Sustainability seems to be the new buzzword of late, much like 'organic' and 'green' have been for the past few years. Now that the term ‘sustainable agriculture’ can be heard all over the airwaves courtesy of a Monsanto ad that began running a few months ago, I thought it would be illuminating to review some definitions of sustainability, and what sustainable agriculture means to those who have been practicing it for millennia.
Sustainability is a term that was only coined 40-45 years ago in response to the challenges our civilization faced such as a burgeoning population, massive industrialization, and migration to the cities. But its roots go back thousands of years and can be found in the teachings of nearly every spiritual tradition.
The frog does not drink up the pond in which it lives.
--Native American proverb
In every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decision on the next seven generations.
~Great Law of the Haude no saunee (Iroquois Nation)
According to Judeo Christian teachings, God brought Adam to the Garden of Eden and said: “Behold my works! See how beautiful they are, how excellent! All that I have created for your sake did I create it. See to it that you do not corrupt and destroy my world; for if you do, there will be no one to repair it after you.
~ Ecclesiastes Rabba7.13
There is no one best definition of sustainability. Each one has its own essence.
To achieve sustainability, a system must be ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just and humane (embodying our highest values--how we treat animals, people and the Earth)
~ Alliance for Sustainability , Manna, 1984
Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
~ U.N. World Commission on Environment & Development, Our Common Future, 1987
Here are some ‘official’ definitions of sustainable agriculture, with their sources.
From the National Safety Council:
sustainable agriculture: Environmentally friendly methods of farming that allow the production of crops or livestock without damage to the farm as an ecosystem, including effects on soil, water supplies, biodiversity, or other surrounding natural resources. The concept of sustainable agriculture is an “intergenerational” one in which we pass on a conserved or improved natural resource base instead of one which has been depleted or polluted. Terms often associated with farms or ranches that are self-sustaining include “low-input,” organic, “ecological,” “biodynamic,” and “permaculture.”
www.nsc.org/ehc/glossar2.html
Legal Definition of Sustainable Agriculture
The term ''sustainable agriculture'' (U.S. Code Title 7, Section 3103) means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will over the long-term:
* Satisfy human food and fiber needs.
* Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agriculture economy depends.
* Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls.
* Sustain the economic viability of farm operations.
* Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.
Taking all of the above into consideration, it seems that sustainable agriculture would be geographically limited in order to reduce reliance on products that are shipped in / not locally available. Inputs and outputs would be renewable, as is found in seed saving through the use of heirloom nonhybrid seeds. They would not use chemical pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, or soil amendments, manufactured far away and trucked in and ecologically unsound. This would preclude the use of genetically modified seeds which are also trucked in, require the use of a multiplicity of chemicals, and cannot be saved from the current harvest but must be bought again from a distant corporation as all inputs must for subsequent harvests. The use of chemicals affects the land and water base, as well as the crop, which affects both the current generation NOT using these chemicals because of our shared resource base, as well as those as far away as the Chesapeake…as well as future generations.
True sustainable agriculture therefore would employ the use of heirloom non hybrid seed purchased one time and saved each season for the next.
Only organic compost would be used to improve the soil – green cover crops turned in and composted manure from organically raised species, crop rotation, and companion planting.
Humans coexisted in natural ecosystems since they first arrived on the planet. It was only after World Wars in which munitions waste was turned into fertilizers and chemicals that the oxymoronic ‘green’ revolution was spawned…along with industrial monocropping and its extreme reliance on petroleum and natural gas derived chemical additives. So like the term ‘green revolution’ could not be any further from the truth, so it is with the term ‘conventional’ farming.
To find TRUE ‘conventional’ farming one need only go back to remembering how our grandparents – nearly all of them – lived. Not at all coincidentally this was also before widespread obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
And so Sustainable Shenandoah is building a completely sustainable, organic and biodynamic garden in Page County, Virginia, as a group of concerned citizens who want to eat well, and want to stop traveling to Charlottesville or Northern Virginia for sustainable, organic food. (NOT very sustainable, that drive, lol!)
We CLEARLY understand that this is a learning process - or rather, a relearning process. It is our thinking that the best way to show ‘it can be done’ is by example...and that one success can build on another.
20090714
20090531
Rainbow Hill Music Gala and Sustainable Shenandoah's Great Unleashing!!
Solar Powered Rainbow Hill Music Gala
Saturday, June 6th, 2009
1PM to 9:30PM
2547 US Highway 211 West
Luray, Virginia 22835
Powered by Sunrnr ('Sunrunner') and cosponsored by Sustainable Shenandoah,
FirkinGood.com, SUNRNR, and Rainbow Hill. Free to the public, donations
for the bands welcome.
Come hear seven local bands perform eclectic rock and roll powered by the sun, learn what our sponsors have to offer the local community, and enjoy great food and the best beer and wine selection in Page County! Bands being presented are Book of Kills,
SLeePFeeDeR, Dead Kings Rising, Buck Gooter, PeZJacket, The Furs, and Time---all local and regional bands.
SUNRNR manufactures portable solar generators in Page County, Virginia and is harnessing the Power of the Sun to energize this music
extravaganza!
Sustainable Shenandoah advocates the sustainable relocalization of the Shenandoah Valley…’the way it used to be, only better’…through building community, supporting one another in small business endeavors, and teaching by example and educational offerings how to conserve our natural resources in anticipation of a low energy, financially volatile future.
Saturday, June 6th, 2009
1PM to 9:30PM
2547 US Highway 211 West
Luray, Virginia 22835
Powered by Sunrnr ('Sunrunner') and cosponsored by Sustainable Shenandoah,
FirkinGood.com, SUNRNR, and Rainbow Hill. Free to the public, donations
for the bands welcome.
Come hear seven local bands perform eclectic rock and roll powered by the sun, learn what our sponsors have to offer the local community, and enjoy great food and the best beer and wine selection in Page County! Bands being presented are Book of Kills,
SLeePFeeDeR, Dead Kings Rising, Buck Gooter, PeZJacket, The Furs, and Time---all local and regional bands.
SUNRNR manufactures portable solar generators in Page County, Virginia and is harnessing the Power of the Sun to energize this music
extravaganza!
Sustainable Shenandoah advocates the sustainable relocalization of the Shenandoah Valley…’the way it used to be, only better’…through building community, supporting one another in small business endeavors, and teaching by example and educational offerings how to conserve our natural resources in anticipation of a low energy, financially volatile future.
20090412
Earth Day April 25th on the Greenway!
Luray, Virginia will be celebrating Earth Day with a festival on the Hawksbill Greenway in downtown Luray on April 25th from 10-4. Highlights of the festival include speakers on a range of topics from worm farms to green building to permaculture to converting your car to veggie oil. Also, several demonstrations and information tables will offer teach-ins on how to make a composter and rain barrels, how to raise honeybees, how to make a solar oven and much more. Lots of children’s activities, food and music will be available all day and the festival is free to the public.
20090328
Meetings April 2009 Every Wed. Rainbow Hill
Come at 6PM and have dinner at Rainbow Hill's wonderful cafe. All meetings begin at 7PM.
Sustainable Shenandoah April 2009 Meetings
April 1 no meeting
April 8 film screening ‘How to Save the World’ – If a picture is worth a thousand words - then this video is worth millions. Humanity will take a great stride in guaranteeing its survival if we apply the biodynamic principles expressed in the film, 'How to Save the World'. In an artistic and engaging fashion - we learn about the application of biodynamic farming in India, and how successful and economical it is when compared to expensive and destructive chemical-dependent farming. If you are into farming on a minor or major scale, or know someone who has a small garden in their backyard - the gift of this eye-opening film will be something they will forever thank you for.
April 15 – film screening ‘The Real Dirt on Farmer John’ - You get the idea you've stumbled into a different story when John Peterson, the focal point and protagonist of this little movie, is performing his work on farm machinery looking like Elton John if he had become a farmer. Flamboyantly dressed, we see a man with a colorful personality and an even more colorful past.
Since The Depression John's Scandinavian family obtained a farm in North Central Illinois where corn and hogs kept their existence simple, yet plentiful. After his father died when he was fairly young, John had to take over the farm with his mother's support and his uncle's inspiration. Determined, John like many other of his neighbors, fell upon hard times. Remembering Willie Nelson's initiatives with "Farm Aid" during the eighties, the film reminded me so much of those news reports that showed the farmer's existence being put to the way side. Like many effective documentaries, this film has home movies showing actual auctions as many American farmers lost their livelihood to real estate developers. The shift in America's agriculture is entirely accessible in this fun and informative little DVD.
Education was John's ace in the hole. He went to Beloit Community College during the hippie era and was able to recruit several friends who wanted the communal lifestyle. Artsy met earthy, and John offered a virtual paradise. Yet, differences often create suspicion, and John's neighbors started rumors that devastated him personally and financially. People started to scapegoat John for misfortunes that occurred and labeled him a Satanic cult member. At the head of the opposition was Sheriff Don, who is often interviewed and makes the story less remote and more real.
While John is resourceful, what actually transpires and how he copes is enough to see it all for yourselves. 'The Real Dirt on Farmer John' is an enjoyable experience that yields a large crop of interest.
April 22 – Local Currencies and Local Community Banking Models Around the World
April 29 - TBD
Sustainable Shenandoah April 2009 Meetings
April 1 no meeting
April 8 film screening ‘How to Save the World’ – If a picture is worth a thousand words - then this video is worth millions. Humanity will take a great stride in guaranteeing its survival if we apply the biodynamic principles expressed in the film, 'How to Save the World'. In an artistic and engaging fashion - we learn about the application of biodynamic farming in India, and how successful and economical it is when compared to expensive and destructive chemical-dependent farming. If you are into farming on a minor or major scale, or know someone who has a small garden in their backyard - the gift of this eye-opening film will be something they will forever thank you for.
April 15 – film screening ‘The Real Dirt on Farmer John’ - You get the idea you've stumbled into a different story when John Peterson, the focal point and protagonist of this little movie, is performing his work on farm machinery looking like Elton John if he had become a farmer. Flamboyantly dressed, we see a man with a colorful personality and an even more colorful past.
Since The Depression John's Scandinavian family obtained a farm in North Central Illinois where corn and hogs kept their existence simple, yet plentiful. After his father died when he was fairly young, John had to take over the farm with his mother's support and his uncle's inspiration. Determined, John like many other of his neighbors, fell upon hard times. Remembering Willie Nelson's initiatives with "Farm Aid" during the eighties, the film reminded me so much of those news reports that showed the farmer's existence being put to the way side. Like many effective documentaries, this film has home movies showing actual auctions as many American farmers lost their livelihood to real estate developers. The shift in America's agriculture is entirely accessible in this fun and informative little DVD.
Education was John's ace in the hole. He went to Beloit Community College during the hippie era and was able to recruit several friends who wanted the communal lifestyle. Artsy met earthy, and John offered a virtual paradise. Yet, differences often create suspicion, and John's neighbors started rumors that devastated him personally and financially. People started to scapegoat John for misfortunes that occurred and labeled him a Satanic cult member. At the head of the opposition was Sheriff Don, who is often interviewed and makes the story less remote and more real.
While John is resourceful, what actually transpires and how he copes is enough to see it all for yourselves. 'The Real Dirt on Farmer John' is an enjoyable experience that yields a large crop of interest.
April 22 – Local Currencies and Local Community Banking Models Around the World
April 29 - TBD
20090226
Sustainable Shenandoah Grows For Page County, VA
Sustainable Shenandoah will be offering a barter arrangement, CSA shares, and sales of produce at the Farmer’s Market and daily distribution center. Sustainable Shenandoah follows stringent growing practices including the use of no chemicals, no antibiotics, no Genetically Modified Organisms, organic soil amendments, and organic or biodynamic seeds and sustainable growing practices. Our barter and CSA shares will be available next week.
We hold weekly community education meetings at Rainbow Hill every Wednesday. These meetings are open to the public. The past topics have been ‘The Risks of Genetically Modified Organisms’ and ‘Large Scale Organic Composting’ and ‘Green Composting for Your Garden.’ All materials and DVDs are available for the asking and we have a large lending library. A schedule of upcoming meetings is available at
sustainableshenandoah.blogspot.com
One of our main goals is to educate the community regarding a resource constrained future and is primarily focused on the oil and chemical dependency of our current food system, which, it is our belief, will be under severe stress given the current and future economic climate.
We hold weekly community education meetings at Rainbow Hill every Wednesday. These meetings are open to the public. The past topics have been ‘The Risks of Genetically Modified Organisms’ and ‘Large Scale Organic Composting’ and ‘Green Composting for Your Garden.’ All materials and DVDs are available for the asking and we have a large lending library. A schedule of upcoming meetings is available at
sustainableshenandoah.blogspot.com
One of our main goals is to educate the community regarding a resource constrained future and is primarily focused on the oil and chemical dependency of our current food system, which, it is our belief, will be under severe stress given the current and future economic climate.
20090220
Upcoming Meetings Rainbow Hill Every Wed. 6PM for dinner, 7PM meetings start
Feb. 25 – Chris Freeland, Sustainable Composting
Mar. 4 – Sustainable Shenandoah Group Updates
Mar. 11 – Town Hall Meeting, VFW, Luray (no meeting at Rainbow Hill – Sustainable Shenandoah members PLEASE attend)
Mar. 18 – Film ‘The Future of Food’
Mar. 25 – Permaculture (also showing 32 minute video of ‘Financial Permaculture’ from Hoenwald TN)
Mar. 4 – Sustainable Shenandoah Group Updates
Mar. 11 – Town Hall Meeting, VFW, Luray (no meeting at Rainbow Hill – Sustainable Shenandoah members PLEASE attend)
Mar. 18 – Film ‘The Future of Food’
Mar. 25 – Permaculture (also showing 32 minute video of ‘Financial Permaculture’ from Hoenwald TN)
20090205
Meeting Notes Feb 4th 2009
Sustainable Shenandoah Business Meeting notes Feb. 4 2009
The Food Group reported on its progress regarding growing. We have agreement with two property owners for use of their land and have staked out two of the three parcels. We have agreed on what to grow (largely.) Action items:
- food group to take soil samples as soon as weather permits and concurrently stake out third growing area
- order soil amendments as appropriate
- Paul to estimate fencing materials and costs based upon Kaylee’s maps
- Food group to meet and determine how much of each item to grow – NEXT WEEK
- Map what goes where per Kaylee Alger’s companion planting research; order seeds
- Solidify preliminary sustainable growing standards
- Use ‘lasagna gardening’ as an experiment to no-till planting in half of the smallest garden area
- Offer CSA type shares, labor / barter arrangement, obtain work commitments, distribution / canning
- Kaylee to research gluten free baking, Brandon to research hemp
Earth Day Group is having biweekly meetings: the next one is scheduled for February 12th, at the Playhouse, at 7PM. Minutes posted on blog. Update from last night: photography contest for ages 13-18 to be promoted. Kaylee recommends getting the information to principles for ‘announcements’ at the high schools. Action item: PR plan. See the blog for the wonderful work this group is doing.
Newsletter: will be quarterly. First one: March 2009. Susan to prepare a mockup using a six page format provided by Chris Freeland. Susan to determine printing costs (Chris Anderson to report on the availability of post consumer paper.) Susan to work on a script for Kaylee Alger, who has agreed to talk to local businesses for advertising. Kaylee needs a partner for this job. Paul Dennison to write an article on GMO. Kaylee to write an article on companion planting. Lead article will be on sustainable spring garden practices. Carol to submit wildlife articles. Joy’s photography and ‘sustainable’ quotes will frame the articles. Calendar and Earth Day info. Ongoing ‘sustainable’ column. Q and A section (we will make up the first two questions, and answer them, and encourage the community to contact us with their questions in future issues.) Highlight a local business using sustainable practices starting with Apple Cottage who won an award last year for doing so; Maureen’s restaurant also? Or in the next issue?
Next week: screening of 'Crude Impact'
The Food Group reported on its progress regarding growing. We have agreement with two property owners for use of their land and have staked out two of the three parcels. We have agreed on what to grow (largely.) Action items:
- food group to take soil samples as soon as weather permits and concurrently stake out third growing area
- order soil amendments as appropriate
- Paul to estimate fencing materials and costs based upon Kaylee’s maps
- Food group to meet and determine how much of each item to grow – NEXT WEEK
- Map what goes where per Kaylee Alger’s companion planting research; order seeds
- Solidify preliminary sustainable growing standards
- Use ‘lasagna gardening’ as an experiment to no-till planting in half of the smallest garden area
- Offer CSA type shares, labor / barter arrangement, obtain work commitments, distribution / canning
- Kaylee to research gluten free baking, Brandon to research hemp
Earth Day Group is having biweekly meetings: the next one is scheduled for February 12th, at the Playhouse, at 7PM. Minutes posted on blog. Update from last night: photography contest for ages 13-18 to be promoted. Kaylee recommends getting the information to principles for ‘announcements’ at the high schools. Action item: PR plan. See the blog for the wonderful work this group is doing.
Newsletter: will be quarterly. First one: March 2009. Susan to prepare a mockup using a six page format provided by Chris Freeland. Susan to determine printing costs (Chris Anderson to report on the availability of post consumer paper.) Susan to work on a script for Kaylee Alger, who has agreed to talk to local businesses for advertising. Kaylee needs a partner for this job. Paul Dennison to write an article on GMO. Kaylee to write an article on companion planting. Lead article will be on sustainable spring garden practices. Carol to submit wildlife articles. Joy’s photography and ‘sustainable’ quotes will frame the articles. Calendar and Earth Day info. Ongoing ‘sustainable’ column. Q and A section (we will make up the first two questions, and answer them, and encourage the community to contact us with their questions in future issues.) Highlight a local business using sustainable practices starting with Apple Cottage who won an award last year for doing so; Maureen’s restaurant also? Or in the next issue?
Next week: screening of 'Crude Impact'
20090110
Jan. 7th 2009 Meeting Notes and Action Items
Sustainable Shenandoah
Business Meeting January 7, 2009
Notes and Actions
Outreach
Coleaders: Chris Freeland and Deanne Good. Other members: Joy Lorien, Carol Wallbridge, Jennifer Orenic, Brad Blanton, Kaylee Alger, Mike Alger
Purpose: to educate our community
Discussion and Actions:
The outreach plan was presented to the group, broken out into three inter-related components:
1. Outreach (contacting individuals, groups, and organizations to inform them about Sustainable Shenandoah)
2. Education (meetings held to inform community on topics related to Sustainable Shenandoah’s interests: community / economic localization, sustainability, conservation, organics, etc.)
3. Marketing (promoting Sustainable Shenandoah and its interests)
Samples of outreach tracking spreadsheets were shown to allow members of the outreach team to update who they have contacted, how, and when, and who still needs to be contacted. This will be continuously added to and updated by outreach members.
Outreach Actions:
Start messaging campaign in Page News and Courier
• Compose Letters to the Editor on Sustainable Topics in relation to local government decisions and planning for submittal on the following topics (these letters will be submitted to Susan for Review before submittal:
1. Comprehensive Plan and emphasis on sustainable agriculture
2. Why we can’t guy chickens that are grown here….how to grow them sustainably
3. Emphasis on eating healthy and how this is accomplished through local and sustainable practices
4. Hospital - Matt
5. How we can use land recently purchased to promote sust agriculture,etc.
• Deanne to ensure weekly meetings are announced in the Page News
• Start handing out flyers/Making Contact/giving presentations to groups we know of or belong to
1. Carol – Greenway and local businesses and identify garden clubs
2. Brad – distribute general and farm flyers
3. Chris – phone calls from outreach sheet and specific names discussed at the meeting for potential partnering, re-contact local co-op group in Harrisonburg.
4. Susan to present to NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees) Jan. 2009
• Hold Earth Day in April 2009, sponsored by Sustainable Shenandoah
1. Develop a plan - Deanne, Carol, Jennifer, Joy. Susan to help with funding sources, coordinating resources.
• Slide library: Susan is developing a slide library concerning Sustainable Shenandoah, its goals and activities. This ‘mega’ presentation will be available to anyone who wants to present to groups they are members or know of, and should be tailored to specific audiences. The projector is also available for these presentations.
Also presented was the Community Inventory/Asset Inventory outline and corresponding spreadsheet to track what is produced by whom, how much, where, how, and where it goes (where it is sold.) This community inventory is intended to assist us in understanding various groups of people we can speak to, how, and what to say. It will also assist us in identifying new business opportunities. Everyone is asked to review the spreadsheet, posted in google docs (instructions to be circulated) and input any information they may have concerning what is produced in Page County.
For Future Development: expand Asset Inventory beyond food to include the other elements of community localization: water, energy, manufacturing, materials reuse, shelter, systems of care, transportation, security.
Education Actions
Deanne has agreed to develop the structure of Sustainable Shenandoah’s educational program and educational topics. Sustainable Shenandoah’s educational goals include ‘members’ of Sustainable Shenandoah as well as the broader community. Therefore, educational topics might include sustainable living (resource conservation,) sustainable agriculture and continuing documentary films, hands on and other related workshops.
Suggestions were made at meetings in December as follows: have the three educational monthly meetings on related topics each month. Examples: herbs: cultivation, medicinal, harvesting, preservation. Culinary, apothecary – medicinal and cosmetic, etc. Another suggestion was to have every first Wed. be ‘business’ as it is, every second Wed. be ‘sustainability’ related, the third Wed. be related to the ‘why’ of localization (peak oil, climate change, economic turmoil, highlighting a localizing community etc.) and the fourth hands on skills like fiber arts, water catchment, etc.
Other topics mentioned for meetings include wild edibles, natural pest control, Paul Dennison reporting on GMO specifics, Page County History, Valley Conservation Council, etc.
Marketing Actions
• Deanne has agreed to design a logo for use in all Sustainable Shenandoah communications.
• Development of a monthly newsletter: Joy has experience with Friends of Page Valley’s newsletter. Joy and Susan will plan and coordinate Sustainable Shenandoah’s newsletter.
Deanne has agreed to do an awful lot and is fully supported by other members of the group and Susan Guest.
Coordination Committee including Finance
Coleaders: Alice Richmond, Susan Guest (other members: Jennifer Orenic, Deanne Good, Chris Freeland)
- Funding from organizations: Jennifer Orenic is researching organizations with related interests (sustainability, localization, conservation, organics, etc.) both as part of outreach and to determine whether they can provide us with funding, and as a result whether we need to have a nonprofit entity.
- Alice Richmond presented the outline of a plan to be used in requesting funding or other assets from Page County government. Susan and Alice to prepare business plans in support of these requests.
- Susan to report on community funding concepts currently in use around the world.
Food Committee including Distribution
Coleaders: not chosen (members Alice Richmond, Susan Guest, Paul Dennison, Mike Alger, Kaylee Alger)
Paul Dennison was able to present only part of a local food plan he has prepared for Page County due to time constraints. The action items from Paul’s plan, updated to include a meeting between the Food Group in December, follows. The Food Group will meet to discuss and assign action items during January 2009.
• Develop criteria for sustainable agriculture in Page County. Charge for certification.
• Distribution center lease / acquisition research (old IGA, Rainbow Hill, industrial park-to-be)
• For profit business plan for distribution center – Alice Richmond, Susan Guest
• Identify and enlist community partner organizations and local sources of information:
- the FSA ‘disadvantaged’ loan program
- university or agency sustainable agriculture programs
- rural advancement foundation(s)
- Farm Stewardship Association
- Rare Breeds Conservancy
- Extension Office and their programs
- Grants or WIC acceptance for locally grown food
- All other local associations to assist with sustainable agriculture (use C’ville/Blue Ridge Permaculture/Rappahannock programs as guides)
- High schools, VoTech center, Lord Fairfax Community College, JMU, Virginia Tech
Food Inventory – underway.
Develop a plan to show beef producers how to keep it local / provide distribution / local processing capacity (Mike Alger)
Poultry house conversion plan for humane, free range, Sustainable Shenandoah sustainable criteria. Present to poultry farmers (contract grow for SS.) Or - convert a house ourselves. Research funding sources for R&D. Whole plan to include processing and packaging, distribution, input provision (grain, mill, hatchery.) Five houses stocked at humane standards would provide every resident of Page County one chicken per week. Susan and Alice to work on plan.
Develop a plan for a market garden. Paul, Susan, Alice
Marketing of local foods locally:
• Farmer’s Market booth
• Local grocery stores, Wal Mart?
• B&Bs, restaurants
• Local campaign to increase demand in conjunction with Eric Benfield, Luray Downtown Initiative, Chamber of Commerce
Other Committees Not Reporting Status:
Water: Chris Anderson, Joy Lorien
Energy and Manufacturing: Alice included these in her finance presentation
Materials Reuse: Kaylee Alger, Chris Freeland – develop organic compost plan
Systems of Care: Matt Douglas, Jennifer Orenic, Brad Blanton to prepare plan
Security – Carol Wallbridge, Charlie Newton, Susan Guest to prepare plan
Business Meeting January 7, 2009
Notes and Actions
Outreach
Coleaders: Chris Freeland and Deanne Good. Other members: Joy Lorien, Carol Wallbridge, Jennifer Orenic, Brad Blanton, Kaylee Alger, Mike Alger
Purpose: to educate our community
Discussion and Actions:
The outreach plan was presented to the group, broken out into three inter-related components:
1. Outreach (contacting individuals, groups, and organizations to inform them about Sustainable Shenandoah)
2. Education (meetings held to inform community on topics related to Sustainable Shenandoah’s interests: community / economic localization, sustainability, conservation, organics, etc.)
3. Marketing (promoting Sustainable Shenandoah and its interests)
Samples of outreach tracking spreadsheets were shown to allow members of the outreach team to update who they have contacted, how, and when, and who still needs to be contacted. This will be continuously added to and updated by outreach members.
Outreach Actions:
Start messaging campaign in Page News and Courier
• Compose Letters to the Editor on Sustainable Topics in relation to local government decisions and planning for submittal on the following topics (these letters will be submitted to Susan for Review before submittal:
1. Comprehensive Plan and emphasis on sustainable agriculture
2. Why we can’t guy chickens that are grown here….how to grow them sustainably
3. Emphasis on eating healthy and how this is accomplished through local and sustainable practices
4. Hospital - Matt
5. How we can use land recently purchased to promote sust agriculture,etc.
• Deanne to ensure weekly meetings are announced in the Page News
• Start handing out flyers/Making Contact/giving presentations to groups we know of or belong to
1. Carol – Greenway and local businesses and identify garden clubs
2. Brad – distribute general and farm flyers
3. Chris – phone calls from outreach sheet and specific names discussed at the meeting for potential partnering, re-contact local co-op group in Harrisonburg.
4. Susan to present to NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees) Jan. 2009
• Hold Earth Day in April 2009, sponsored by Sustainable Shenandoah
1. Develop a plan - Deanne, Carol, Jennifer, Joy. Susan to help with funding sources, coordinating resources.
• Slide library: Susan is developing a slide library concerning Sustainable Shenandoah, its goals and activities. This ‘mega’ presentation will be available to anyone who wants to present to groups they are members or know of, and should be tailored to specific audiences. The projector is also available for these presentations.
Also presented was the Community Inventory/Asset Inventory outline and corresponding spreadsheet to track what is produced by whom, how much, where, how, and where it goes (where it is sold.) This community inventory is intended to assist us in understanding various groups of people we can speak to, how, and what to say. It will also assist us in identifying new business opportunities. Everyone is asked to review the spreadsheet, posted in google docs (instructions to be circulated) and input any information they may have concerning what is produced in Page County.
For Future Development: expand Asset Inventory beyond food to include the other elements of community localization: water, energy, manufacturing, materials reuse, shelter, systems of care, transportation, security.
Education Actions
Deanne has agreed to develop the structure of Sustainable Shenandoah’s educational program and educational topics. Sustainable Shenandoah’s educational goals include ‘members’ of Sustainable Shenandoah as well as the broader community. Therefore, educational topics might include sustainable living (resource conservation,) sustainable agriculture and continuing documentary films, hands on and other related workshops.
Suggestions were made at meetings in December as follows: have the three educational monthly meetings on related topics each month. Examples: herbs: cultivation, medicinal, harvesting, preservation. Culinary, apothecary – medicinal and cosmetic, etc. Another suggestion was to have every first Wed. be ‘business’ as it is, every second Wed. be ‘sustainability’ related, the third Wed. be related to the ‘why’ of localization (peak oil, climate change, economic turmoil, highlighting a localizing community etc.) and the fourth hands on skills like fiber arts, water catchment, etc.
Other topics mentioned for meetings include wild edibles, natural pest control, Paul Dennison reporting on GMO specifics, Page County History, Valley Conservation Council, etc.
Marketing Actions
• Deanne has agreed to design a logo for use in all Sustainable Shenandoah communications.
• Development of a monthly newsletter: Joy has experience with Friends of Page Valley’s newsletter. Joy and Susan will plan and coordinate Sustainable Shenandoah’s newsletter.
Deanne has agreed to do an awful lot and is fully supported by other members of the group and Susan Guest.
Coordination Committee including Finance
Coleaders: Alice Richmond, Susan Guest (other members: Jennifer Orenic, Deanne Good, Chris Freeland)
- Funding from organizations: Jennifer Orenic is researching organizations with related interests (sustainability, localization, conservation, organics, etc.) both as part of outreach and to determine whether they can provide us with funding, and as a result whether we need to have a nonprofit entity.
- Alice Richmond presented the outline of a plan to be used in requesting funding or other assets from Page County government. Susan and Alice to prepare business plans in support of these requests.
- Susan to report on community funding concepts currently in use around the world.
Food Committee including Distribution
Coleaders: not chosen (members Alice Richmond, Susan Guest, Paul Dennison, Mike Alger, Kaylee Alger)
Paul Dennison was able to present only part of a local food plan he has prepared for Page County due to time constraints. The action items from Paul’s plan, updated to include a meeting between the Food Group in December, follows. The Food Group will meet to discuss and assign action items during January 2009.
• Develop criteria for sustainable agriculture in Page County. Charge for certification.
• Distribution center lease / acquisition research (old IGA, Rainbow Hill, industrial park-to-be)
• For profit business plan for distribution center – Alice Richmond, Susan Guest
• Identify and enlist community partner organizations and local sources of information:
- the FSA ‘disadvantaged’ loan program
- university or agency sustainable agriculture programs
- rural advancement foundation(s)
- Farm Stewardship Association
- Rare Breeds Conservancy
- Extension Office and their programs
- Grants or WIC acceptance for locally grown food
- All other local associations to assist with sustainable agriculture (use C’ville/Blue Ridge Permaculture/Rappahannock programs as guides)
- High schools, VoTech center, Lord Fairfax Community College, JMU, Virginia Tech
Food Inventory – underway.
Develop a plan to show beef producers how to keep it local / provide distribution / local processing capacity (Mike Alger)
Poultry house conversion plan for humane, free range, Sustainable Shenandoah sustainable criteria. Present to poultry farmers (contract grow for SS.) Or - convert a house ourselves. Research funding sources for R&D. Whole plan to include processing and packaging, distribution, input provision (grain, mill, hatchery.) Five houses stocked at humane standards would provide every resident of Page County one chicken per week. Susan and Alice to work on plan.
Develop a plan for a market garden. Paul, Susan, Alice
Marketing of local foods locally:
• Farmer’s Market booth
• Local grocery stores, Wal Mart?
• B&Bs, restaurants
• Local campaign to increase demand in conjunction with Eric Benfield, Luray Downtown Initiative, Chamber of Commerce
Other Committees Not Reporting Status:
Water: Chris Anderson, Joy Lorien
Energy and Manufacturing: Alice included these in her finance presentation
Materials Reuse: Kaylee Alger, Chris Freeland – develop organic compost plan
Systems of Care: Matt Douglas, Jennifer Orenic, Brad Blanton to prepare plan
Security – Carol Wallbridge, Charlie Newton, Susan Guest to prepare plan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
