AOSA DIGEST

AOSA NETWORK (76520.1734@compuserve.com)
26 Sep 93 14:48:32 EDT

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REDISTRIBUTION OF THIS NEWSLETTER IN ANY FORM IS ENCOURAGED!!!@
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WE WELCOME NEWS ITEMS APPROPRIATE TO OUR VISION AND MISSION!!!@
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<<<<<<<<<<<< AOSA NETWORK ELECTRONIC DIGEST >>>>>>>>>>>>@
v.4 n.3 Compuserve E-mail ID# 76520,1734 Autumn 1993@
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OUR VISION:@
"Farmers are successful economically, environmentally, socially, and
politically. Rural communities are revitalized; providers and users are on an
equal basis."@
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OUR MISSION:@
"The AOSA Network links farmers, consumers and organizations to encourage
farming practices that are economically, environmentally, and socially
sustainable."@
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AOSA NETWORK BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR THE FIRST WEEK
IN OCTOBER --- CONTACT JIM LUKENS 501.442.9824 FOR DETAILS
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<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< IN THIS EDITION >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>@
AOSA NETWORK NEWS:@
* Options & Opportunities: New Farmer/Rancher Group .... 2@
* "Growing Your Business" (membership meeting report) .. 2 & 3@
* Plans for Annual Meeting Continue to Evolve .......... 3@
* Southern SAWG Membership Strongly Encouraged ......... 3@
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RESOURCE DIRECTORY:@
* Biotechnology Working Group .......................... 4@
* Janus Farms Institute ................................ 4@
* FERN & Yankee ........................................ 4@
* American Botanist Bookseller ......................... 4@
* EarthKeeper Magazine ................................. 4@
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ANNOUNCEMENTS:@
* YOU on T.V.!!! ....................................... 5@
* Where Fantasy Meets Reality ......................... 5@
* Zero Population Growth ............................... 5@
* Herbal Food Supplements .............................. 5@
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS ......................................... 5, 6, 7@
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PUBLICATION INFORMATION ...................................... 7@
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<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< AOSA NETWORK NEWS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>@
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OPTIONS & OPPORTUNITIES FOR MUTUAL SUPPORT: New farmer/rancher group is formed
and makes plans for the future.@
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As a result of organizing and outreach activities facilitated by The Network
(see AOSA Digest, Summer 1993), a new Arkansas farmer/rancher group was
inaugurated early in June and its leadership team subsequently met in July to
determine the group's Mission and Goals.@
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Much of this leadership meeting was devoted to defining the purpose for the new
organization: What makes this group different from others already in existence?
What purpose is this new group to serve? How is this purpose to be fulfilled?@
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A key focus of all this discussion was the decision making process. The team
acknowledged that "how decisions are made" is as important as "what is decided."
It was formally determined to make decisions through a win/win consensus
approach and conduct meetings in a manner which supports unity, breeds mutual
respect, examples open communication, empowers equity and fairness, builds
participation, and nurtures a sense of value and worth.@
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The goals of the fledgling endeavor are to promote effective farmer/rancher
networking which provides reliable, practical, information about viable farm &
ranch practices, and to inform and influence public policy makers and the
general public about their role in the health and well-being of economically
sustainable and environmentally friendly farming and ranching.@
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The next meeting of the new group's leadership team is tentatively scheduled for
the first week in October. Plans for a state-wide meeting and other outreach
activities are to be discussed. For more information, contact Jim Lukens at
501-442-9824 (daytime) or 501-443-9388 (evening).@
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GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: AOSA NETWORK CONFERENCE & OPEN HOUSE@
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The AOSA Network's Mid-summer Membership Meeting was held Saturday, June 5, 1993
at the Tyler Bend Pavilion of the Buffalo National River Recreation Area in
northern Arkansas. The out-of-doors gathering, titled "Growing Your Business,"
combined a family-style picnic atmosphere with three specialized information
sharing sessions.@
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George M. Dawson, author of "Borrowing For Your Business," gave a key-note
presentation on "Financing Growth." Next came an open forum "Smorgasbord of
Resource and Information" where representatives from The Kerr Center for
Sustainable Agriculture, ATTRA, the Agri-Economics Department of the University
of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Winrock International, the Arkansas State Sheep
Council, Ames' Orchard & Nursery, Reynolds' Fluorescent Lighting Campaign, the
Ozark Area Community Congress, The Arkansas Contract Poultry Growers
Association, The Rodale Institute, and a dozen others shared information about
environmental, economic, and community development topics.(continued on page 3)@
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(continued from page 2)@
Concluding the day, a decision-making workshop, titled "Options and
Opportunities For Mutual Support," was facilitated by Laura Callan of Heifer
Project International and resulted in the formation of a new Arkansas
farmer/rancher group (see page ???, "Options & Opportunities," for details).@
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A good time and a great meal was had by all who attended. Much thanks is offered
to everyone who contributed to this day of education, relaxation, and progress!@
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PLANS FOR ANNUAL MEETING CONTINUE TO EVOLVE@
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Several strategies are being considered for the AOSA Network Primary Business
Meeting and Annual Election of Officers. Held during the month of November for
the last several years, there has been strong support for a suggestion to hold
the next meeting early in 1994.@
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The biggest consideration effecting this decision involves the Network's ongoing
conversations with representatives of the Cooperative Extension Service
regarding the possibility of dovetailing coordinating activities for a proposed
Arkansas sustainable agricultural conference with the Network's annual meeting.
In this interest, Fee Busby and Jim Lukens have been in communication with Mike
French and Mazo Price to discover if and how these independent activities can be
aligned to benefit everyone.@
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Another important consideration involves the Network's desire to support the
development of an open process to elect state representatives to the Southern
Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (SAWG) Steering Committee. It is hoped
that plans for the Network's Annual Meeting will include a caucus of Arkansas
and Oklahoma Southern SAWG Members to create and enact this election process.@
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If you have questions about or suggestions for the AOSA Network Primary Business
Meeting, contact Fee Busby at (daytime) 501-727-5435 or (evening) 501-329-0901.@

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NETWORK STRONGLY ENCOURAGES SOUTHERN SAWG MEMBERSHIP@
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The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (SAWG) links diverse
agricultural, community development, and environmental organizations from 13
states to influence federal policy and secure funding for local sustainable-ag
research and development projects.@
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In support of this grassroots networking and empowerment endeavour, The Network
strongly encourages Arkansas and Oklahoma groups to join with the Southern SAWG
and make your voice heard. Southern SAWG activities are coordinated by a
Steering Committee, composed of one elected representative from each of 13
states. Plans are being formulated to elect Steering Committee representatives
from both Arkansas and Oklahoma. The Third Annual Membership Meeting is
scheduled for January of 1994 (see page 7). For detailed information contact
Janet Bachmann at 501- 443-9388 or Michael Sleigh at 803-297-6562.@
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<<<<<<<<<<<<<< RESOURCE DIRECTORY >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>@
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THE BIOTECHNOLOGY WORKING GROUP (BWG), a project of the Tides Foundation, is a
network of 35 public interest groups who work on biotechnology-related issues in
agriculture, environment, consumer, labor and public health fields. BWG goals
are to increase citizens' awareness of biotechnology issues, strengthen the
influence of the public on biotechnology development, and promote accountability
in the application of biotechnology through sound government regulation.@
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To enable those interested in enacting legislation regarding the regulation of
genetically engineered organisms, the BWG has published "In Our Back Yard: A
common-sense guide for citizens and policy-makers," which is available for $5.00
from Minnesota Food Association, 2395 University Ave, Room 309, St. Paul, MN
55114.@
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JANUS FARMS INSTITUTE (JFI): "Learning to Grow...Growing to Learn" about small
farm efficiency, productivity, and profitability -and- WWOOF (say what?) are two
of the programs sponsored by JFI. With a focus on cultivating self-sustaining
women from the rural low-income population and matching young people who desire
farming experience with organic farmers via a project titled "Willing Workers On
Organic Farms" (WWOOF), JFI also facilitates garden workshops, hosts harvest
celebrations, and publishes a newsletter. Contact: JFI, Rt 3 Bx 494, Siler City,
NC 27344; 919-742-4672.@
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FOREST ECOSYSTEM RESCUE NETWORK (FERN) coordinates two volunteer programs: "Fate
of Our Forests" proposes to coordinate simultaneous worldwide conferences on
local strategies for sustainable forest utilization -and- "Tree Bank" which
encourages the planting of at-risk species in relatively unpopulated areas. A
connected organization, YANKEE PERMACULTURE, facilitates Elfin Permaculture
Design courses, publishes The International Permaculture Solutions Journal and
The Robin newsletter, and offers a variety of moderately priced information
sheets, papers, and pamphlets on edible landscaping, personal action, tree
crops, and sustainability. Contact FERN or Yankee Permaculture at: POBox 672,
Daholnega, GA 30533-0672.@
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THE AMERICAN BOTANIST Bookseller offers a free catalog of previously owned
volumes on agriculture, olericulture, greenhouses, herbs, and history. Catalogue
#30 offered such titles as a 1911 volume of "Corn: Growing, Judging, Breeding,
Feeding, and Marketing" ($40); a 1923 publication of "Field Notes on Lettuce"
($45); and a 1948 copy of "Yankee Science in the Making" ($20). Contact: Keith
Crots at (309) 274-5254, POBox 532, Chillicothe, IL 61523.@
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EARTH KEEPER Magazine is about "Rediscovering Ancient Wisdom & Art." Aimed to
preserve the cultural beauty, ceremonies, spirituality, simple living practices,
primitive skills of "all those willing to share," subscription for 4 quarterly
issues is $14.00. Contact: EarthKeeper, POBox 242, Whittier, NC 28789-0242.@
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<<<<<<<<<<<<<< ANNOUNCEMENTS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>@
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IS THAT YOU ON T.V.!!!??? "The Golden Harvest" is a five-part film documentary
in-the-making that plans to look at the history, culture, philosophy, economics,
markets, environmental and health impact, and policy concerns of the worldwide
sustainable agriculture movement.@
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The producers of this documentary are looking to you to find responsible
projects and compelling personal stories to include in the series. The
participation of women in agriculture will be a continuing theme throughout the
documentary.@
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If you have a personal story or know of a project which may be suitable for this
production, please send details to: Premille Dixit, Associate Producer, "The
Golden Harvest," c/o Ms. Elisabeth Beaird, 1201 Judah, San Francisco, CA 94122.@
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"WHERE FANTASY MEETS REALITY," published by the Soil and Water Conservation
Society (SWCS), is a series of environmentally friendly instructional materials
designed for student ages 9 to 11 years. A set of seven booklets and teacher's
guides explore themes such as improving our environment, creating a liveable
land, wildlife, and food. Cost is 50 cents per booklet with substantial
discounts for quantity purchases. A sample selection of materials is available
for $2.50. Contact: SWCS, 7515 Northeast Ankeny Rd., Ankeny, IA 50021- 9764;
PHONE TOLL FREE 800-THE-SOIL.@
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ZERO POPULATION GROWTH (ZPG), Inc. invites you to request a FREE issue of their
newsletter. ZPG is a national non-profit membership organization that works to
achieve a sustainable balance of population, resources, and the environment,
both in the United States and worldwide. They offer several books, fact sheets,
and a newsletter. Topics range from children's stress and foreign aid to teen
pregnancy and media, family planning, and sustainable agriculture. Contact: ZPG,
Suite 320, 1400 Sixteenth St. NW, Washington, DC 20077-6640.@
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HERBAL FOOD SUPPLEMENTS have been much in the news with proposed federal
legislation to control and restrict their sale. For in-depth information on this
subject, contact: National Nutritional Foods Association at 800-966-6632, or
Citizens For Health at 800-357-2211.@
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<<<<<<<<<<<<<< CALENDAR OF EVENTS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>@
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HERB HARVEST, October 1 thru 3, Mountain View, Arkansas. Seminars, workshops,
craft vendors, and special herbal menus. Registration fees range from $20 for
one day to $52.50 for all three. Contact: Ozark Folk Center, POBox 500, Mountain
View, AR 72560; 501-269-3851.@
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THE FOURTEENTH ANNUAL OZARK AREA COMMUNITY CONGRESS (OACC XIV), October 1 thru
3, Fox, Arkansas. "This weekend is a joyous, fun-filled celebration for all
ages. Campfires, talent shows, games, and great
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food..." Registration fee of $30 per person or $50 per couple plus $10 per child
over 5 years of age includes meals, accommodations and activities from noon
Friday to 5pm Sunday. Contact: OACC, Box 3 Brixey, MO 65618; 417-679-4773.@
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ECO EXPO and Green Business Conference, October 1 thru 3, Boston, Massachusetts.
A soup-to-nuts exhibition of "the world's foremost environmental companies."
Over 120 exhibitors. Contact: (818) 906-2700.
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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAMS, First Annual
Conference, October 7 thru 9, Baltimore, Maryland. Registration fee of $75
includes all sessions, several meals, a reception, and a market tour. Contact:
NAFMNP, 509 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford, CT 06114; 203-296-9325.@
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SORGHUM COOKING DAYS, October 9 & 10, Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Watch or work with
stripping, cutting and squeezing sorghum cane using horse-drawn mill... FREE!
Contact: Jim Combe, RR2 Box 693, Keota, OK 74941; 918-966-3282 or 918-966-3396.@
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GOAT FIBER PRODUCTION, PROCESSING, & MARKETING, National Symposium, October 14
thru 17, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Contact Thian Hor Teh. POBox 730, Langston
University, Langston, OK 73050; 405-466-3836.@
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AUTUMN IN THE OZARKS, October 16 & 17, Fox, Arkansas. Workshops, entertainment
and activities include information about energy efficiency at home, small scale
organic gardening, low maintenance landscaping, hikes, folk dancing,
storytelling, and more. Registration fee of $75 per person or $140 per couple
includes choice of two workshops, several meals, and lodging for one night.
Contact: Meadowcreek, POBox 100, Fox, AR 72051; 501-363-4500.
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PERMACULTURE TRAINING COURSE, October 22 thru November 5, Siler City, North
Carolina. Special focus on design strategies for the Piedmont bioregion and the
Southeast. $650 per person includes tuition, room & board, materials and
handouts. Contact: Janus Farms Institute, (919) 742-4672.@
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SMALL FARM TODAY SEMINAR & TRADE SHOW, November 5, 6, & 7, Columbia, Missouri.
"The largest collection of small farm speakers, demonstrations, products, and
services ever held in the Midwest." Sponsored by "Small Farm Today" magazine.
Contact: Small Farm Today, 3903 W. Ridge Trail, Clark, MO 65243; 800-633-2535.@
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SHITAKE MUSHROOM WORKSHOP, November 6, Poteau, Oklahoma. Information on
production and marketing. $35 per person or $50 per couple. Advance registration
required. Contact: Laura Ervin, KCSA, POBox 588, Poteau, OK 74953;
918-647-9123.@
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COLD FRAME WORKSHOP, November 13, Purcell, Oklahoma. Facilitated by Ed Kessler,
10am to 3pm. Contact Janet Bachmann, 501-443-9388.@
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ARKANSAS STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, 114th Annual Meeting, November 17 & 18,
Fort Smith, Arkansas. "Health and Horticulture" video theatre, educational
talks, 4-H activities, commercial exhibitors, general session and special
sustainable-ag section. Contact: Don Marcus, 501-675-3834, or Janet Bachmann,
501-443-9388.@
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KERR CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE OPEN HOUSE, December 8, Poteau,
Oklahoma. Pictorial displays, hands-on demonstrations, and socializing. Contact:
Laura Ervin, KCSA, POBox 588, Poteau, OK 74953; 918-647-9123.@
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OKLAHOMA HORTICULTURE INDUSTRIES SHOW, January 7 & 8, 1994, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Presentations on a variety of agricultural topics. Contact: Laura Ervin, KCSA,
POBox 588, Poteau, OK 74953; 918-647-9123.
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SOUTHERN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE WORKING GROUP (SAWG), Annual Meeting, January
22 & 23, Austin, Texas. For detailed information, contact Janet Bachmann at
501-443-9388 or Michael Sleigh at 803-297-6562.@
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<<<<<<<<<<<<< PUBLICATION INFORMATION >>>>>>>>>>>>>>@
The AOSA Digest is published quarterly by The Arkansas Oklahoma Sustainable
Agriculture (AOSA) Network, an unincorporated, member directed, voluntary
association of organizational representatives, individuals and constituency
groups who support the Vision and Mission statements published at the beginning
of this document. For more information contact:@
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* Jim Lukens, Chair, c/o ATTRA, POBox 3657, Fayetteville, AR 72701@
* Luane Schroeder, Past-Chair, POBox 125, Dogpatch, AR 72648@
* Larry Williams, Vice-Chair, Rt.1 Bx. 51, Bee Branch, AR 72013@
* Christine Weiss, Secretary/Treasurer, POBox 211, Shirley, AR 72153@
* Fee Busby, Director, c/o Winrock, Rt 3 Box 376, Morrilton, AR 72110@
* Keith Patterson, Director, 316 Plant Sci. Bldg., Fytvle, AR 72701@
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The opinions expressed and projects or products reported in this publication are
NOT necessarily supported or endorsed by the whole of our membership. Our
unifying links with each other are respect for individual uniqueness and
celebration of organized diversity.@
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Reproduction of this publication, both electronically and in hard- copy, is
encouraged and appreciated. We publish this newsletter with KindWords on an
Amiga 500, 1 meg RAM. Thanks!!!!!@
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