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Links to resources on Agriculture, Sustainable Food Systems and Food Justice Here are a few fantastic resources to give you background on these important issues, while keeping you informed of the newest developments. Ag Observatory—also the entire IATP Site and their blog Think Forward Blog for Rural America—good commentary from the folks at the Center for Rural Affairs The Ethicurian—A wide ranging look at the ethics of food systems Grist's food and agricultural pieces, especially the work of Tom Philpott MULCH blog—no relation! This is a blog writen by Ken Cook of the Environmental Working Group, which runs the Farm Subsidy Database. Minnesota Sustainable Agriculture Links Just a bite! Believe it or not, this list is just the beginning for you to open the doors to the growing sustainable agriculture movement in the Midwest…. Something missing? Let us know! Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy - http://www.iatp.org/ Coordinates local, national, and international campaigns and distributes information on agriculture and trade. Land Stewardship Project - http://www.landstewardshipproject.org/ 30-year veteran of advocating for small farmers in Minnesota and throughout the Midwest. Organic Consumers Association - http://www.organicconsumers.org/ Minnesota-based national advocacy organization.. Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture – http://www.misa.umn.edu U of M based research institution. The Minnesota Project - http://www.mnproject.org/ Devoted to sustainable development and environmental health in Minnesota, with a focus on sustainable agriculture and alternative energy. Sustainable Resources Center - http://www.src-mn.org/SRC_HOME_Absolute.htm - Works to build and strengthen communities with sustainability and environmental health in mind Farm in the City - http://www.farminthecity.org/ St. Paul based environmental education organization with a focus on urban agriculture programs. Youth Farm and Market Program - http://www.youthfarm.net/ Also an environmental education organization dedicated to urban gardening, based in three neighborhoods in St Paul and Minneapolis. St Paul Farmer’s Market - http://www.stpaulfarmersmarket.com/ OOO! Minneapolis Farmer’s Market - http://www.mplsfarmersmarket.com/ Mmm! White Earth Land Recovery Project - http://www.welrp.org/ Northern Minnesota organization dedicated to environmental justice for tribal members on the White Earth Reservation, with projects in restoring traditional foods. Women's Environmental Intitute (WEI) - http://www.w-e-i.org/ Farm, resource and research center and retreat site in North Branch where folks can learn about environmental justice for women, children, and communities. Local Fair Trade Network - http://localfairtrade.org/ Working to support Midwestern farmers and businesses by certifying them with a domestic fair trade label. Midwest Food Alliance - http://www.foodalliance.org/ A regional food certification program certifying sustainably grown produce. WHAT IF I WANT TO WORK ON A FARM FOR A SUMMER? Well, first, you should gain some excellent experience with MULCH, and brag about it to your prospective employer. There’s great summer work to be had working on small-scale sustainable farms as an apprentice – it doesn’t pay well, but it is a summer that will make a difference. MULCH recommends (from personal experience) those Minnesota farms that we send students to on fall and spring break. You may want to find your own farm, however, based on other criteria. Many people find a farm in places of the country (or the world) they’d like to travel. To help you get started: ATTRA - http://www.attrainternships.ncat.org/ -- A great and well-established network of apprenticeships on farms throughout North America. Organic Volunteers - http://www.organicvolunteers.com A newer index, but one that has been tested and recommended by other Mac alums too. WWOOF (Willing Workers on Organic
Farms) - http://www.wwoof.org/
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