As milk prices tank, farmers fight over parity
Kennebec Journal - 2/23/2009.Editorial – The phrase "dairy farming" is rarely heard without the accompanying word "crisis." For decades, the country's dairy industry has lurched from one economic emergency to another. There are a number of reasons for this. |
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Chicken coup?
Bangor Daily News - 2/23/2009. By Julia Bayly – Fort Kent, Maine – The city of Portland and I appear to have at least one thing in common – we both draw the line at roosters. Maine’s largest city recently passed an ordinance allowing residents to raise small flocks of backyard chickens within city limits. Hens only, no roosters allowed. Among the reasons given for allowing the backyard flocks were access to homegrown food and saving food costs in this time of recession. Saving food costs? |
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Maine co-ops fill need financially and socially
Portland Press Herald - 2/22/2009.By Ann S. Kim – These days, Local Sprouts – a fledgling Portland-based cooperative – is cooking up a regular stream of meals for its members and providing catering services for nonprofit organizations and others holding events. The people behind the cooperative envision a time when it will provide locally produced foods to more people, operate a community-supported cafe and provide a greater source of income to its worker-owners. |
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Severe drought adds to hardships in California
New York Times - 2/22/2009.By Jesse McKinley – Mendota, Calif. – The country’s biggest agricultural engine, California’s sprawling Central Valley, is being battered by the recession like farmland most everywhere. But in an unlucky strike of nature, the downturn is being deepened by a severe drought that threatens to drive up joblessness, increase food prices and cripple farms and towns. |
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