Because we will be relying much more on personal computer links this season, we urge you to clearly write your e-mail address on your CSA application.

One person, Dr. Delia Marx, of Scarsdale, is largely responsible for creating our web site. Delia is a professor of computer science at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry and a longtime “pod chief” in our CSA. Since last December, she has been teaching in Argentina while caring for her gravely ill sister. Thank you, Delia, for all of your good works.

Lastly, I ask all of you to forward suggestions for our web site. To those with special computer skills, perhaps you could help us reach the full potential of our web site.

Weather and crops
One hardly needs to call attention to the effects of weather in 2003. All of us have suffered from its extremes, but gentle moisture from the heavy snowfalls probably will help our spring crops, and the severe cold may suppress some over-wintering insect pests. Nevertheless, we are delayed in getting started, about 2 weeks later than 2002 in heating the greenhouse.

Our selection of vegetables will be similar to those of 2002, but the quantities may vary from last season. I would note, too, that we are using organically grown seeds to the extent that is feasible. For further information, see the “Organic Certification” item in this newsletter.

Workers
As usual, our work force for the season will have some of the old crew and several new people. Fuad, our field manager, and Kathleen, our weekly CSA share organizer, are expected to continue. Both live in our house, Kay Hall (404 Starr Ridge Road). Also, general helper, James Cumming, will return in a part time role. By far, the biggest change will be the loss of Ann Kyle, formerly of Brewster and now of North Carolina. Our prospects for foreign students are most exciting but not yet clinched. Two young men, studying agriculture in Hungary, have applied.

Two young women from Vietnam, both with farm experience, also have applied. A New York City coordinating agency, know as Interchange, has helped us obtain such students since 1985. Closer to home, students from SUNY Purchase, notably Daniel Dilmaghani and Amanda Conklin, may join us. Another worker, from the John Bowne High School, in Queens, is expected in July and August. One or more “farm cadets” have come from John Bowne every year since 1979. Finally, we hope to welcome back the two young Ecuadorian men who worked here many days
in 2002.

Despite what the foregoing may imply to you, we really could use a lot more help from CSA members. Come and join us in or out of the 27-week CSA season. Please note, too, that you may be able to defray some of your membership costs by assisting at Ryder Farm or even elsewhere.

Organic Certification, by Hall Gibson
After much agonizing, I have decided to apply, once again, for annual renewal of organic certification from NOFA-NY, as I have done since 1985. My indecision arises mostly from a new requirement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, that certified organic growers must use organically grown seeds or show documentation from at least three seed sources that such seeds are not available. Ryder Farm orders and uses well over 100 different seed types. Documentation for so many seed types is wildly impractical, hence my consternation. While the USDA requirement sounds good, it is at best premature, if not impractical, for some years to come.

For nearly 25 years, I have ordered most of my vegetable seeds from Johnny’s Selected Seeds of Maine. Owner Rob Johnson and his excellent staff have long been sympathetic with organic growers. Recently, one of his key aides, sensing my anguish, telephoned me to discuss Johnny’s situation and mine. The result: an explanatory letter from Johnny’s to boost me over a certification hurdle. Keep your fingers crossed.

Ryder Farm Experimental Plot, by Hall Gibson
Much to my surprise, the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the USDA has approved my request for technical and financial support of an on-farm, experimental, one-acre plot. The experiment, to last 5 years, essentially consists of creating and maintaining perennial vegetable growing beds of 40-inch width, separated by, more or less, permanent grass strips of 20-inch width. The NRCS calls them “filter strips,” thus emphasizing the soil conservation aspects of the project.

My aspirations go further. I will be working toward a minimally tilled, permanent growing bed that will never feel the pressure of a tire or foot, and be free from the gouging of a plow or churning of a rotovator. Ideally, this will allow the soil profile, with its stratified layers of microorganisms, to remain in their most natural state. It should also keep weeds to a minimum. Of course, some expected and unexpected glitches will appear. We will keep you posted, if you are interested.

LIFE, by Hall Gibson
One of my favorite dreams recently came to “LIFE,” but, alas, not yet to reality. In the real world, LIFE is the felicitous acronym for “Local Initiatives in Food and the Environment,” and was conceived by Marion Rose, of Bedford. Marion was recently noted for organizing and leading an effective clean water coalition in the Croton River watershed area.

My dream, of several years, is to bring fresh, healthful food to America’s suburbs by actually growing most of that food in gardens of one acre or less within the suburbs, themselves. I would call the gardens “ecological” growing plots and, generally, organize them into CSA-type food cooperatives. One half dozen or more ecological plots would serve nearby residents, all participants coordinating their roles under an umbrella organization. Such organizations might be traditional food cooperatives, colleges, schools or even religious entities. Growing plots might be parts of oversized lawns, institution grounds, or even publicly owned properties (e.g. a county farm park). Growers, their helpers, and those who sort and care for the food would be mostly part time workers or volunteers receiving some of the food for their contributions. Prime candidates for such roles might be students, teachers, retirees, and unemployed persons. The many recycled, organic materials that are abundant in the suburbs would support soil fertility, mostly.

Obviously, this is a rather grandiose dream that merits the description “idealistic,” that several associates already have termed this idea. Yet, I have heard no other feasible alternatives to industrial agriculture that achieve the goals implied by LIFE. Are we going to remain supine under the ever more dominating agribusiness goliath? What are your reactions to LIFE and my unorthodox views? I welcome your views.