Joe Dressner, the revered wine importer and veritable poster child for the “natural wine” movement in the United States, passed away recently, bringing a wash of sadness over the wine world, but also inciting a flurry of pointed discussions centered around natural wine—including what that designation really means, and whether natural wines actually taste better than “un-natural” or commercially produced wines.
I’m an ardent proponent of natural wines not because of the philosophical or environmental connotations that they carry, but because of what’s in the bottle. It’s as simple as that. Mr. Dressner was of the same persuasion.

Gimmicks and shticks are good for marketing, but in the end, the juice in the bottle speaks louder than any sort of larger validation. So what sets natural wines apart from their commercial or “un-natural” counterparts and what makes them taste better—or, shall we say—taste more interesting?

File Appeal in OSGATA vs. Monsanto

Battle over Farmers’ Rights Against Monsanto Continues to Brew

NEW YORK – March 28, 2012 – Today, in Federal District Court in Manhattan, family farmers filed their Notice of Appeal to Judge Naomi Buchwald’s February 24th ruling dismissing Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association et al v. Monsanto. The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit will hear the farmers’ appeal, seeking to reinstate the case, which has received worldwide attention. The farmers are determined to move forward with their lawsuit challenging Monsanto’s patents on genetically engineered seed technologies in order to continue their pursuit of Declaratory Judgment Act court protection from Monsanto’s claims of patent infringement should their crops become contaminated by Monsanto’s seed.

Joe and Debbie Thomas began as a teacher and marketing executive, respectively. But today, they run a ten-acre organic farm in the east hills of Paso Robles, California. With more than 900 fruit and nut trees, a vineyard of Italian varietals, and beds of specialty greens, garlic, tomatoes and herbs, they began a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program, sharing baskets of fresh produce weekly with their neighbors. A few years later, they opened Thomas Hill Organics, a market bistro and wine bar, where they serve seasonal, organic produce from the farm, wines from the Central Coast, and locally-sourced beef, poultry, and fish.

Press Release: Ridicules Farmers’ Right to Grow Food Without Fear, Contamination and Economic Harm
On February 24, Judge Naomi Buchwald handed down her ruling on a motion to dismiss in the case of Organic Seed Growers and Trade Assn et al v. Monsanto after hearing oral argument on January 31st in Federal District Court in Manhattan. Her ruling to dismiss the case brought against Monsanto on behalf of organic farmers, seed growers and agricultural organizations representing farmers and citizens was met with great disappointment by the plaintiffs.

Press Release:
Citizens Urged to Sign Petition of Support for Family Farmers
Supporters Urged to Attend Citizens Assembly on January 31

Captain Richard Cook, founder of The Local Catch, saw a need for local seafood distribution and sought to fill it by providing a way to sell his catch to buyers in nearby states, close to where he caught it in the first place. The Local Catch provides a market for other Rhode Island fisherman as well, so they are trailblazing a whole new take on seafood

Reposted from Charlotte Locavore

In early December, my family spent a wonderful weekend in Charleston, South Carolina, a delightful culinary road trip that was a feast to our senses.

On Friday evening, after exploring the French Quarter neighborhood, we headed to Bowens Island Restaurant. Located in the marshlands, Bowens Island Restaurant serves the freshest seafood in Charleston. The oysters, shrimp, fish, and crabs that make up the menu are sourced from the river and creeks that surround the island. You can’t get more local than that!

The average wedding today is a monumental event, often costing tens of thousands of dollars. So it pretty much goes without saying that such a huge affair leaves a significant footprint both economically and ecologically. In recent years, many more couples have become more forward-thinking, taking into consideration the impact their lives have on the Earth. This thought process has led to a shift in wedding planning trends, incorporating more environmentally-friendly resources and using local, sustainable products.

An engaged couple has a seemingly never-ending list of things to do and choices to make when it comes to planning their perfect day. Having a green wedding helps to support local, small businesses while making a bold statement and helping to change the way people in your community think.

Press Release: Judge to consider oral argument in lawsuit against Monsanto
NEW YORK – December 29, 2011 – In a development celebrated by the organic plaintiffs, Judge Naomi Buchwald announced yesterday that oral arguments on Monsanto’s motion to dismiss the Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association (OSGATA) et al v. Monsanto will be heard in federal district court January 31, 2012 in Manhattan. Judge Buchwald’s decision will establish if organic farmers are to see their day in court.

Paleo is a diet centered around health and fitness, but increasingly its followers are looking to local sources for their grassfed meats and nutritional vegetables. This is an important opportunity for the local food movement.