Farming in Maine a growing business
Portland Press Herald - 2/6/2009.More people are farming in Maine – often on smaller specialty farms – as the state's agricultural community works to meet the surge in demand for locally grown produce, dairy and meats. The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its latest five-year census this week, showing that the number of farms in Maine increased by 13 percent, to 8,136, from 2002 to 2007, compared with a 4 percent increase nationwide. |
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Study: contaminant-caused diseases costly
Portland Press Herald - 2/6/2009.Childhood diseases caused by exposure to lead, air pollution and other contaminants cost an estimated $380.9 million each year in Maine, according to study to be released today by a University of Maine researcher. The report is believed to be the first to place a price on childhood environmental health in Maine, and it comes as the state is working to reduce lead poisonings and regulate hazardous chemicals in children's products. |
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Growing points: for celery-impaired, try celeriac
Village Soup - 2/6/2009.If you’ve had trouble growing good celery, maybe celeriac is the vegetable for you. This biennial, Apium graveolens var. rapaceum, is somewhat easier to grow than its fussier relative, celery; its edible part – a fleshy rootstock – adds a celery-like taste to plenty of dishes; and it lasts a long time in storage — just what we need for a Maine winter. |
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