Submitted by Robin Wilson, AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer
Brandy Brabham, WVU Extension Agent
The Local Harvest Potluck held in Spencer November 20 pulled together close to 70 market and home growers as well as local organizations and state and federal agency representatives to swap good food, seeds, growing ideas and information, and energy.
Guest speaker Bob Gregory provided his philosophy on living sustainably and provided some insight into how to extend the growing season with high tunnel production. Evaluations revealed that everyone enjoyed the event and are looking forward to future events strengthening our local food systems.
Along with many other agencies, organizations and individuals, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture participated in this event and had free bumper stickers titled, "No Farm, No Food," that summed up the importance of local food security and health. Another participant's display that stood out was, Barbara Lewis, a local elementary school teacher and home gardener, who had a simple system of tracking her home food production and storage, including fresh, canned, frozen and dried foods to adjust plans for next year's garden. Another draw for many participants was the old time agricultural tool display, where they enjoyed guessing the use of old time tools on loan from the Spencer Antique Mall.
Discussions among participants revealed many revelations throughout the evening. One revelation came based on the observation that each of the three local farmers markets Amma, Calhoun, and Spencer, were represented at the event and provided an example of one of highest ratio of farmers markets to rural populations - 1 market for every 8,000 people - in the nation. Additionally, and maybe rare for our area, is the fact that historically we have much to teach the rest of the nation about being locally self-reliant for food.
Fifty years ago, most people in our area grew their own food as second nature. Local food systems made sense to all participants, as many commented on the delicious local food dishes served at the potluck.
Future programs of interest to participants include developing new markets for local growers, disease resistant produce and tree crop varieties for home gardeners, and reviving tried and true old apple varieties.
For more about information local food production, contact the WVU Extension Service office in Calhoun County 304-354-6332 or in Roane County 304- 927-0975.
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