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PJK
Alien Abductee
USA
4159 Posts |
 Posted - 01/26/2009 : 06:54:04 AM
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This may sound lame to some here, but a friend of mine is running for position of White House Farmer. It would be great to at least get him to the top 3! Please vote for Brian. Here is a little about him.
My (Brian Rakita of Dixie Hollow Farm) manifesto about why I think that I would be a great candidate for the White House Farmer. If anybody feels so moved to nominate me at http://www.whitehousefarmer.com/ I would feel honored. . . .
I have been farming organically within 100 miles of DC region for 14 out of the last 15 years. I successfully managed a CSA and a organic seed business in the region, and I know how to grow food here. I know where to turn in the neighborhood for resources and partnerships.
I have managed 2 successful SARE grants to build the capacity of the Southeast to produce our own seeds. I know how to succeed while working with bureaucracy.
I work well with people of all ages. I have successfully managed teams around the size of over ten people. I especially enjoy working with children, and would relish the opportunity to show non farm people how they can grow food on whatever land that they have available.
I have attended over 30 sustainable agriculture conferences since 2000, and have been a speaker at the majority of them. In addition to this, I have taught many stand classes specifically about seed production, teaching organic seed production techniques to over 200 individuals.
As an organic seed grower and breeder, I know that classical breeding of grains and vegetables can be used to increase production and regional adaptability. As White House Farmer, I would use the platform to show that more progress can be made through classical and hybridized breeding than with genetically modified crops, along with a higher level of consumer and environmental safety.
Beyond being an experienced organic farmer, I am an Independent Organization of Organic Inspectors (IOIA) trained inspector for compliance with the National Organic Program, and have been conducting inspections for such certification professionally. As White House farmer, I would commit to transition the chemically managed 5 acre white house lawn to an organically certified operation as quickly as possible.
In addition to experience raising vegetables, fruits, herbs, grains, flowers, and seeds, I am also a student of integrating crops and livestock into a sustainable "permaculture" food system. As White House farmer, I would immediately asses the feasibility of integrating a self sustaining system of healthy animals and plants with the intention of meeting the needs of the White House chef, flower decorator, and local area food banks.
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White House Farmer
