Posted by Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin on February 2, 2010
There are bigger things to worry about, and they are closing in. Listen to this short story about food, soil, our existence and what it depends on, and then watch the whole homegrown film. After you are done, I hope you will be inspired to do at least two things:
- Plant a garden
- Find a farmer near you to partner with if you have already done this, then
- Become a member and a patron at your local food cooperative
Posted by Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin on January 26, 2010
From the document “Immigrants and the Economy” published by the Fiscal Policy Institute “Latinos constitute 46 percent
of the immigrant population in the country’s 25 largest metropolitan areas.” So what about the economic contributions? Check out the whole report, this is good strategic planning data if you are in economic development. Too bad it concentrates in urban centers though, we know well that the rural area is also benefiting from immigrant labor force and entrepreneurship.
Posted by Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin on January 23, 2010
With the recent publicity that we have received, many of you reading the materials may be wondering where our products may be available.
Our production systems are being tested and production is limited by many factors, primarily the lack of processing infrastructure for poultry in our region, although we are close to solving this issue production will be limited for a while. On other products, we are setting up production as demand increases. Products are available directly from the farms in Cannon Falls and Northfield and through drop-sites in the Twin Cities.
To receive information on products, drop-sites and buying our products you must first sign-up to one of our mailing lists. Once signed-up, you will receive weekly updates and instructions.
If you live outside of the areas below, send us an e-mail and we will get in touch with you. Otherwise, just click the link according to which general area you live in and enter your e-mail and name.
NORTFIELD
CANNON FALLS
TWIN CITIES
Posted by Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin on January 22, 2010
An article by the Star Tribune that has been on the works for about a month coming out in print, meanwhile, here is the on-line version. Although we do our best to explain what we do, articles can never cover the whole story. I am very impressed with the way Kristin Tillotson wove in humor, facts and story telling. This is serious work and I hope you reading it will start asking more questions about our food system and how food and agriculture affects the social, economic and political fabric of our communities. We are here to build something that will last and that will not deny people living in poverty the opportunity to do something for themselves while providing consumers with top quality healthy products. Feel free to contact us if you feel like you would like more information.
Posted by Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin on January 19, 2010
The Center for Rural Entrepreneurship just released a report on our efforts to incorporate Latino families into the Southern Minnesota economy. The system is based on engaging existing farmers, local resources, and national and regional support networks. The system aims to provide families with a path out of poverty through a replicable and scalable system that follows a step-by-step approach. This approach is designed to build capacity, long-term engagement, is compatible with the rural economic landscape and the realities of struggling small farms, and on the engagement immigrant Latino families as net contributors to strong partnerships for broad-based community success. To read the whole report, click here.
Posted by Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin on January 15, 2010
I will be presenting at a regional conference and at a workshop in the coming weeks, here is the general information in case you are interested in attending.
Monday, February 22nd
3rd Crops: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
1:00 PM Free Range Poultry and Perennial 3rd Crops
Organized by Rural Advantage, a non profit organization in Southern MN.
The Home Grown Economy 2010
Equipping You to Build Community-Based Food Systems
Local Food Conference
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 8am–4pm Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall
With Interactive Video Sessions at:
University of Minnesota Crookston
University of Minnesota Morris
Bemidji State University
MN State Community & Technical College, Fergus Falls
Sponsored by: Collin C. Peterson – Chair, U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee
