It's not exactly Slow Food Nation, but something interesting is happening on some Valley farms. Small farmers are getting attention from a lot of different directions, now including farm machinery manufacturers and dealers. Here's Dennis Pollock's story from earlier this week, and our editorial today.
There's a lot of potential on Valley farms that hasn't been tapped yet. More and more people are trying to find produce that's grown close to their homes. It's fresher, healthier, tastier and usually cheaper. That's a hard combination to beat.
Others are concerned about the environmental impacts of our food distribution system. One-fifth of the fuel burned in American vehicles is consumed to transport food. Most of that fuel is diesel, and that's the single biggest problem with our air here in the Valley.
Farmers' markets are growing in popularity, as they should. And farmers are learning how to be even more efficient with water and other resources, and about reducing the impact of their operations on our air quality. We all win.
This blog is full of generalities and really little information.How about who these "more and more people" are...demographics? And the always famous "others" concerned about the environmental issues.Who says it's healthier, cheaper,tastier, fresher and more wonderful? I like local produce but have heard no one talking about the things you propose.I think you're making it up. By the way...Some people are concerned about the amount of pollution emitted in regards to the home delivery of the Bee...Me and two other people I have talked to(Darryl and Pat).
The times' demand a more local approach to food, supermarkets will look very different very soon....sadly ironic; the supermarkets are throwing out more food than ever, (hopefully to the food kitchens that feed the hungry,) because it's so expensive they can't move it. I've had slow-food experiences and brother you can open alot of interesting wines in four or five hours.
I am one of the “more and more people” and the “others” that Russ refers to, and have gone to local farmers markets for years. Talking with local growers and consumers, I know people are more concerned than ever about how their food is grown and its impact on the environment. And, by the way, it is fresher, healthier, tastier and usually cheaper.
But don’t worry Brian; you can still get your pesticide-laden produce trucked all the way from South America at your local supermarket. Enjoy!
Swifty...Why do the times demand a more local approach to food? Sounds like you were in the same class as Russ.
"Are we ready..." Yeahp!
("High Noon" Gary Cooper)
Hey Brian,
The Fresno Bee should be commended for having a web site alternative (which is free) rather then paper delivered to the door.
If people are so concerned with home delivery they may choose not to have it.
Good to hear from you Rich.I too enjoy the Farmer's markets and road side stands but your blowing smoke if you think its healthier and cheaper.What can we base that on? Speculation?Remember that wise old judge up here I quoted? "If you don't know then you don't know".Do some research and get back to me. I just don't believe everything the Bee churns out.I hope others are as discerning.
I enjoy the farmers markets and rosd side stands even if they are not cheaper it helps the growers. As for home delivery it is still necessary because not everyone has or can afford internet service. Last year they started throwing it in the drive way and gutter to which I cancelled it because if I have to go hunt it down I can go to the store. I get it again now but on my porch where it should be. The pollution comes from not using young people on bikes like back in the day when I was a kid. They are all adults driving cars now. It used to be a way for kids to make a little money and learn some responsibility too.
Brian I do not believe you are communicating very well.
I am responding to your comment about the Fresno Bee.
You wrote: "By the way...Some people are concerned about the amount of pollution emitted in regards to the home delivery of the Bee...Me and two other people I have talked to(Darryl and Pat)."
My response to you after your First post is:
"Hey Brian,
The Fresno Bee should be commended for having a web site alternative (which is free) rather then paper delivered to the door.
If people are so concerned with home delivery they may choose not to have it."
I did not repond one way or the other on the subject of the topic "Farmers Markets" but had an issue with your post regarding the FRESNO BEE.
I suggest putting more focus on reading what people are posting in order for you to make a more focused response.
I am always interested in reading the ideas of Fresno's new age thinkers. They believe that they have ejected out of the fast food, fast polluting economy and are now outside, detached from all evil influences.
Unfortunately after they post here and the computer is cooling, they turn around to face the same world they left momentarily.
They don't realize that the human interest stories in newspapers and speciality magazines are written for folks who think just like they do, by writers who think like they do, but who are owned and financed inside the same green economy that the the rest of us exist in.
forgive me Bart, i read that post twice, it's over my head.
Sorry Rich...I mistook Whyne for you and your post had not appeared yet.Focus on this though. I discontinued the Bee (have since started again because they called begging,pay almost nothing for it,don't want Editorial staff on public assistance,etc...)but the same pollution spewing vehicle was blowing through our development at 4:30 am despite my cancellation to deliver to my neighbors.Good to hear from you Rich but the Bee's web site alternative is not reducing pollution sad to say.Focus Rich...Focus!
Brian,
It is called common sense.
I guess I have to spell it out.
Rather then people getting the paper delivered to the home, many are reading the Bee on the internet.
The ones that do not use the the hard copy, are contributing to a better environmnet i.e. less stop and go of the vehicles and/or less time of the vehicles on the road.
People who feel the Bee is contributing to pollution from delivered mail can help by discontinuing service.
Brian you are helping the environment by not having it delivered, thanks you.
Also, thanks to the Bee for letting us read for free, and giving many an opportunity to have a cleaner environment!
Rich...you're not focusing.I said I started up again for the various reasons listed and by no means is the delivery vehicle stopping.He's blowing through at excessive speed whether I get the paper or not(Evidence is the paper hitting the driveway and ending up in the planter after sliding across ending up slightly tattered).The paper is so thin anymore it's a wonder it has enough weight to reach the ground at that speed.So I guess no thanks are in order except from Bee employees who, because of me , can still afford to have their doughnuts.
Is breakfast fast food or slow food? We read the newspaper over breakfast. We do not take food into the computer room. Rather be un-green than try to get ants out of the computer.
When I read a post that does not make any sense to me, I don't read it twice.
By the way, there is always someone whining about specifics. Well, getting caught up in the minutiae of irrational thought is extremely tedious for some people. With others it just comes naturally. They are like little rain drops randomly falling into the cracks of everything, from inside each catchment they claim bold discovery. Unfortunately, instead of evaporating, some raindrops will linger in the shadows until the temperature drops. The crack is forced infinitesimally larger with each unfriendly freeze.
Brian whether or not you believe I am "focusing" or not is irrelevant.
It's not about you, think in broad terms, a delevery person still driving past your house hardly factors into the bigger picture.
I think that is the crux of the problem in society people think in "I" and "me" terms rather then broader terms.
well yeah Bart, but technically, i must point out that cracks shrink in the cold weather and expand in the summer. or did i miss an esoteric nuance?