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Author Archives: Honesta Romberger
Act now to save vital farmers market programs!
Honesta Romberger June 22, 2017Two critical programs that support farmers and farmers markets are under threat. The recently released presidential budget proposes the complete elimination of both the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) and the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP). Your voice is needed to protect these vital programs. Farmers markets don’t have Super PACs. We have something…
FMC Voices Support for Farmer Fair Practices Rules
Honesta Romberger June 2, 2017Today, just four companies make 85 percent of America’s beef and 65 percent of its pork. Just three companies produce almost half of all chicken. This concentration in the meat industry hurts both farmers and consumers, which is why FMC has voiced our support for the Farmer Fair Practices Rules (GIPSA) Interim Final Rule (IFR).…
FMC Statement on 2018 Federal Budget Proposal
Honesta Romberger May 26, 2017Budget Director Mick Mulvaney holds copy of President Trump’s proposed fiscal 2018 federal budget. Photo credit: Andrew Harnik, AP. This week President Trump submitted his 2018 federal budget request to Congress. The budget proposes a 21% cut to the United States Department of Agriculture and the complete elimination of the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) (p. 85),…
FMC Featured in Southern Farm & Garden Magazine
Honesta Romberger May 24, 2017FMC is featured in the Spring issue of Southern Farm & Garden, a seasonal journal connecting readers to the world of agriculture, and the men and women who grow and raise the sustainable food we eat! In Spring’s issue, FMC’s article dives in to the many reasons farmers markets are vital to American agriculture and communities. FMC will…
USDA Secretary Perdue Testifies Before House Committee on Agriculture
Honesta Romberger May 19, 2017In his first appearance before the House Committee on Agriculture to testify on the “State of the Rural Economy”, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue reiterated the critical role that farmers markets play in providing Americans access to fresh, healthy, American-grown produce. Fielding a question on how USDA is seeking to better meet the nutritional needs…
LISTEN IN: FMC’s Jen Cheek talks farmers markets, FINI, and food access
Honesta Romberger May 17, 2017FMC’s Executive Director, Jen Cheek joined WGN Radio Chicago this morning (5/17/17) to talk farmers markets, FINI, and food access in Illinois and across the country: “If American tax dollars can simultaneously feed our hungry neighbors, and provide a source of income and demand for American produce, it really is a huge win-win.” Listen in: http://wgnradio.com/2017/05/17/the-opening-bell-51717-food-assistance-at-illinois-farmers-markets/
Food As Medicine, Reimagined
Honesta Romberger April 27, 2017By Giselle Kennedy Lord | hello@gisellekennedy.com Giselle Kennedy Lord lives in Hood River, OR, and is currently a MLA candidate in Gastronomy at Boston University. She owns and operates a small, food-focused business called Quincho and is an enthusiastic supporter and weekly customer of her local farmers markets. An apple a day to keep the doctor away…
Meet Katie and Hans Bishop of PrairiErth Farm
Honesta Romberger April 19, 2017PrairiErth Farm is a 300 acre certified organic farm in Logan County, right in-between Chicago and St Louis. The farm has been owned by the Bishop family for over 30 years. Dave Bishop overseas the livestock and grain operations, while his son Hans and daughter in-law Katie, along with about 7-10 employees and apprentices, manage…
Seasonal Recipe Ideas for Farmers Markets
Honesta Romberger April 13, 2017The height of produce season is just around the corner, and sometimes offering a recipe card is just the inspiration customers need to pick up that extra item from your vendor or stall. Check out these downloadable recipes developed by the University of Minnesota, using peak seasonal produce available at farmers markets across various regions during the Spring…
Seeking Farmers to Help Predict Frost
Honesta Romberger March 30, 2017A group of Penn State University meterology students and founders of Innovation Weather, LLC, are looking for farmers across the country, particularly fruit and vegetable growers, to help test and provide feedback on software that can predict the probability of frost formation. This software aims to predict the total hours below freezing, as well as total…
