MIDDLEBURY — All farmers, food producers, environmental activists, students and citizens are invited to attend the Real Organic Project Gathering next week with guest speaker David Miskell of Miskell’s Premium Organics in Charlotte.
Hosted by ACORN (Addison County Relocalization Network), the gathering will take place on March 21 for a 5-6:30 p.m. Happy Hour talk at Lincoln Peak Vineyard in New Haven.
The certified “Organic” label is considered by many to be the most important label in the U.S. food regulation system. In this conversation with long-time Vermont organic farmer Miskell, participants will learn why independent organic farmers are working on creating a new label for consumers to differentiate large-scale ag production from smaller, soil-based systems.
Join ACORN as we hear about the “Real Organic Project” and learn from one of Vermont’s activist growers trying to keep his operation going in the midst of this challenging marketplace.
“This is a crazy time in American agriculture,” said Annie Harlow of the executive committee of ACORN Network’s board of directors. “It is important that the public come together to learn how we can move forward to support sustainability-focused, small-scale farmers who are the backbone of the good food movement.”
This talk will speak to the impact of large-scale mono crop farms and the huge animal-production mega-facilities that are a far cry from the original intent of organic that focused on animal welfare. This gathering is a chance for all to come together and learn how organic standards and labeling have evolved and the impact on the environment, the challenges faced by consumers as they seek to make sustainable choices and the multi-faceted complexities of supply and demand of the ever-expanding organic marketplace.
Lincoln Peak Winery is off the west end of River Road in New Haven. Admission to the even is $15, and it will include light fare and a cash bar.
Pre-registration is required as space is limited. To register, visit www.acornvt.org.
If you have questions or would like more information, contact Annie Harlow at [email protected].