Good afternoon, Tractivists!
Strawberry season is a fleeting thing. For barely four weeks, the
little strawberry plants squeeze out plump, happy berries at
incredible speeds. And then, before you know it, it’s all over until
next year, and all we have to eat are pale, watery berries from
California. You think, "Is it over already? I totally forgot!"
Well, not this time, Tractiberries!
WHAT: 1st Annual Strawberry Pickstravaganza: Pick your own organic
strawberries and talk with a local farmer about organic biodynamic
farming.
WHEN: This Saturday, May 23rd, 1 PM – 4 PM +
WHERE: Carpool from the Durham Farmer’s Market at 1 PM or meet at the
farm in Cedar Grove at 2 PM
WHO: You. And your kids. And your mom. And your neighbor. And that guy
from work who always brings salads to meetings. Invite ‘em all.
PRICE: $2.50/lb of strawberries. (Join the group photo at the end of
the farm tour to get this special Traction group rate, which is highly
competitive for organic strawberries.)
Traction is excited to partner with Rob and Cheri of Whitted Bowers
Farm, the only organic pick-your-own strawberry farm this side of Wake
Forest. Whitted Bowers emphasizes sustainable organic agriculture,
with a biodynamic bent. "What’s biodynamic farming?" you ask. As far
as we know, it’s a system of organic agriculture with a holistic
approach. Rob will tell us all about it.
We’re happy that Rob and Cheri are here, because strawberries are one
of the infamous Dirty Dozen, 12 fruits and vegetables that, according
to the Environmental Working Group, are highly contaminated with
pesticides even after washing. At least 90% of the conventional
strawberries the EWG tested had at least one pesticide on them, and
70% had at least two.
The cap it all off, conventional strawberries demand more pesticides
to grow and ship intact than almost any other type of produce. All
these pesticides aren’t very good for you , farm workers , or the environment .
To recap, here’s why you should come strawberry picking with us:
1. You need to get out more.
2. Strawberries are high in Vitamin C and bioflavonoids.
3. We’ll show you how to identify ripe berries and how to preserve and
process them.
4. Next year, you’ll be all confident and knowledgeable about
strawberries. Your friends will be impressed. You boss will promote
you.
5. Picking local organic strawberries is a win-win-win situation:
- You win because your strawberries are cheaper, fresher, tastier,
and longer-lasting.
- Farm workers and the environment win because these strawberries
were grown without heavy pesticide use.
- Local farmers win because your money goes directly to the farmer
instead of through distributors.
6. Picking local organic strawberries is a finger in the eye of the
agricultural-industrial complex.
7. Your freezer is too empty.
8. Because going to a Traction event is like emptying a bottle of
delirious joy goo all over your head.
So if you’re of a mind to fill a basket with sweet berry goodness
before the season ends (at the end of May), drop an e-mail to me at
strawberries@gettraction.org . Please include in your RSVP:
a. How many people you’ll bring (best guess)
b. Whether you’d rather carpool with us from the Market or meet
us at the farm.
I will reply to RSVPs with detailed information on the meeting point,
directions to the farm, a list of what to bring, copies of any
handouts, etc.
Remember also that strawberry season marks the beginning of swimming
season. On Memorial Day, Monday 5/25, Tractivists will be swimming,
potlucking, and Locopopping together. Look for more info later this
week, or write to swimming@gettraction.org for more info.
I look forward to plundering the berry harvest in your company.
Colin Cannell
Smuggleberry, libertine, Tractivist