Happy Holidays from OGS!
Many of us have made great strides in 2009 at becoming greener, supporting local, or maybe just becoming more self-sufficient. Maybe you planted your own garden this past summer, bought your food from local farmers, or made a commitment to cook more using whole ingredients, no matter where those ingredients were sourced. This holiday season, OGS would like to recognize all of you for the actions you have taken in your lives, no matter how small, to support a paradigm shift in our country's food system. Each of these commitments draw us closer to our food, and unifies us around a goal of food security, safety, and nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. OGS would like to recognize everyone who is fighting the hard battles against the monopolization of seed genetics, the failing health of our nation's poorest citizens, the loss of family farmlands, and the loss of ecosystem benefits that make sustainable farming possible. We salute the bloggers, NGO workers, legislative leaders, farmers, teachers, conscious consumers, and many more who are championing our movement. Without you, the hope and knowledge to build a better future would not be possible!
If you are looking for a chance to further support agriculture this year, please keep the Organic Growers School in mind. In 2009, OGS offered over 220 workshops and classes on organic agriculture and sustainable living. We've launched two new programs in an effort to make education and labor more accessible to farmers in our region. In addition, we have worked to reach out to others in the agriculture network to accomplish more for sustainable food and agriculture than we could ever achieve alone. Your support, no matter how small, makes a difference.
As you give this holiday season, consider OGS. As little as $20 could help an aspiring farmer seek training, $50 could assist someone in finding a job in agriculture, and $100 can pay a farmer to share his or her knowledge with both students of farming and consumers alike. Give as you are inspired, and be part of the change that is surely coming for us all.