Monthly Archives: February 2012

regional food systems – share the love

Posted on February 28, 2012 by admin

One of my more recent food system related passions is the regional food system. I am sure many of you are equally interested. So – I wanted to make sure you are aware of this interesting, upcoming webinar, given by … Continue reading →

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blending academic and practical knowledge

Posted on February 27, 2012 by admin

My Food Systems II course this spring focuses on organic food systems. As I have mentioned in previous postings, the course covers organic agriculture from its philosophical roots to its current role in the market. Complementing the readings and discussions … Continue reading →

Posted in Food studies, food system, organic food, Snug Harbor Farm | 4 Comments

musings on food – heady and wonkish

Posted on February 21, 2012 by admin

In my opinion, as a society, our valuations of different aspects of life do not reflect their true importance. And even when our valuation of something is high, we often are unable to consistently act in ways that reflect our … Continue reading →

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decompressing the Wagner Food Policy Alliance event

Posted on February 17, 2012 by admin

Last night, I had a friendly conversation with the co-CEO of Whole Foods, Walter Robb, at NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service. Soon, I am told, there will be a podcast available, so those of you who were unable to … Continue reading →

Posted in animal welfare, cost of food, fair trade, food system, Manhattan NY, nutrition and health, NYU event, supermarkets | 2 Comments

international trade of organic food products

Posted on February 16, 2012 by admin

Finally, at long last, the EU and US have signed an agreement concerning the international trade of organic products. International trade of organic food is a thorny topic, with some consumers arguing that organic food should not travel such long … Continue reading →

Posted in international trade, organic food | 1 Comment

triumph of animal welfare over efficiency in production?

Posted on February 14, 2012 by admin

It is no secret that large-scale (and some smaller scale) livestock production values efficiency over animal welfare. Chickens are regularly debeaked, dairy cows are confined in close quarters, and pregnant sows are confined in “gestational crates,” which basically make it … Continue reading →

Posted in animal welfare | 1 Comment

in Vermont

Posted on February 13, 2012 by admin

I am in Vermont right now, basking in the cold weather and thinking about regional and local foods. Well, not just thinking. Since I arrived last night, I have eaten Vermont cheese, had scones drizzled with local maple syrup, and … Continue reading →

Posted in food system, NYC, Uncategorized, Vermont, washington dc | Leave a comment

Walmart and food labels

Posted on February 7, 2012 by admin

Megan Moore sent me the link to this article about Wal-Mart’s healthy food labels. I waffle about Wal-Mart. On the one hand, it is a huge company and any effort it makes regarding improving public health or addressing environmental issues … Continue reading →

Posted in cost of food, food policy, public health, small farms, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

a new form of greenwashing?

Posted on February 4, 2012 by admin

Yesterday’s dotearth blog in the NY Times has a discussion of the ethical problems associated with confined animal operations. Like many others, I have serious qualms about how our meat is raised and slaughtered. While the adoption of factory farming … Continue reading →

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how we think

Posted on February 2, 2012 by admin

This semester I am teaching a class on organic agriculture. At the beginning of the course we read some classic pieces that provide the framework for different production (organic) systems. Last night we read Steiner’s The Agriculture Course, and next … Continue reading →

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