Everyone agrees that eating naturally grown, fresh, local food is good for our health and our environment, as well as the local economy. We’re glad to see such strong, continuing interest in local, organic and sustainable agriculture in our area. I’m happy to report that backyard and community gardening are on the rise in Northeast Pennsylvania, even though we live in an already vital local farming area. The number of farmers’ markets and neighborhood co-ops is up and organic sections in grocery chains serving Pennsylvania show promise.

People are waking up to the vital relationship of the natural integrity of our food to health and the risks we take when ingesting the pervasive pesticides and herbicides used in conventional agriculture. This month, we shine our Community Spotlight on pioneering local farmers Karah and Ben Davies, of the Wild Fox Farm, in Barto. We also discuss community sponsored agriculture (CSA), holistic pasturing, sustainable meat options and the new concept of “agrihoods” that bring community gardens into planned communities.

It’s never too late to improve our health by improving the quality of our food. Here are few ways to get started: start a garden, even if all you have is a small patio for a container garden; begin with some herbs and pepper and tomato plants; make it a habit to purchase foods from local, organic and sustainable sources; try incorporating raw foods or at least one green drink a day; stop practicing unhealthy eating habits; mindfully embrace the change you want to see in your health; and be creative and have fun with your menus.

Bon Apetit!

Reid Boyer, Publisher