Sweet Earth: Lessons From the Land
Soaring gasoline prices, climate change, health consciousness. They're all factors in the growing movement to eat locally. It's a great slogan, but is it possible to eat locally in the Central Puget Sound region? What kinds of challenges face our local farmers? What can state and local government do to help? From King County's efforts to protect farmlands from encroaching development, to programs that try to find aspiring farmers to make that land productive, we'll hear about public and private initiatives to boost farming. We'll also learn how direct marketing can take farmers beyond the traditional farmers markets. And we'll explore the bond between farmers and the land they steward.
Reported by Ruby de Luna, Phyllis Fletcher, Liz Jones, Anna King, Amy Radil and Marcie Sillman. Edited by Marcie Sillman. Production assistance by Mwende Hahesy and DaeDae Williams. Aired on KUOW, September 15 – 19, during Morning Edition and All Things Considered.
Web Extras
Save the Farms!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Almost 30 years ago, King County residents voted to tax themselves to preserve rapidly disappearing farmland. The county used the $50 million it raised to buy the development rights to about 14,000 acres of land. But saving land from development doesn't mean somebody farms it. How do you convince a farmer to hold onto his land, when he can make more money growing houses than he can growing crops? KUOW's Marcie Sillman reports. 
America's Next Generation of Food Growers
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Many longtime farm families are getting out of agriculture. In their place are immigrants who dream of owning and farming their own land. We meet a husband and wife from Mexico. After years of seasonal farm work and minimum pay, they took a leap and started their own farm in Blaine, Washington. KUOW's Ruby de Luna reports.
Farmer-Stewards
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
A farmer depends on the health of his land to produce a good crop or to raise good livestock, so it makes sense that most farmers consider themselves good land stewards. But in recent years, there's been tension between farmers and environmental activists. In the face of high petroleum prices, climate change worries, and questions about the sustainability of farming in general, farmers and environmentalists are joining forces to develop new ways to farm with the sustainability of the earth in mind. KUOW's Marcie Sillman reports.
From Field to Institutional Kitchens
Thursday, September 18, 2008
It's not uncommon these days for farmers to supply produce directly to restaurants, but some growers are looking to broaden their clientele. We'll find out how one local farmer used his business savvy to bring organic vegetables to a Seattle hospital cafeteria. KUOW's Ruby de Luna reports.
Farms and Government Policy
Friday, September 19, 2008
For centuries, farmers around the world have managed to feed us, despite unreliable markets and unpredictable weather conditions. Governments have had a hand in agriculture as well, usually looking for a share of the farmer's proceeds. Government can hinder farmers, but it can also provide assistance. From farmland preservation programs to tax incentives, we explore the complex relationship between farmers and government. KUOW's Marcie Sillman reports.
Wine Versus Wheat
Monday, September 15, 2008
Wheat farmers have been harvesting in the Walla Walla Valley for more than a century. Lately, vineyards and ritzy housing developments are taking over those productive, golden fields. Som... More »
Farmworkers and Immigrant Reform
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
For Washington farmers, the arrival of the harvest season is pretty predicable. What's less predictable, is who will show up to bring in the crops. Many of the state's farm workers are un... More »
Winter Flood's Silver Lining
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Helsing Junction Farm was among many in Lewis and Thurston counties that were severely flooded during last year's storm. Many livestock and farm equipment were lost. Homes were caked in m... More »
Organics for All
Thursday, September 18, 2008
A church in Seattle's historically black Central District partnered with an organic farmer this year. The goal: To bring organic produce to a neighborhood whose closest stores are shuckin... More »
Mobile Slaughterhouse
Friday, September 19, 2008
Consumers, chefs, grocers — everyone seems to want more locally raised meat. But the farms, slaughterhouses and butcher shops that could provide it have been disappearing from the P... More »
