Mike Walton of Tunnel Vision Hoops Testifies Before House Ag Subcommittee

For Immediate Release Belinda Prinz Communications Director Belinda.Prinz@mail.house.gov   (216) 522-4900

May 10, 2012 CLEVELAND URBAN FARMER TESTIFIES BEFORE HOUSE AGRICULTURE SUBCOMMITEE AT INVITATION OF CONGRESSWOMAN FUDGE "URBAN AGRICULTURE IS HERE TO STAY AND URBAN FARMERS DESERVE ACCESS TO CREDIT AND OTHER USDA PROGRAMS THAT TRADITIONAL FARMERS RECEIVE." WASHINGTON, D.C. - In what may be a first for the House Agriculture Committee, Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) invited an urban farmer from Cleveland to testify today before the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight & Credit of which she is the Ranking Member. Michael Walton, co-owner of Tunnel Vision Hoops and League Park Market Place in Cleveland testified at a hearing to discuss the reauthorization of the Farm Bill and USDA credit programs. "Based on testimony received, including that from Mr. Michael Walton, a Cleveland agricultural entrepreneur, it is clear that USDA does not consider the unique needs of non-traditional farmers when developing its credit programs," said Congresswoman Fudge.    "Urban farmers are legitimate agricultural producers who happen to live and farm outside of the traditional rural environment.  They are filling an increasingly important role in the economic well being of urban areas, and provide healthy nutrition for many who would otherwise not have access to it.  Yet time and time again, producers in the Eleventh Congressional District and other urban areas across this nation have expressed valid frustration, particularly with the USDA credit programs. Access to credit can make or break rural farm operations, and urban farm operations are no different.” The Farm bill is currently being updated. Congresswoman Fudge is urging colleagues on the Agriculture Committee to give serious consideration to the needs of urban farmers.

EcoTuesday February: Delving Deeper - Growhio drives local food success!

Join us Tuesday, February 28, 2012, 5:30 PM

Galleria at Erieview

1301 East Ninth St., Cleveland, OH

Price: $5.00/per person in advance ($10 at the door)

Register

Come one, come all and hear a nice In-Depth follow up to a snapshot presentation from Growhio, one of several new but essential local food initiatives emerging from the Sustainable Cleveland 2019 (first year summit) and going strong three years later.  We were happy the folks at Growhio reached out to us and requested the opportunity to share with everyone a deep dive: a great history of progress, the latest developments brewing, and current key projects to benefit those who want to get involved in growing and specifically - marketing their produce with special benefits and incentives.  We'll also hear great perspectives from local market managers, current vendors, and other key stakeholders who will share firsthand their perspectives from being involved.  We'll also have YOU who attend the opportunity to offer your best ideas, suggestions, and hopes to get plugged in to the local food movement and programs that Growhio is driving forward.

It is important stuff, and I've enjoyed tracking this group's progress since engaging with this group three years ago and helping contribute to its development.   Join us for a special session with Growhio on Feb 28th!  Fresh, free local food and drink for all.   Call 216-849-8651 with any questions!  BY: SUDHIR KADE RAGHUPATHY

EcoTuesday Meetup March 22: Hurdles for Small Farms Selling Direct

The new buzz among Americans is all about eating healthier foods. The discussion has finally come front and center in a nation struggling with diabetes, obesity, heart disease and other diet-related chronic illness. As demand for locally grown food steadily increases, supply from existing local farms cannot meet the growing demand.

North Union Farmers Market (NUFM) has been a pioneering advocate for local farmers, with a 16-year history of attracting more than 300 small farms to its eleven “certified producer only” markets throughout Cuyahoga County. In surveying local farmers over the years, NUFM has pinpointed what it perceives as the greatest threat to small farm business - over regulation by state and federal governments. The impact on local farms can be devastating - more than half have left the business of farming because of lack of funding, lack of personnel resources, physical constraints and the costs associated with running a farm business.

EcoTuesday's March 22 will address the questions striking at the heart of this critical issue affecting both our economy and our public health: How can governments protect the consumer and grow more small farms? Is it the job of government to protect the consumer? What is the government’s role in protecting the consumer while encouraging local agriculture?

Panel Members Include:

• Adam Sharp, Legislative FB Representative
• Gale Betterley, Ph.D., Dairy Farmer
• Tom Wiandt, Killbuck Valley Farm
• Eric Ross, Red Wagon Farm
• Susan Woodworth, Middle Ridge Gardens
• Louis Rorimer, Snake Hill Farm
• Todd Mogren, Millgate Farm

This amazing set of speakers has been organized by event co-planner Donita Anderson, Executive Director of NUFM.

Special Guest Moderator: Liz Lockert of the Civic Commons

For more information or to register, please visit the event website.