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Spring Fling Organicfest - Proceeds Benefit TOFGA

Austin’s Barr Mansion hosts the Spring Fling Organicfest, March 28th, 11:00am. The certified organic brunch is $50 a person with all proceeds benefitting TOFGA! Contact Valerie@BarrMansion.com to RSVP.

Purchase your ticket online


Spring Fling Organicfest

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NRCS Extends Deadline for Organic Farming Initiative

TEMPLE, TEXAS, March 10, 2010 – The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has extended the deadline to apply for conservation funding available to certified organic producers and those transitioning to organic production in Texas to April 2, 2010.

Voluntary financial and technical assistance is available through the Organic initiative under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Through the Organic EQIP sign-up, farmers, ranchers and dairy operators may apply for financial assistance and technical expertise to plan and install conservation measures, such as conservation crop rotation, cover crops, nutrient management, pest management, prescribed grazing, forage harvest management, and more. Program participants may receive up to $20,000 annually or $80,000 during any six-year period.

Producers must meet basic program eligibility guidelines to be eligible to apply. Organic producers may also apply for assistance under the general EQIP program that is open to both organic and non-organic producers. Applications for Farm Bill conservation programs are accepted on a continuous basis.

Interested producers should visit their nearest USDA Service Center about conservation planning and to determine eligibility. More information is available at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/organic.

Contact:  Mark Habiger, 254-742-9881

mark.habiger@tx.usda.gov

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“Great Conversations” at the University of North Texas

On March 23, 2010 the University of North Texas (UNT) is hosting the first annual Great Conversations. Great Conversations is a unique event benefiting the Honors College at UNT. This premier event will feature Ms. Nancy Collins and Ms. Cynthia Maguire. Ms. Collins is the owner of the Denton Wild Bird Center, a master naturalist and wildlife rehabilitator. Ms. Maguire is president of the Native Plant Society of Texas and an expert on using native plants to attract birds and butterflies. For more information, visit the UNT Great Conversations web site.

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Spring Cultivation and Planting Workshop

When: Saturday March 27th 2010, 9 am to 2 pm

Where: Aunt Sue’s Barn, 116 CR 2601, Ponder, TX  76259

Cost: $10.00 per person

This workshop will teach you how to use a cultivator, what natural amendments can be used to enhance the soil, how to install a drip irrigation system and principles of companion planting. This is a hands-on workshop located at a local farm in Ponder – bring your gloves and dress appropriately for the weather.

You must pre-register to attend before March 25th.  To pre-register, call 214-673-5862 or email Trish Percy at pdpercy@sbcglobal.net.

Directions:

  • Take the E University Dr/US-377/US-380 exit off I-35;
  • Go west on US-380
  • 12.5 mi. Turn right at N County Line Rd
  • 358 ft. Turn left at County Rd 2601
  • first gate on the right is Aunt Sue’s Barn, look for the balloon!

This workshop is sponsored by Feed Texas First. Feed Texas First is an organization that supports increased food security in North Texas. For more information, go to www.feedtexasfirst.org

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Local Farmers Meet & Greet

This is a meet and greet discussion session invitation for local farms/ranches/producers in Williamson County, Texas – specifically around Jonah or Eastern Williamson County.

When: March 14th, 2 – 4 pm
Where: Gabriel Valley Farms, Jonah, TX

Discussion topics:
1. Do we want a Jonah Farm Tour Weekend: Once a year local farmers open their farms and gardens to the public. Chefs, city folks, future farmers can visit/buy/tour things at your farm. Advertised event.
2. Do we want a farmers market/ craft fair in Jonah/Eastern Williamson County?
3. The online Garden Gate to Kitchen Plate Network and the online Jonah Farm Tour.

Directions:
Take Hwy 29 East to Jonah. Go right on Old Hwy 29
Meet and Greet at Gabriel Valley Farms 440 Old Hwy. 29 East

Hosts Web Site:
www.gabrielvalleyfarms.com Email: gvfarms@att.net
Hosts of the online network and for Questions contact:
www.thecrookedcreekfarm.com Email: gate2plate@aol.com

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Texas Business Owner Sentenced to Jail for False Organic Marketing

Texas Department of Agriculture
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
02-26-2010
CONTACT: Bryan Black
Veronica Obregon
(512) 463-7664

AUSTIN - Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples announced today that a Texas Department of Agriculture inspection has resulted in a prison sentence for Basilio Coronado. The Brownfield company owner was sentenced to 24 months in a federal prison for falsely portraying his company’s produce as organic. The evidence of misrepresentation was discovered during a TDA inspection of Sel-Cor Bean and Pea Inc.

“The message is clear – if you illegally market your products and try to defraud consumers, we will catch you and you’ll pay a high price,” Commissioner Staples said.

Continue reading Texas Business Owner Sentenced to Jail for False Organic Marketing

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March 5-6: 4th Annual Tejas Art and Book Cultural Festival, Rockdale

March 5-6: 4th Annual Tejas Art and Book Cultural Festival, Rockdale

The 4th Annual Tejas Art and Book Festival- Catch the Spirit in Rockdale is a multi-faceted event. TOFGA Region 1 wil have a book and resources table at the event. Stop by and say hi!

Event includes visiting authors doing book reviews, selling books in the library, authors visiting the schools to talk to the students, artist displaying and selling their wares, folk life activities in the historical Depot Museum, Car Show, local entertainment provided by students and adults and street vendors. Visit the website at www.rockdalechamber.com/.

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