Hi all

Interesting discussion you have going on the treatment of animals in the
agricultural sector and if we as people should or should not eat meat.

There is a lot of truth in all that you have been saying for and against and
for me it comes to what Seth is saying " Meat is an excellent source of
nutrition - but we really need to all know what we are eating and where it
comes from".  

As part of our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Simply Good Food we are
developing plans to include animals in our production system.  And it should
be part of an agricultural enterprise, because in short one enhances the
development/growth of the other.  Only a mixed farm can be truly
organic/closed system (where the excrements of one can be inputs for the
other and vice versa).  

Creating local CSA's gives you the knowledge where your food (vegetables as
well as meat) comes from, and because of the close link between producer and
consumer one can keep the other honest (good, clean and fair) with regards
to farming practices. We do not want to hide our properties behind big
hedges and closed fences, like some of our neighbours do.  

I thinks the big thing here is that as consumers you can do something about
it you know. Become part of a CSA.  Set one up. Create a link with a farmer,
or become part of our CSA and help us get there faster.

 I am quite interesting to hear from you Ben, what you thought of our
harvest meal and presentation last week.  Do you think we are on the right
track?

Cheers Josje

Hi everyone

I wont get too much into the debate around animals and agriculture - all I
can say is that we have recently had two pigs on our land and they did a
great job at clearing all the grass and roots away from an area of the
paddock that we then turned into a vege garden, and at the same time a
butcher came and turned the pigs into tasty chops. [While alive] they
appeared very happy, roaming around the place, and we fed them lots of nice
food from our compost. It felt very much like a happy system.

On CSA, I think what Josje and others are doing in the Wairarapa is a GREAT
idea, and believe you are totally on the right track. My flat has just
joined up, and we will be placing our first order over the weekend - I will
keep you all posted about the fruit and veges we get, and some tips on how
to order.

Basically, the idea of supporting local farmers to grow healthy food for you
is a winner on so many levels.

a) you get to eat food from people that actually care about feeding you good
food
b) you get to visit the farm, and witness how food is grown - even help
yourself
c) you get to meet the people who grow your food, and become their friends
d) the money you spend on food may end on coming back to you
e) the local aspect of the food means a lower carbon footprint for the
transport component

need any other reasons why not to join?? www.simplygoodfood.co.nz

Choice

B

On Tue, May 6, 2008 at 11:00 AM, Josje Neerincx <wairarapaecof...@xtra.co.nz>
wrote: