Special events & announcements
Citrus Celebration ~ February 2
On Saturday, February 2, CUESA kicks off the 2008 season of Market to Table programs with a Citrus Celebration. Come to enjoy a variety of sweet and tangy fruits grown in the California sunshine. From 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, test your citrus knowledge at our citrus variety tasting challenge! At 10:30 am, join us for a citrus farmer interview and cooking demonstration by Stephanie Rosenbaum, food writer and author (titles include Honey: From Flower to Table), featuring citrus recipes. All programs will take place in front of the Ferry Building on the north side.
Jesse Kuhn and Michael Pollan on West Coast Live ~ January 19
This Saturday, January 19, Jesse Kuhn of Marin Roots Farm will be a guest on the nationally broadcast radio show West Coast Live (WCL), along with (later in the show) journalist Michael Pollan, author of the recently released book, In Defense of Food. WCL will be broadcasting from the Ferry Building from 10 am to 12 pm for the next two weeks, and you can be part of the live audience. For more information, visit www.wcl.org. Tune in by radio to KALW 91.7.
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market sellers in the media
Congratulations to Marty and Janet of Allstar Organics, whose flavored salts and sugars were featured last week on the Today Show. Blue Bottle Coffee Company also appeared prominently in a Wednesday San Francisco Chronicle article about gourmet coffee in restaurants.
June Taylor offering marmalade classes
Artisan June Taylor is teaching several hands-on marmalade-making classes this winter and early spring. To learn more and register, visit www.junetaylorjams.com.
This week’s feature: The news in food
In the past few weeks, there have been some noteworthy new developments in the food world. This week’s feature is a roundup of information and articles we thought might interest our readers.
The 2007 Farm Bill becomes the 2008 Farm Bill
The Farm Bill debate has stretched into the New Year. Both the House and Senate have drafted versions of the omnibus legislation, but Congress and President Bush have reached an impasse regarding both payment limits and funding. Farmers who base planting decisions on the availability of government support are getting frustrated as their growing season approaches.
Reuters article about the status of the bill >
Editorials critiquing the farm bill, compiled by the Environmental Working Group >
Cloned cuisine
Both the FDA and the European Food Safety Authority announced this week that their scientific studies suggest that meat and milk from cloned livestock are safe to consume. Consumer groups are voicing their concerns about the determination.
New York Times article about the declaration >
Washington Post article about the declaration >
Official FDA information about cloning >
Compilation of reactions to FDA’s determination at the Ethicurean blog >
Labeling laws
In a victory for consumer groups, the Pennsylvania Department of Food and Agriculture has amended a law passed in late 2007 that prohibited labeling milk products as coming from livestock that were not administered synthetic growth hormones.
Philadelphia Inquirer article on the subject >
Meanwhile, the USDA is soliciting public comments for a potential “naturally raised” certification for livestock.
Market update
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This is the most up-to-date information about which sellers will and won't be attending the market as of Friday, when we send this letter. If there are no changes to a seller's status, they will not be listed. To find out which farmers regularly attend each market, click here. Please understand that there are often last-minute changes--it's the nature of farming!
Saturday, January 19
In/Returning: Chan's Nursery, Short Night Farms, Orangewood Farms, Downtown Bakery, Bariani Olive Oil
Out: Knoll Farms, Happy Quail Farm (for the season), Bernard Ranches, Juniper Ridge
Tuesday, January 22
In: Allstar Organics
Out: Cap'n Mike's Holy Smoke