Fire Destroys Maveric Heritage Ranch; Help Sought

Slow Food USA has put out a call for donations to help restore Maveric Heritage Ranch in South Dakota, which was nearly destroyed in a fire last week.  The barn burned to the ground killing over 40 rare breed hogs, sows with babies and owner Arie McFarlen's treasured horse.  Arie is a member of the Ark of Taste committee.  You can read her letter about the disaster on the Slow Food USA blog. 

Donations can be made online at www.maveric9.com or sent to the “Endangered Hog Foundation” in care of Maveric Heritage Ranch Co. at:
Endangered Hog Foundation
Maveric Heritage Ranch Co.
47869-242nd St.
Dell Rapids, South Dakota 57022 

Americans Become Farmers

An article in QSR magazine about the growing popularity of home gardening -

Organic Trade Association Launches Unprecedented Marketing Initiative to Promote Organic

In an effort to resolve confusion surrounding organic purchases, the OTA has launched an initiative to educate consumers on the benefits of buying organic. This initiative comes at a time when consumer research groups like Mintel and The Hartman Group are both predicting a slow down in the growth of organic purchases.

According to Christine Bushway, Executive Director of the OTA, "Never has there been as much evidence backing the benefits of organic to public and environmental health, as many organic farmers on the land, and as many educational programs preparing a new generation of organic farmers. But never in recent years has there been as high a level of consumer spending confusion and concern. The role of this campaign is to set the record straight and help consumers make the educated choice."

Sunflower Farmers Market to Open in Plano

Sunflower Farmers Market, founded by Wild Oats founder Mike Gilliland, will open its first Texas location in Plano on November 12th.

According to the Dallas Morning News, the market positions the produce section at center, housing fruits and vegetables sourced from local growers and suppliers. A variety of almost 800 different private label groceries can be found inside.

The market offers "Serious Food at Silly Prices," and strives to fill the value segment of natural and organic groceries.

The chain announced $30 million dollars in equity financing from PCG Capital Partners to fund rapid growth in December 2007, and plans to add 50 new stores to its existing 13 over the next 5 years.

Slow Down at the Friends Hoedown

It's not too late to taste the harvest at the 14th Dallas Farmers Market Friends Hoedown, Thursday, November 6th. Tickets can be purchased from the Friends site, http://www.dfmfriends.org/.

Chefs, local farmers sow partnerships

This article from USA today examines ways chefs and local farmers work together to lower costs and make good, clean food.