Tell Obama, McCain to start planting!

Sign on to national "Eat the View" campaign for next president to plant the White House lawn to food!

Bill McKibben to visit Traverse City

Noted author and the "godfather of global warming awareness," Bill McKibben is coming to Traverse City on September 7 for a Rally for Local Solutions to Global Warming.

continued→

Cherry Festival draws record crowds, pumps local economy

A bit beleaguered in recent years, the Cherry Festival flexed its muscle this year, showing that the event is a sustainable and vital force for the Traverse City economy. The festival drew record crowds this year, with the help of near-perfect weather, the Blue Angels and the 4th of July Friday kick-off. And local businesses report higher, if not record, sales during the week.

continued→

Bingham agritourism gets county support

The Leelanau County Planning Commission recently recommended approval of an amendment to Bingham Township's zoning ordinance to make it easier for agricultural property owners to practice agritourism to attract visitors. The language expands the definition of agriculture to encourage activities previously not covered. The commission suggested the language was too narrowly focused on wineries and fruit growing operations, and suggested expanding it to include other agricultural businesses such as those that brew beer, make hard cider and grow flowers. Next up? The Bingham Township Board will consider adoption of the amendment at its next meeting on July 21.

TC Downtown Farmers Market relocates for Cherry Festival

Just a reminder that the Sara Hardy Farmers Market will relocate during the Cherry Festival from its regular location in downtown Traverse City, across from Clinch Park. It'll move to the barns behind the Grand Traverse Commons from 8 a.m. to noon on July 5, 9 and 12. Follow the signs from the corner of Division and 11th streets.

New Foodie Beginnings for Michigan’s Economy

One of Michigan's best economic opportunities is growing all around us: Local food from local farms. Check out a recent Antrim County farm tour and some statewide thinking that came out of it here.

Leland Report on Leland Wine & Food Festival

The Leland Report shares photos and comments on the well-attended Leland Wine & Food Festival...including info on the bear spotted in town.

Black Star Farms’ Don Coe wins Rueben Brigham Award

Don Coe, managing partner of Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay, Michigan, won the 2008 Rueben Brigham Award from the Association for Communication Excellence in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Life and Human Sciences. Established in 1947, the award recognizes a communicator who has made a major contribution in the field of agriculture, natural resources, or life and human sciences at the regional, national or international level.

continued→

Cherry Festival Needs Volunteers!

Volunteer numbers are down for the National Cherry Festival, reports the Traverse City Business News. Officials are hoping for 850 to 1,000 volunteers, and as of Tuesday, had 487. They are especially looking for teams. So far, only 15 teams have signed up, down from 52 last year. The festival wil be held July 5 - 12 in Traverse City, Michigan. To volunteer, contact Melanie Schurkamp at 231-947-4230, Melanie@cherryFestival.org.

Village Press to launch new foodie mag

A new foodie magazine will debut in northern Michigan, reports the Traverse City Business News. Traverse City-based Village Press Inc. plans to launch The 45th: wine, food and leisure in Northern Michigan, with the first issue scheduled for May 2009.

Food For Thought Gets Permit

Timothy Young reports that after last night's nearly 4-hour Benzie County Zoning Board hearing, Food For Thought received its Special Land Use permit to continue doing business at their location on Oviatt Road, in Honor, Michigan. Congratulations! And thanks to all who commented on this blog, attended the hearing, and wrote letters in support of Food For Thought

Public Hearing in Bingham Township on Ag Ordinance

The Bingham Township Planning Commission is holding a public hearing tonight to present a new Agricultural Ordinance. The ordinance expands the definition of agriculture to include production practices and activities that until late have not been considered agriculture at all or have been allowed with restrictions. These items include such things as farm markets, roadside stands, nature trails, tree production, processing of produce on the farm, wineries and farm-based food service. The hearing is tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Bingham Schoolhouse, 7171 S. Center Highway, Traverse City, in Leelanau County. All are welcome to attend and voice their opinion on the proposed ordinance.

Farm Bill Benefits Area Specialty Farmers

Nikki Rothwell, Michigan State University District Extension Horticulturist and the Coordinator of the Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Station, writes in today's Record-Eagle about the new Farm Bill and its affect on area specialty crop growers. For the first time, the Farm Bill mentions specialty crops, which are any agricultural crop that is not corn, wheat, soybeans, or cotton. That applies to the majority of farmers in this region, and this group of crops has not received direct subsidies.

Food for Thought - Last Call for Help

Just a reminder to voice your support for Food For Thought, which is facing a zoning hearing June 4 at 7 p.m. at the Platte Township hall to determine whether the company can continue doing business at its current location. The company was recently informed it needs a special land use permit to do so.

Company founder Timothy Young reports that the zoning administrator plans to recommend approval of the application, noting that the company meet the zoning requirements. But the administrator also stressed the importance of public input. Your presence at the meeting and your letters matter, and currently letters are at about 50/50 for and against. Letters are due this week.

For more details, including where to send your letter of support, please see Food for Thought needs your help. As noted in that post, if you can't attend the meeting or write a letter, please post a comment in support of Food for Thought. I'll print them off at the end of the day on Wednesday May 28 and mail them to the zoning administrator.

UPDATE: The deadline for comments has been extended through Tuesday. You can email the Zoning Administrator, Craig Seger and his assistant, Chris Flynn directly at CSeger@benzieco.net and CFlynn@benzieco.net or mail letters to Craig Seger, Zoning Administrator, Benzie Zoning Department, 448 Court Place, Beulah, MI 49617.