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Dec. 14, 2019 M@D Newsletter - This Is The Last Order Cycle for 2019!
This Week’s Newsletter:
This Year in Agriculture
Market Chitchat
Grower Notes
SOME CRAZY STUFF!
With this newsletter starting the last order cycle of 2019 we’re getting a jump on the seasonal “year in review” stuff. Soon we’ll start seeing sports, medicine, entertainment, science, political, etc type programs about the significant events of 2019. Some will go down in history as trivia. Some will have impact for years to come. We thought we’d take a look at a couple of interesting events in US agriculture for 2019 that have impact.
The big story for 2019 is HEMP. The 2018 Farm Bill paved the way for legal hemp production in the United States. It was declassified as a Schedule 1 drug and deemed as an agriculture commodity. This legislation defines “hemp” as all parts of the plant containing less than 0.3% THC. Farmers cannot grow hemp without federal or state approval and only under strict guidelines.
This is the second year Alabama has accepted applications for growing hemp and the number is expected to double as it is used more in manufacturing. Ag Commissioner Rick Pate said industrial hemp has a lot of uses. “It’s used in cars, plastics, it’s biodegradable. It would help with plastics getting out of the water” To become a hemp farmer potential growers in our state have to pay a $200 application fee and submit a background check. If approved a $1,000 location fee is required.
Another event highlights the continuing confusion over the definition of “waters of the United States” aka, WOTUS, under the Clean Water Act. An August 19, 2019 ruling found that the Obama administration’s 2015 “Clean Water Rule” is an “impermissible construction of the statutory language”, in other words, an overreach of federal authority. The Obama 2015 rule seized federal regulatory control over virtually all water, something Congress never authorized. The impact on farms and farmland was devastating.
“Continuing confusion” of this issue is an understatement. Many states including Alabama, Georgia and Florida weighed in on the Obama rule with lawsuits. The whole thing boiled down to a power struggle over federal and state control of water. It started back in 2006 because there was no original clear definition of exactly what constitutes “waters of the United States”. The result has been a struggle for control for the nations water ever since and despite the 2019 decision, is yet to be resolved.
MARKET CHITCHAT
“Rain, Rain, Go Away” . . . and it did! We hope you’re enjoying today’s beautiful sunshine after the heavy downpour from last night.
WELCOME EAGLE GROVE SERVICES! Many of you met Joan Kimm and her beautiful satsumas at Open House. We are happy to announce that she has joined the online market and will be offering more products as their family farm in Hartford grows. For now she will be at the Market Shed next Friday, December 20 with more satsumas for your holiday use, so even if you don’t place an online order, feel free to drop by between 10am and 12pm to meet her.
Well, this is it, the last order cycle for 2019. It’s been wonderful being a part of your lives this year and we look forward to serving you again next year in 2020.
Market at Dothan is now listed on agroshare.com. Agroshare is a map resource for both consumers and those who supply sustainable foods whether restaurant, farmer’s market or farm. It’s a great travel resource for finding clean food sources out of this area.
GROWER NOTES
We have the best Growers in the Wiregrass! Please learn more about them on our Grower Page.
DANNY’S GREENS ARE BACK! There will be 10 salad greens and 6 onions available to order this week.
AVALON FARMS:
I tried to think of something clever and fun for this Christmas newsletter, but couldn’t think of a thing. So I’ll stick with the truth of the season…
God bless you one and all!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
From Avalon Farms
LAURA’S CONFECTIONS: I am very fortunate to have the constancy of your patronage since I joined the Market and offer my most sincere thanks for making this a most successful year. It has been a great pleasure to serve you the finest quality confections doing what I love best. I wish everyone peace and joy this Christmas season and a very Happy New Year filled with the realization of all your hopes and dreams.
D’S JELLIES Jellies are unique and delicious gifts for Christmas or any occasion. Whether it was Mother’s Day Open House, Market orders, or Christmas Open House, I sincerely Thank You for purchasing D’s Mayhaw Jelly, Hot Pepper Jelly, & BlackBerry Jelly. Merry Christmas! Dianne Herring
HORTONS FARM Progress continues on restoring infrastructure around here. This week my beloved garden shed (an 8×14 hoop house constructed by my mr. and sons) went on the trash heap. Plans are in the works for another plus expanding that garden into part of the back pasture. New fencing is completed on one side and part of another. During Christmas my old raised beds will be leveled and the perennial veggies (walking garlic, asparagus and horseradish) stored or moved. I’m pretty happy they have continued during their prolonged neglect.
On a different note, a RECIPE! We recently roasted one of Avalon’s Georgia Candy Roaster Squash. Talk about easy! I sliced it, removed the seeds and baked at 350 till tender. When cool, remove the peels, cube and warm in a skillet or saucepan with ¼ c maple syrup. 1 – 2 tbs butter, a sprinkling of cinnamon and nutmeg and a handful of chopped nuts. Easy peasy and delicious!
Lastly, a Product Review. Mrs. Laura shared a slice of her Skyscraper Cake and . . . oh. my. word!!! This thing is heavenly! Don’t take my word for it. Rictor Farms and Eagle Grove Services got to share the love and can attest to the opinion!
FOOTNOTES
We would love to hear from you! If you have a favorite recipe, want to write a product review, have an idea or request for an article or information, let us know! You can reply to this newsletter or write marketatdothan@gmail.com.
Order Saturday 5pm to Tuesday 5pm weekly for Pickup the following Friday
Dothan Pickup: 10am – 12pm, Dothan Nurseries, 1300 Montgomery Highway, Dothan, AL 36303
Daleville Pickup: 11am – 11:30am, Parking area behind Daleville Chamber of Commerce
Enterprise Pickup: 12pm – 12:30pm, Grocery Advantage, 1032 Boll Weevil Circle, Enterprise
Our Email: marketatdothan@gmail.com
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We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!