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Environmental Work
Group Meeting Notes
May 20 , 2007
Strawbale house, Pine Lake
The meeting began at about 7:00pm after a very enjoyable potluck dinner.
In attendance: Annie Avery, Colleen Blacklock, Dan Blacklock, Peter Blue, Martha Clarvoe, Mark Davies, Dave Dutton, Dave Grodsky, Jeff Hehl , Dave Hutchison, Amy Kenyon, Paddy Lane, Ed Lentz, Vicky Lentz, Carol Marner, Gene Marner, John Miglietta, Kate O’Donnell, Susan O'Handley, Alice Richardson, Joe Richardson, Sonia Sola, Kathy Shimberg, Denise Warren, Jennie Williams
Remarks by local farmers, Denise, Amy, Dave, and Sonia, included (in no particular order):
1. land prices are very high making it difficult to start new farms or to expand existing farms;
2. the local distribution network is not well-developed;
3. there is little interest in farming among young people;
4. schools may be locked into multi-year contracts w/ vendors that bring food in from outside the area;
5. eating locally would help local farmers but requires a change in dietary habits;
6. winter greenhouse farming in this region will only produce greens;
7. there is a large variety of greens that we are not accustomed to eating;
8. the enjoyment of the taste of organically produced foods expressed by consumers is motivating;
9. it is very difficult to convince conventional farmers to innovate;
10. grain production and distribution is a potentially serious problem that is being overlooked;
11. farm animals have become dependent on modern grains;
12. it is important to make farming and gardening attractive to people, especially young people
Potential EWG Projects (from this and prior meetings) include (in no particular order):
1. Sponsor farm-to-school programs;
2. Educate students about PO/GW;
3. Sponsor a follow-up conference (or a series of conferences) to the Step It Up conference;
4. "Barn-raising" projects
5.
Support Oneonta's participation in the ICLEI Cities for Climate Protection Campaign;
6. Produce a local gardening almanac;
7. Sponsor a film series;
8. Develop bicycle paths;
9. Developing a cooperative commercial kitchen
Next Steps:
Ed to get info re Farm Catskill work groups to see if EWG can work w/ one or more of them
EWG to settle on specific projects to undertake and to organize work groups per project; (the number of projects will depend on interests and commitment)
EWG members are encouraged to exchange ideas by email (Ed to explore setting up listserv)
Next Meeting: June 24 (time, format, and venue TBA)
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