Hi Everyone,

At our LI Food Conference this past Fall, what became apparent to everyone in attendance, was that until food and agriculture became a political talking point, nothing would really change. Well, I am happy to see that food and agriculture, as it pertains to global warming, is a part of the Green New Deal that Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) are sponsoring. It calls out for the US to invest in sustainable farming and land use, to help farmers and ranchers to work collaboratively to eliminate pollution and greenhouse gases by supporting family farmers, and regenerative methods to increase soil health. It talks about the need for a complete food-system overhaul, so that all people have access to clean water, clean air, healthy and affordable food, and nature. If we can succeed in making these the talking points for the 2020 presidential election, then we have hope in creating a just food system for everyone. BUT… in order for that to happen, we need the power of the people to mobilize. We need everyone to speak up, get involved, and help to make these changes a reality!! Find an issue you are passionate about, and get involved. Join rallies, volunteer at phone banks, sign petitions, and make the food we eat matter!!

Join us at the upcoming Long Island Food and Film Feast on Sunday, March 3rd, and join the discussion. How does the food you choose to eat impact global warming? What is regenerative agriculture? What is fair trade and why is it important? iEat Green and members of Slow Food North Shore will be cooking up a storm and introducing you to some of our favorite local producers! Come and taste the difference, and engage your senses! Tickets sell out fast, so don’t wait!!

My guest this week on the Progressive Radio Network is Dave Chapman, owner of Long Wind Farm and the Executive Director of The Real Organic Project. The Real Organic Project is a coalition of organic farmers and advocates who have come together to protect the integrity of organic farming. Organic farmers believe this effort is needed since the current USDA National Organic Program is now permitting hydroponics and CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) to be certified as organic. An integral part of organic farming includes improving soil fertility and that animals have adequate outdoor access and pasture, and our current system is falling short of that. I hope you can join us on Thursday to learn more about the Real Organic Project, and how they are working towards creating a new improved label with more transparency for our organic food program. 

Remember, my show is recorded live, every Thursday, from 10-11 am, EST.  To tune in, navigate to PRN.fm and click the “Listen Live” button on the left.

PRN has a new app! Just download the app from your phone app store, and take the station with you wherever you go! You’ll be able to listen live or access the archives, all from the app! If you want to call in during the show with any questions for me or my guest, the call in number is 888-874-4888. If you are listening to the podcast after the live broadcast, you can still ask me a question by leaving me a voicemail message at 862-800-6805. Just remember to say your name, what show your calling about (iEat Green with Bhavani), and your question. The message will be passed on to me, and I will get back to you.

If you missed the show, you can listen to it in the PRN archives, or through the PRN app. Of course you can also access the shows through my website.

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With love and gratitude,

Bhavani