After knowing all the horrors and arrogance of genetic engineering,
there are many positives to do. Number one is growing your own garden: now is gardening
season. Ask one of the local gardeners on what to do and what to grow - the Farmer's
Market is a good place to meet farmers and gardeners; talk to the Master Gardeners
at Cooperative Extension; there are many organic seeds and supplies at Griffis Lumber,
and more at Felix's. Don't forget, soil health is your aim. Healthy soil makes for
healthy plants which will be strong enough to withstand pests.
Shop at
the Montrose Farmer's Market, Friday's 10-3, on the Green in Montrose, starting the
end of May! Whynman's vegetables, cut flowers and perennials will be there; also
Skoloff Farms of Susquehanna will be represented again this year by Christine and
Andy; Peter Hart's excellent meats will be there, as is Hawley Farms of Montrose,
and last but not least, The Wooden Spoon of CASS will have the best of baked goods.
Try the sweet potato pie.
When going out for a meal, support local restaurants
that buy produce, meat, cheese, eggs and cut flowers locally. There are two such
restaurants now: Downtown Grounds and the Summerhouse Grille, both in Montrose. Another
local restaurant is considering purchasing local products. The freshness and quality
of local ingredients are what local chefs are looking for.
Shop at local
farmer's stands: there is one just east of Montrose on Rt 706, Whynman's Farm Stand.
"Sustainable methods to produce cut flowers, perennial plants, vegetables and
fruits are used at our farm". Burdick Creek Gardens, in Dimock has some of the
best garlic around, and a complete line of bottled products. And Wendy is a great
cook! Her free samples are tasty. (278-4577). Encourage other growers to start their
own farm stands. We citizens should tell growers what we want. They will respond.
It has taken decades, but finally the health values of grass-fed cattle
are becoming well known. The meat is leaner, and the positive benefits are now better
understood. For real meat, where the animals actually see pasture and are treated
humanely (chicken, pork, eggs, veal and beef), see Peter Hart at the Farmer's Market
(his phone is 265-2464). In Springville, Clodhopper Farm (965-2201) Pete and Eliza
Comly use pastures to allow livestock's true nature to come through: "We feel
that livestock should be raised in low stress surroundings in which their needs are
met and they are allowed to grow in a natural environment." Check out their
chicken, turkey, beef and pork. Hawley Farms, on Hawley Road just outside Montrose
Borough, has local grass-fed meats, and has just started making a local cheddar cheese.
When was the last time that Montrose produced its own cheese?
Remember, soil
quality is job one. The soil is one of the last areas of this earth to be appreciated
by humans. Years ago, farmers felt a spirituality and connection with the soil. In
the 1950's, the agri-business companies started telling farmers that they needed
to buy expensive products to farm: artificial fertilizers and pesticides. Both of
these deaden the soil, no ifs, ands, or buts. Universities started having classes
on how to combine pesticides instead of classes on how to improve soil. Farmers lost
touch with the health giving ability of enlivened soil.
Organic and biodynamic
growers are the new pioneers to feed the soil so that the soil can feed the plant.
A healthy plant will resist pests, since insects are nature's way to deal with weak
plants. A healthy soil makes for healthy plants which make for healthier people.
Some things are simple in this too complicated world. Using technology to change
genes is a waste of money and time; sometimes the basics are just what are needed.
Enliven the soil, and save seed.