February may be our shortest month, but we still bring you a sumptuous yet policy-packed Food Show! We begin again with the first meal of the day. Breakfast in Bridgetown author Paul Gerald returns to talk Cajun petit dejeuner spots in advance of Mardi Gras (March 8).
Then, we dip into the raging debate over the USDA's deregulation of both GMO alfalfa and sugar beets--twin blows to the state's many organic farmers. At the recent Organicology conference, Food Show veteran Marliese Franklin caught up with the Center for Food Safety's Andrew Kimbrell and Philomath-based organic seed grower Frank Morton on their mobilization against this decision. Check out Locus Focus's more in-depth interview with Morton on his fight against these RoundUp Ready sugar beets.
Local Organic Valley farmer Jon Bansen also called in from Monmouth to describe how GMO alfalfa threatens our organic milk supply.
On a lighter note, householder extraordinaire Harriet Fasenfest brings us a segment on putting up the whole hog. She's curing proscuitto and lardo (among other things!) with the pig she just received from Square Peg Farms.
Finally, the Oregon House just passed "Farm Direct Bill" (House Bill 2336) with a bipartisan vote. It would allow farmers to sell a small volume of pickles and preserves directly to consumers, without a license. The Oregon Farmer's Market Association's Rebecca Landis gives us the details. Now, it goes on to the Senate.
Be sure to tune in February 16 at 11 a.m. to your community radio station, KBOO 90.7 FM in Portland/100.7
- KBOO