Hello

[goo...@infinet.com]

I found an email this morning saying I had been subscribed to this
group so i have comne to check it out. Looks like a brand spanking new
group.

I am Lucy, I have a small farm in SW Ohio near Eaton (Preble County). I
grow produce for direct sale to the public. I used to be certified
organic but dropped certifacation like a hot potato when the USDA took
over (and I have never regretted that decision). I still grow using
organic methods but can no longer use the term "organic" to sell my
stuff

After 12 years of renting a farm last September my husband and I bought
a farm of our own and right now we are getting it ready for spring
planting by opening up pasture than has not been farmed in several
decades (been a horse/cow pasture).

We have one hoophouse up and almost ready to be planted with lettuce
and arugula. we also have an order of strawberries and asparagus coming
in 14 days and have been getting beds ready for those. we plan to erect
a couple more hoophouses in the next few weeks for tomatoes, zucchini,
cukes and melons.

we also are planning on opening a farm store. Right now the plan is to
sell our produce out of it and also resell other locally grown produce
and crafts. In the future I would like to develop a garden center that
sells organic inputs to other farmers and gardeners whio want to go
chem free.

To check out our hoophouses and how we build 'em go to
http://boulerbelt.blogspot.com/2006/02/hoophouse-how-to-part-1-what-you-need.html#links

Lucy
Boulder belt farm
Eaton, OH
http://www.boulderbeltfarm.com

[Chuckie]

Looks like you are very busy.
Moving must not have been fun.
I like your site, and I hope you have a sucessful year.
Also welcome to the group.

[Chuckie]

How does the organic license work?
I have wondered about organic licenseing before because I am starting a
business very similar to yours in upper Northeast Ohio.
www.freewebs.com/allianceproduce
Has the USDA messed up the organic products with their regulations?
Chuckie