AR/OK Sust. Agric. Digest

Jim Lukens (jiml@ncatfyv.uark.edu)
Wed, 26 Jan 1994 09:20:01 -0600 (CST)

@
REDISTRIBUTION OF THIS NEWSLETTER IN ANY FORM IS ENCOURAGED!!!@
@
WE WELCOME NEWS ITEMS APPROPRIATE TO OUR VISION AND MISSION!!!@
@
Electronic transfer notes for systems receiving in ASCII: You know you've
received in ASCII if the page on your screen looks like one, long, odd-looking
paragraph. To get a friendlier looking document, copy this file to your
word-processing or text editing program with margins set at 5-left / 75-right
and enter a carriage return after every @ symbol (except the previous
example).@
@
=====================================================================@
<<<<<<<<<<<< AOSA NETWORK ELECTRONIC DIGEST >>>>>>>>>>>>>@
Email c/o Jim Lukens: >INTERNET:jiml@ncatfyv.uark.edu @ v.4
n.4 Winter 1993-94@
=====================================================================@
@
OUR VISION:@
"Farmers are successful economically, environmentally, socially, and
politically. Rural communities are revitalized; providers and users are on an
equal basis."@
@
OUR MISSION:@
"The AOSA Network links farmers, consumers and organizations to encourage farming practices that are economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable."@
@
@
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< IN THIS EDITION >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>@
AOSA NETWORK NEWS:@
* Arkansas Progressive Farming Association ............. 2@
* OCIA Chapters Address Organic Certification Needs..... 2@
* AOSA Newsletter Subscriptions Due..................... 3@
* Southern SAWG Annual Membership Meeting............... 3@
* Biosphere Program Planned for Ozark Highlands ........ 3 & 4@
@
RESOURCE DIRECTORY:@
* Alternative Farming Systems Center ................... 4@
* CSA Database Planned ................................. 4@
* Ozark Regional Land Trust ............................ 4@
* Organic Market News .................................. 4@
@
ANNOUNCEMENTS:@
* FORGE Has $$$ to Loan ................................ 4 & 5@
* Soil Fertility Book Offered ......................... 5@
* Agri-Chemical Book Series Offered .................... 5@
* New Agromedicine Journal ............................. 5@
* Organic Farmer Magazine Ceases Publication ........... 5@
@
CALENDAR OF EVENTS .......................................... 5 & 6@
@
PUBLICATION INFORMATION ...................................... 6@
@
----------------------------------------------------@
<<<<< PLEASE RENEW YOUR AOSA DIGEST SUBSCRIPTION NOW >>>>>@
<<<<< see page 3 - thanks!!! >>>>>@
----------------------------------------------------@
@
---- page 1 ----@
=====================================================================@
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< AOSA NETWORK NEWS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>@
@
ARKANSAS PROGRESSIVE FARMING ASSOCIATION@
----------------------------------------@
As a result of organizing and outreach activities facilitated by The Network (see AOSA Digest, Summer 1993 & Autumn 1993), a new farmer/rancher group is growing in Arkansas.@
@
"We are a group of Arkansas farmers, ranchers, agri-researchers, Extensionists, and consumers who are working to help Arkansas farmers to farm more profitably, to better protect the Arkansas environment and provide healthier foodstuffs, to imporve the quality of life for their families, and to revitalize rural Arkansas communities," says Jim Lukens, one of the coordinators of the organizing activities.@
@
"We hope to accomplish this by promoting effective farmer and rancher networking, providing reliable, practical information to members, assisting members to influence public policy, helping farmers and ranchers achieve longterm viability, and conveying a progressive farming perspective to the general public and agricultural professionals," Lukens continues. "We hope that everyone interested in sustainability will come join our effort to strengthen the ties that bind Arkansas farmers and ranchers."@
@
The most recent meeting of the group was held January 15 in Conway. The next meeting is planned for late in February. Everyone with an interest in the health and well-being of agriculture is encouraged to contact Jim Lukens at (501) 442-9824 (daytime) or (501) 443-9388 (evening) for complete information.@
@
@
========================================================@
ATTENTION! EVERYONE INTERESTED IN ORGANIC CERTIFICATION!@
--------------------------------------------------------@
When the National Organic Production Program of the USDA goes into full swing some time this year, "organic" will become a legally defined term, to be used only by those who are certified by USDA accredited agents.@
@
To prepare for this inevitability, during December of 1993 and again in January 1994, meetings were held in Arkansas and Missouri to form Chapters of the Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA), "a farmer-based `grassroots' organization... which seeks to support all farmers with the technical knowledge, skill and organizational aids to develop workable crop management systems capable of supplying the growing market demand for organic food." OCIA operates the world's largest organic certificaiton program with 58 chapters and 2,700 farmer-members on over half a million certified acres.@
@
For information on the outcome of these meetings: in Arkansas contact David Haenn at (501) 434-5594; in Missouri contact John Brown at (314) 442-4746.@
@
@
<< IF YOU APPRECIATE THIS PUBLICATION, PLEASE SHARE AND SUPPORT IT >>@
@
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< THANKS A BUSHEL & A PECK!!! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>@
@
---- page 2 ----@
=========================================@
AOSA DIGEST SUBSCRIPTION RENEWALS NOW DUE@
-----------------------------------------@
This edition of the AOSA Digest completes the first cycle of our new publication format. As long-time readers are aware, significant changes were initiated with the number one issue of volume four, which went to press electronically and in hard-copy late in 1992. Now, as our Network newsletter enters its fifth year, we call on you --- our Readers --- to guide our endeavor to further refine our format and improve the quality of our service.@
@
Please take a minute to send us a note or give us a call and tell us what you want to see more (or less) of. Let us know if you receive our publication electronically or in hard-copy. Tell us what features are most beneficial. Work with us to make this newsletter work for you!@
@
And, if you value this publication please send in your $5.00 annual subscription fee now. The AOSA Digest is NOT currently supported by any form of grant (though we'd gladly receive one if you've got it to give!) and it is compiled with 100% volunteer service. The entire $5.00 subscription fee goes to covering publication and distribution costs. (Though we hope that some day there will actually be enough proceeds from paid subscriptions to fund some of the other work we do!)@
@
If you have questions about, suggestion for, and subscription payments, please address them to: AOSA Digest, POBox 211, Shirley, AR 72153; (501) 723-4322. THANKS!!!@
@
@
======================================================@
NETWORK MEMBERS TO ATTEND SOUTHERN SAWG ANNUAL MEETING@
------------------------------------------------------@
Several representatives of various sustainable agriculture organizations with linkages to the AOSA Network participated in the SOUTHERN SAWG (Sustainable Agriculture Working Group) Third Annual Membership Meeting and Conference, held in conjunction with ECO-FAIR TEXAS `94, January 21 thru 23 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas.@
@
In addition to the annual business meeting, the extensive program included a farm tour, a dialogue on the 1995 Farm Bill, and a variety of workshops on marketing, bio-control, consumer education, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), NAFTA, farmer success stories, organic certification standards, biodiversity, and more. For detailed information contact Janet Bachmann at (501) 443-9388, Keith Richards at (501) 521-7922, or Michael Sleigh at (803) 297-8562.@
@
======================================================@
BIOSPHERE RESERVE PROGRAM KICKS-OFF IN OZARK HIGHLANDS@
------------------------------------------------------@
Early in November (1993), a "Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Regional Conference" was held in Harrison, Arkansas. Sponsored by the Ozark Regional Land Trust (ORLT) and Winrock International, the overall initiative proposes "to study and promote sustainable resource use practices so that the reserve becomes a model for rural development compatible with conservation." (continued on page 4)@
@
@
---- page 3 ----@
(continued from page 3)@
According to materials published collaboratively by ORLT and the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, the Arkansas and Missouri Ozarks have been nominated for inclusion in this program which involves the identification of a "core area," an "area of managed use," and a "transition area." The materials go on to say that: "Minimally disturbed areas must be large enough to ensure maintenance of both species and genetic divesity over time. Biosphere reserves include human populations as key contributors and beneficiaries of reserve activities." For more information, contact Susan Murray, MAB Program Coordinator, (501) 324-9617 or (417) 358-5176.@
@
@
====================================================================@
<<<<<<<<<<<<<< RESOURCE DIRECTORY >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>@
@
ALTERNATIVE FARMING SYSTEMS INFORMATION CENTER National Agricultural Library offers an extensive list of publications and a series of videotaped "oral history interviews with leaders in sustainable agriculture." Request a "Quick Bibliography" and additional information by sending a self-addressefd, self-adhesive mailing label to AFSIC National Ag. Library, Room 111, 10301 Baltimore Blvd., Beltsville, MD 20705-2351.@
@
@
COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA) Database, available for public access via an 800-number, is in the works with nearly 400 entries in the U.S. and Canada along with numerous CSA-related resources. Contact Bio-Dynamic Farming & Gardening Association, POBox 550, Kimberton, PA 19442.@
@
@
OZARK REGIONAL LAND TRUST (ORLT) coordinates dozens of conservation projects throughout the Ozark region, including educational demonstrations and use designs which promote stewardship of resources and protection of agricultural land, watershed areas, river corridors, forests, wildlife habitat, scenic and recreational areas. Permanent stewardship is achieved by land acquisitions, cooperative management agreements, or conservation easements. Contact Gregg Gailbraith, ORLT, 427 S. Main St., Carthage, MO 64836.@
@
@
ORGANIC MARKET NEWS & INFORMATION SERIVCE (OMNIS) is a systematic price reporting service, published semi-monthly and available by subscription ($39.00 for 21 issues per year), which lists current wholesale prices for fresh organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs, comparison prices for conventional produce, and indications of over- and undersupply. Contact: Zabrae Valentine, The Committee for Sustainable Agriculture, 1231 11th Ave., Sacramento, CA 95818; (916) 446-1860.@
@
@
===================================================================@
<<<<<<<<<<<<<< ANNOUNCEMENTS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>@
FORGE (Financing Ozarks Rural Growth and Economy), an alternative banking and lending organization that combines economic and environmental principles, encourages loan applications from farmers,@
(continued on page 5)@
@
---- page 4 ----@
(continued from page 4)@
ranchers, and ag-related business folks who reside in the Arkansas, Missouri, or Oklahoma Ozarks and desire working capital to improve productivity and increase self-sustainability. Contact: Ed Mick, FORGE, POBox 4321, Fayetteville, AR 72702; (501) 443-7205.@
@
@
SOIL FERTILITY FOR ORGANIC FARMERS is a 24 page booklet by Eric & Beth Ardapple Kindberg that explores the basics of organic farming with point-by-point discussions on humus, water management, tillage, nitrogen, crop rotation, green manuer and more. Send $7.00 (postpaid) to Ozark Small Farm Viability Project, POBox 99, Mt. Judea, AR 72655.@
@
@
AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL BOOK SERIES is a set of 4 books ($19.50 each plus shipping and handling) which describe in detail the chemical structure, toxicity, registered usage, chemical formula, application directions, precautions, and other pertinent information of insecticides, herbicides, experimental compounds, fumigants, growth regulators, repellants, fungicides, and rodenticides used worldwide. For more information and a list of additional publications, contact: Thompson Publications, POBox 9335, Fresno, CA 93791.@
@
@
JOURNAL OF AGROMEDICINE is an "interface of human health and agriculture." The debut 1994 issue contains reviews, case histories, and research on such topics as insecticide allergy, chemical sensitivities, health costs and benefits of agri-fungicides, and nursing's role in agromedicine. For details and list of other publications contact: The Hawthorne Press, 10 Alice St., Binghamton, NY 13904-7981; phone toll free 800-342-9678.@
@
@
ORGANIC FARMER, The Digest of Sustainable Agriculture, ceases publication with the Winter 1994 issue and requests removal from all mailing and exchange lists. Contact Mary Deaett, Publisher, ORGANIC FARMER, 15 Barre St., Montpelier, VT 05602; (802) 223-7222.@
@
@
===================================================================@
<<<<<<<<<<<<<< CALENDAR OF EVENTS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>@
@
"BEYOND ORGANIC FARMING," February 5, Sinsinawa, Wisconsin. Contact Sinsinawa Mound Center, Sinsinawa, WI 53824; (608) 746-4411 -or- Ann Krush, Iowa's Organic Information Network, (515) 472-0112 and (515) 233-0019.@
@
"SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE: THE QUIET REVOLUTION," February 14-15, St. Paul, Minnesota. $50 registration by February 8. Contact Don Olson, (612) 625-9292 -or- Phil Larson, (612) 625-8200.@
@
ORGANIC GROWERS & BUYERS ASSOCIATION, Annual Meeting, "Re-Defining Quality," February 19, (Minnesota?). For location and program specifics, contact Hugo Skoppek at (612) 636-7922.@
@
RURAL RESTORATION CONFERENCE, February 20-22, Decatur, Illinois. Speakers and workshops. Registration by February 1: $100 single, $160 couple. Sponsored by: Adopt A Farm Family of America, Inc. toll-free at 800-472-4674.@
---- page 5 ----@
(Calendar, continued from page 5)@
@
NORTH AMERICAN DEER FARMERS ASSOCIATION, Annual Conference, March 3-6, New Orleans, Louisiana. Contact Barbara Ramey Fox, (301) 459-7708.@
@
3rd ANNUAL ORGANIC FARM FRESH TABLE TOP EXHIBITION, March 10, Anaheim Marriott Hotel, Anaheim, California. Contact: Natural Products Expo West, (303) 939-8440.@
@
@
===================================================================@
<<<<<<<<<<<<< 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:@
@
* Jim Lukens, Chair, c/o ATTRA, POBox 3657, Fayetteville, AR 72701@
* Luane Schroeder, Past-Chair, POBox 125, Dogpatch, AR 72648@
* 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@
@
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.@
@
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!!!!!@
@
@
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< page 6 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>@