Date: January 3, 2012

This week we’ll be talking about eating local and eating healthy. In the first half of the program, we’ll be talking with Stephanie Elliot who is Education Program Executive Director for GRUB: Growing Resources Uniting Bellies. She’ll tell us about her program that involves educating people about cultivating healthy communities. And in the second half, we’ll talk with Frank Mazzarino and Sally Shea, owners of Green Cedar Farm in Berry Creek, about their work as certified organic orchardists supplying our local market.

Our Conversation with Stephanie Elliott

Stephanie Elliott is GRUB Education Program Executive Director and one of a number of people running an exciting new program here in the NorthState.

1. You’re here to talk about a film being shown this weekend by Cultivating (Healthy?) Community. First of all can you tell us what “Cultivating Community” is? What are your goals?

2. Who’s involved in “Cultivating Community”? Is it a part of a larger movement? Does it have a national organization, too?

3. What are some of the main activities of “Cultivating (Healthy) Communities? What’s planned for the future? Who is your target audience?

4. The organization is showing a film, “Urban Roots.” Tell us a little about the film.

5. Tell us again when and where the film will be shown? [The film, Urban Roots, is being shown Friday January 6, 2012 @ 6pm @ Subud Hall, 574 E. 12th Street, Chico.]

Talking withg Frank Mazzarino and Sally Shea

Frank Mazzarino and Sally Shea, owners of Green Cedar Farm, a certified organic fruit and nut farm in Berry Creek.

1. Please tell us the history of Green Cedar Farm. How long have you been in business? What do you grow? How many varieties do you have? What are your favorites?

2. In our correspondence, you mentioned that you have a philosophy of farming that guides what you do and how you do it. Please tell us about that philosophy. Is it as difficult to implement as New Years’ resolutions?

3. We’re interested in the problems a local farmer encounters marketing. How do certified organic orchardists find a market that works for them? Where do you sell your products? Have you pretty much found your niche at this point?

4. We’re in the midst of what passes for winter in the foothills. What kind of work are you doing in the orchards these days? How will the new year unfold for you? What are the worries and the unpredictables?

5. There seems to be enormous interest in the buy local movement at the present time. What do you see as the most important evolving trends in our area? Do you think local ag can/will become large enough to make a serious dent in the megastore markets?

6. Please tell us how listeners can learn more about your farm and/or about some of the issues and problems in local organic farming.

E-mail: greencedarfarm@yahoo.com

Playlist for Ecotopia #171–Eat Healthy/Eat Local

1. Back To The Garden 4:03 Jason Webley Against The Night Alternative &

2. Plant a Radish 2:34 Hugh Thomas & William Larsen The Fantasticks

3. Mr. Soil’s Song 1:45 Singin’ Steve Billy the Bean Children’s Music

4. Dirt Made My Lunch 2:25 Banana Slug String Band Dirt Made My Lunch

5. Dirt 4:20 Mary Mary The Sound Christian &

6. Weave Me the Sunshine 4:28 Peter, Paul And Mary The Very Best of Peter, Paul and Mary

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