Feeding a Crowd

Comments pages for Feb 21 readings

Note the path below for these four readings for this week; leave comments on the Striffler page there...

5 Transforming the South 

1 Cherokee Seed Bank

2 Sustaining Community

Helguera 3. Situations

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  1. Previous chapters discuss how minority farmers were excluded from decision-making and essential processes. I think what is important in this chapter is that Cynthia and Mr. Hayes intentionally make sure this does not happen by assisting farmers with applications and providing proper training.
  2. This story created an interesting contrast to ‘Transforming the South’. In this story, Kevin explains that they don’t use the term organic, because it was created to sell more product. He explains that it makes agriculture more complicated.
  3. I think what Jenga says about branding urban agriculture for Black people was very important. The idea of urban farming being for White hippies with bikes and beards shows up again.
  4. I thought it was interesting, on page 83, towards the middle, of the right column, it discusses how plants can cure what ails us. This related to our conversation that we had at Frogtown Farm, when one of the companion plants would be a cure to an issue from a companion plant that grew right next to it. I believe that was what we discussed.
  5. Was great to hear about the community building that happened through this garden program. Reminded me of the fence that was put up around that property, and what could have/could still happen if they would just allow people to build community through gardens!
  6. Sorry all -- comments needed to not be moderated for multiple comments to show up; that should now be happening.
  7. I thought this section was interesting because it talks about the concept of organic farming and how it support black farmers. Organic farming is supposed to be a more suitable system to help African American’s transition from urban agriculture to organic farming. I admired the work that Dr. Owusu Bandele and Cynthia Hayes have put together in forming the SAAFON that works with over one hundred and twenty two farmers in eight states including the Virgin Island. They train and support farmers abroad and then connect black farmers here in the U.S. to other areas in the African Diaspora to exchange knowledge and information, while embracing the culture of food, which I think is really good. Being able to have your network expand outside of the U.S. is a big achievement and goal that many wish they could do, but to bring together and form a network were everyone can learn and support one another is brilliant and there should be more like it today.
  8. I found this section to be very interesting and informational with regards to the Cherokee culture. It’s surprising when the culture of a known tribe just kind of vanishes in the background. But I liked what Kevin and Sarah are doing about bringing the culture back and reminding its people of what it was like. The fact that they created this youth garden program and a mobile class room shows that they are really serious about getting back to their roots and saving their tribe. They use these programs and resource to teach children how growing food is part of their culture, while teaching the adults how to use and make compost and while learning other management practices and techniques. Having a seventy percent increase in the number of gardens within the Cherokee culture shows that with a little effort and support and the interest of those within and outside the community, from mainly of those from other tribes can make a difference and keep the Cherokee culture alive.
  9. I found this section to be a sad because of hurricane Katrina many of these people don’t have their houses and families with them because they have been place in different areas. In this section of the reading they focus on one specific area and that the Lower Ninth Ward who received the greatest devastation from the hurricane. Many today still have not been able to return home or what was once their home . I liked the idea Jenga brought forward in creating communities gardens that would bring unity to a place that desperately needs it. She also developed a backyard gardener’s network that supports the lower ninth ward and brings the neighborhood together around these two gardens to provide resources and activities for the residents. I also liked the fact that she was trying to keep her programs and network to those who are African American and are at need for these resources and support who didn’t receive it when they needed it. I definitely admire her courage and wanting to break down the barriers of racial inequality and provide a place where African American’s and people in general can take back our community and build tools and resources for ourselves that will benefit us in the long run.
  10. I thought this section of the reading was quite interesting in the different aspects of the SEA projects and the controversy regarding these projects and their meanings. In a part of the reading it mentions how if one person just wants to help people, why should they call it art. I think that statement is very interesting because I never thought about it that way, I always seen helping as a good deed of giving back, but now I’m curious of the connection between the two. In a way I can see how it is considered art, If your involved in projects and activities were your creativity is key, but if your putting together some form of project that consist of elements of art, then I could see the similarities and differences between the two.
  11. This chapter mentioned a few inequalities in organic agriculture that I was not aware of. One, on p. 74, is that black farmers were not associated with growing organic, and therefore USDA certification is more important for their business. Another (p. 76) is that many believe organic agriculture doesn't work as well in the south because the warmer climate leads to more insects and diseases.
  12. On p. 84-85, Kevin talks about how the elders don't know what "organic" is, because they have always used these best practices. This is similar to in "Transforming the South" (p. 75-76) when Dr. Bandele says he used "organic" practices before he had any formal agricultural training and he just didn't know it.
  13. In this section it describes more of the hardships Black farmers need to go through compared to their White counterparts. I find it disheartening that they need to go through so much more work. To clarify, it is much more difficult for Black farmers to sell organic produce. While some farmers have the option of not getting USDA certified and just having a sign saying it's grown chemical free or all natural, Black farmers lack trust from consumers--making them need to invest much more time to get a certification. This is simply unfair and troubles me.
  14. The Cherokee have a beautiful view on plants and their powers around us--a belief that should be continued in future generations. Sadly, this community is more closed off from mistreatment of the past and present. What hasn't been physically taken away from them has been disrespected by other cultures. This exploitation saddens me because until reading this chapter I knew nothing about Cherokee beliefs and now I think that it is something beautiful and something that should be respected and known by all. Sadly, disrespect does not make this an option. Also, it is affecting the health of the community in general.
  15. "To come back is to commit to a place that is not stable." I find it amazing how starting one community garden can make such a difference in a place that has gone through so much. It brought everyone back together and closer through hope. Not only is it productive, but also beautiful. It brings back old traditions--in a community previously connected with the land--and rebuilds the community. Rebuilding the community after such a devastating event like Katrina is truly amazing.