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Joe the Farmer: Local Organic Farmers are having tough times
Joe Rodriguez, Jr, AKA Joe the Farmer is standing in a corner
at the Farmers' Market. After we shared heart felt truth,
We reached out and held each other's hands
and squeezed. I felt close to tears.
"We really need Spirit now" he said.
More and more local organic farmers
are having to cut back on the amount
of food they can grow, while the nation
asks for more organic food.
Date: 4/1/2008 11:44:10 AM ( 16 y ) ... viewed 1725 times
9:14 AM
April 1, 08
At the Farmers' Market Hillcrest on Sunday,
Joe Rodriguez, Jr. was standing in a corner
where I do not see him stand too often.
He was sort of wanting to be there for the
canopy in case a wind came and blew.
I was feeling deep emotion.
Last year, we went to the local vendor day
at Whole Foods Market together.
We showed all his lettuce and strawberries.
Joe doesn't have that kind of berry this year.
The plants that he would order were killed in a frost
earlier this year. The lettuce he would grow from
Whole Foods Market Hillcrest is in the plot that
will lay fallow this season.
He will not be a local vendor's day.
Joe will not grow 15 acres of his 40.
He does not want to get a fine from the Water District.
Water is being regulated this year. It rained a lot
down here this year, an extreme amount, but
the Water District's position is still that all the local
farmers, and this includes the local organic farmers,
must cut back water use 30%.
He sister, Alma tells Joe a story she heard.
One lady in the neighborhood, raises chickens.
She used the same amount of water to give them a drink
that she gave them last year. She was given a big fine.
"The chickens have to drink," She told them.
They had the perfect solution to her problem.
They said, "Get rid of the chickens."
Joe is standing in the corner.
I go over to him.
"What would you do if you could not farm?"
I ask. "I love to farm. This is what I love to do."
Joe loves to feed people the best possible food.
Last year, at the Organic Center Banquet,
Walt Robb, Co-president of Whole Foods Market,
lauded Joe Rodriguez Jr, AKA, Joe the Farmer
from the stage. Everyone stood up to give Joe
an ovation. On every table, as part of the centerpiece,
Joe gifted his strawberries. They were so fresh
they hardly knew they were picked yet. Strawberry
fragrance filled the room.
This year, the Organic Center will do a science
report pointing out how organic strawberries
are much better than commercial strawberries
grown with pesticides. I will offer them Joe
the Farmer's photos to use.
The new breed of strawberries Joe has in the
field now have not come in; even when they do
There may not be enough to feed all his local
berry lovers.
Mother Nature seemed to do her
part this year, giving us a lot of water.
Is there nothing that can be done
about the Water Regulations?
Do we need them this year?
What other kinds of water saving approaches
need to be researched to keep our farmers growing food?
Is there anything we as food eaters can do to
help Joe the Farmer?
I have no answers, just questions.
Perhaps, the Water Regulators are doing
there best to solve a difficult problem.
Joe is doing his best as well.
I feel sorry for Joe.
You can send him a note at
Mailing Address:
J.R. Organics
31030 Rodriguez Road
Escondido, CA 92020
I want to congratulate JoanE Morrero
for creating a wonderful CSA for Joe:
To Join go here:
contact Information
For Information & Pledge Form:
Email: jemarrero@jrorganicsfarm.com
Phone: 714-235-3219
Fax: 888-488-8404
Website:
http://www.jrorganicsfarm.com
A Love Letter to Joe the Farmer
Last Year's Campaign, outdated:
My Friend of the Farm site:
http://lesliegoldman.com/Friend-of-the-Farm/index.htm
FARM REPORT:
http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=1035370
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