A bit of news on the local food front -- Indiana Farmers and Consumers Alliance is formed

[Carl Little]

I have been involved for some time now with a group of farmers who
market directly to consumers. Today I filed articles of incorporation
for this group so they can organize and lobby our state legislature
and executive branch to reduce barriers to entry for small and artisan
direct marketing farmers. The purpose of this organization is to
educate farmers consumers and policy makers on the health, social and
economic benefits of locally grown food, and to reduce the regulatory
barriers for artisan farmers. The regulatory burdens that artisan
farmers now face were designed to protect us from industrial
agriculture, and have little to do with safety issues when it comes to
food bought directly from the farm.

I'll have more on this later, but it is a statewide effort, and the
current board will be looking to build a bigger board of directors in
the very near future. Prospective board members could be producers or
consumers that are knowledgeable on the subject, and are not afraid to
help raise awareness and funds. I'm sure the group will also be
recruiting members and volunteers to spread the message.

The first issue that this group will take on is the sale of raw milk.
Your comments and suggestions on this issue would be greatly
appreciated.

This effort was very much under the encouragement of the Virginia
Independent Consumers and Farmers Association that was founded by
Joel Salatin.