critical importance of farms and food to New York State’s economy and food security.
Last year, more than 140 individuals and 70 supporting organizations joined forces to share the No Farms No Food® message with New York state legislators. Register now for this year’s rally and join us in demonstrating the critical need for state funding and legislation to support a strong farm and food economy, and a healthy environment. You can also hear me discuss the upcoming rally and lobby day on Heritage Radio’s program, The Farm Report.
We hope you will join us on March 30 to spread the No Farms No Food® message!
Sincerely,

David HaightNew York DirectorAmerican Farmland Trust

Hold the Date!

2011-02-15T14:28:00.004-05:00

Hold the Date! May 4th is the next Slow Food Hudson Valley event. Details forthcoming.

Slow Food Hudson Valley Olive Oil Dinner featuring the Olive Oil of Lorenzo Caponetti of Toscania, Italy

2011-01-10T08:51:00.000-05:00

Date and Time: Friday, January 21st at 7:00 PM
Location: The Pines Inn in Pine Plains, NY
Price: $35 per person
Food: 10 Small Plates including dessert using local food producers and
Lorenzo’s olive oil
Beverages: Refreshments will be made available along with a cash bar with
local wine.
Reservations: There are a limited number of spaces and payment in full must
be made in order to guarantee your reservation.

Please make a check out to Slow Food Hudson Valley and send it to:
Rich Vergili
34 Denver Road
Kingston, NY – 12401
Submit an email address or phone number so that we can confirm that your payment has been received.

The small plates will be prepared by students from the Slow Food chapter at the Culinary Institute of America along with a chef, a former chef instructor and other graduates from the Institute.
Many of the farmers, food artisans and their representatives will be at the dinner including the following: Northwind Farms, A Moveable Beast, the Wild Hive Bakery, Ronnybrook Farm, the Sugar Hill Farm and Fleisher's Meats as well as Lorenzo.

Don't forget that the reservations are limited and must be paid in full prior to the event to guarantee your reservation.

Two Great Olive Oil Dinners in Westchester

2011-01-09T19:35:00.000-05:00

Please consider these events from the Slow Food Westchester chaper:

Two fabulous dinner events featuring friend Lorenzo Caponetti, of Casa Caponetti in Tuscania, Italy:
Wednesday, January 12th, at Bedford Post Inn, Bedford NY, at 7pm ($85 for dinner, plus an optional $65 for a paired wine tasting)
Thursday, January 13th, at Morello Italian Bistro, Greenwich CT, at 7pm ($50 for dinner, plus an optional $20 for a paired wine tasting)
Each of these dinners is a little different — brief descriptions and RSVP information are below — but both feature the extraordinary organic olive oil produced on Lorenzo's farm.

BEDFORD POST — JANUARY 12TH, 7PM
A four-course, beginning-to-end seasonal menu, plus an amuse and dessert, prepared for you by Executive Chef Jeremy McMillen, in an intimate setting.
$85 for dinner; an optional $65 Italian regional wine paring.
Call 914-263-3807 to reach Events Manager Elisa, and be sure to mention the "Slow Food/Lorenzo Caponetti" dinner

MORELLO ITALIAN BISTRO — JANUARY 13TH, 7PM
A four-course dinner prepared for you by Executive Chef Mark Medina-Rios.
$50 for dinner; an optional $20 wine pairing.
Call 203-661-3443 to make your reservation, and be sure to mention the "Slow Food/Lorenzo Caponetti" dinner

————————————————————————————————————————

Want to know just what you'll be eating at these delicious events? Visit the Slow Food Westchester website for the full menus!
Want to know more about Lorenzo Caponetti and his olive oil? Visit the Casa Caponetti website and see the beautiful pictures of the farm!

See you next week —

Your friends at Slow Food Westchester/Lower Hudson Valley

___________________________________
Find us at: http://slowfoodwestchester.org
Follow us at: twitter.com/SlowFoodWchstr

Free tour of the Farm to Table Co-Packers in Kingston

2011-01-09T19:07:00.000-05:00

What: A tour of the Farm to Table Co-Packers in Kingston (with optional meal to follow at a local Kingston restaurant)

Where: 300 Enterprise Drive, Tech City, Suite 750, Kingston NY, 12401

When: Friday January 28th at 1 pm.

Cost: The tour is free but you must RSVP. The optional meal to follow will be at your own expense.

Space is limited, to RSVP email info@slowfoodhv.org or call Dina at 845-687-8938.

Description: Come on a tour of the Farm to Table Co-Packers in Kingston. Check out this new facility, run by Jim Hyland and Luc Roels, designed to make significant contributions to the sustainability of agriculture in the Mid Hudson valley. Lets go see what its all about. To RSVP email info@slowfoodhv.org or call Dina 845-687-8938.

How are the Cows?

2010-04-28T21:33:00.001-04:00

We at Movable Beast Farm raise grass fed and finished beef here in the Hudson Valley. Our philosophy of pasture management and animal care is interesting but I find that most people who know us are more curioius about how the cows are and what they are doing at any particular time of the year. So...

The cows (and the steer and the calves) are always wonderful to behold but especially in the Spring when they are back out on pasture and happily grazing. A few weeks ago four one-year- olds decided they had enough of winter hay and baleage and were going to eat some grass that was tempting them in the neighbor's field on the other side of the fence. For three days in a row they managed to get there. Each time my husband Charles herded them back and walked the fenceline trying to find out how they were doing it but he finally gave up and, in order to keep them out of the neighbor's, he just let the whole herd out on one of our own paddocks before the grass was really strong enough. Of course they loved the new Spring shoots and were quite content after gorging themselves. He moved them along fairly quickly from paddock to paddock so as to stress the grass as little as possible.

One day he was late to move them and they had already eaten everything they could. As we arrived at the herd every head turned towards us and soon a loud mooing, begun by one, was taken up by many complaining about the delay. Many, but not all. There was one animal who was not concerned with our wherabouts or our ability to open the fence for him. He was very slowly and determinedly stepping between two of the plastic "Equine Lines" of the four strand fence. The lines looked tense enough but as he pressed his leg against one we saw it give and he just persevered first with one leg, then another, then his head and finally the 2 hind legs. Ah, to have had a video camera! No one would believe such a large animal could get through such a small opening in such a delicate manner.

So... that's how they are. Like the rest of us, enjoying the Spring and looking for the greenest grass.

Act now to stop Monsanto and Genetically Engineered Alfalfa

2010-02-13T18:21:00.001-05:00

The USDA just released its draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on GE alfalfa and now is our chance to demand that the USDA protect organic food from GE contamination. In the EIS, the USDA claims that their is no evidence that consumers care about the GE contamination of organic alfalfa. But it's not just alfalfa that is at risk since alfalfa is fed to dairy cows and other livestock. Organic dairy and meat products that you eat could be affected, too.

The links below are sites that will facilitate the process of letting the USDA know that you care. They have letter templates and addresses for easy use. Please go to any one of these links to get the rest of the story, but most importantly, you need to act now. We only have until February 16 to get our comments in.

FoodandWaterWatch.org

CenterforFoodSafety.org

OrganicConsumers.org

Olive Oil Dinner and Tasting at Gigi Market

2010-02-03T23:08:00.001-05:00

Slow Food Hudson Valley collaborated with a new partner this year — Laura Pensiero creator of Gigi Hudson Valley. A company that supports local farmers and their products at Gigi Trattoria in Rhinebeck and in nearby Red Hook at Gigi Market and Café. Her team of chefs incorporated Lorenzo Capanetti's olive oil in every one of the courses served on the evening of January 22. Over 50 people filled the market/cafe space enjoying hors d'oeuvres,wines, a family style dinner and dessert. Lorenzo had an opportunity to share the art and science of olive growing/processing. Guests were invited to savor a tasting of his olive oil-pure and simple.

Laura is a most generous and gracious host each guest received a copy of her cookbook "Hudson Valley Mediterranean." Recipes for the Winter Vegetable Mash with Parmigiano Reggiano,Herb Spaetzle and Rosemary Wine Cake from the menu are included. The book highlights local farmers and offers additional information on seasonal variations,cost and nutritional values. A great read and celebration of the bounty of the Hudson Valley. She also lists under sustainable agriculture networks Slow Food and our very own chapter.

SlowFood Hudson Valley Blog

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For Course Updates,

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The internet buzz about

Carbon Farming

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Workshops

From Our Blog

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REGISTER NOW!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO VOLUNTEER? CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.

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Building an Earthen Oven

An Overnight Gypsy Camp

About Jim Luckner

Program Information

Register Now for Earthen Oven Intensive

Additional Questions and Information

Whole Earth - Local Earth

Kallari Chocolate Tasting and Presentation

Whole Earth - Local Earth event still open

Support NY Dairy Farms. The Hudson Valley has lost 48% of it's dairy farms since 2002!

No Farms No Food Rally and Lobby Day

Hold the Date!

Slow Food Hudson Valley Olive Oil Dinner featuring the Olive Oil of Lorenzo Caponetti of Toscania, Italy

Two Great Olive Oil Dinners in Westchester

Free tour of the Farm to Table Co-Packers in Kingston

How are the Cows?

Act now to stop Monsanto and Genetically Engineered Alfalfa

Olive Oil Dinner and Tasting at Gigi Market