North Star Farm still farms with sun, water, and no spray. We are leaving organic certification because the bureaucracy now serves itself more faithfully than it serves farmers or eaters.
For decades now I have seen our governmental legislation work to corrode the definitions of everything we have relied upon to pick what we eat, drink and breathe. Through omission, through description, through select words, they have massaged things in favor of the corporate interests involved, while doing it under the guise of clearer information. When you combine that with this wasteful, systematic bureaucratic abuse, both the farmer and the consumer have been purposefully been sent up the river without a paddle.
It seems to me that one recourse open would be to form a group of like minded, fed up farmers and use the internet to get both your message and products out to the public that cares. This would be especially appreciated in the midst of an administration that chooses to look at all pollution/poisoning as merely another revenue source for their coffers.
Excellent article. It seems every where we turn we are drowning in bureaucracy. And somehow it always costs more and more money to do the required thing ..I get it all but it's not always the right way and it's not always helpful to the farmers. Continue doing what you do....sun, water, no spray!...Result .. delicious blueberries. Carry on!
What a clear, organized, heartfelt explanation! Especially for those of us without your life experiences and expertise. Unfortunately the structure of money-grubbing bureaucracies is epidemic and many of us have been through the maze of paperwork only to be told to return to "start". Your writing is a pleasure to read, despite subject.
Thank you for sharing this. I’ve spoken with local farmers (I’m in Virginia) who’ve explained that they ‘follow organic practices’ but do not have the certification. This helps me understand why.
Sadly, yours is an all-too-common tale, and so sorry to hear of the frustrations and roadblocks put in your path when you have been doing things as well as possible -- and in the spirit of the organic movement's roots.
I live on a ranch in Colorado that was certified organic, but a few years ago, when they bought a salt block from the same provider as previously, somehow what they received was not organic. The inspector found it and took away their credential. Now, they too continue to operate as they long have, just without the label.
Sharing your story and informing people about the challenges is so important... and at least for me, whenever I can know and support the grower directly, I do so. Living in a rural, agricultural area makes that more accessible. And still, so relatively few people live in places or in circumstances where that is possible and/or affordable for them.
As you well know and are sharing with your readers, there are many layers of change needed to effect the systemic transformation of our food systems and all that entails. And your stories and sharing your experiences contribute to the movement... as your business background may also do. Thank you.
Your writing is awesome - cogent, funny and spot on! After caring for your farm in addition to gathering others, I think you should write a book about all this! I wish you (very very) well! Keep on keeping on! 💕
Kafka-esque. Brazil the movie, IRL. What a nightmare. I'd still buy your blueberries, if they were in my markets. If there were a message and QR code on the package that led to this story, even better.
So sorry that you have been jerked around like this. Indeed, as if your margins weren't small enough, some bureaucracy thinks you have thousands to spend on their system. Good for you for saying enough is enough and continuing to farm with best practices without having to have the government looking over your shoulder. Hang in there . . .
As always, eloquently captured and stated.
For decades now I have seen our governmental legislation work to corrode the definitions of everything we have relied upon to pick what we eat, drink and breathe. Through omission, through description, through select words, they have massaged things in favor of the corporate interests involved, while doing it under the guise of clearer information. When you combine that with this wasteful, systematic bureaucratic abuse, both the farmer and the consumer have been purposefully been sent up the river without a paddle.
It seems to me that one recourse open would be to form a group of like minded, fed up farmers and use the internet to get both your message and products out to the public that cares. This would be especially appreciated in the midst of an administration that chooses to look at all pollution/poisoning as merely another revenue source for their coffers.
There are some people doing some good work in this area but it is early days so we’ll see what happens.
Well said and a good thought
Good for you for saying enough. It is hard enough just to farm. Wishing you success and happiness.
Appreciate it 🙏🏽
Excellent article. It seems every where we turn we are drowning in bureaucracy. And somehow it always costs more and more money to do the required thing ..I get it all but it's not always the right way and it's not always helpful to the farmers. Continue doing what you do....sun, water, no spray!...Result .. delicious blueberries. Carry on!
👍🏽
Agree, it’s bureaucracy and mafia style certification BS. We can’t wait to stay at your farm someday!
Hope to host you one day soon!
What a clear, organized, heartfelt explanation! Especially for those of us without your life experiences and expertise. Unfortunately the structure of money-grubbing bureaucracies is epidemic and many of us have been through the maze of paperwork only to be told to return to "start". Your writing is a pleasure to read, despite subject.
Thank you
Don't blame you at all! Good luck!👍👍
✌🏽
Thank you for sharing this. I’ve spoken with local farmers (I’m in Virginia) who’ve explained that they ‘follow organic practices’ but do not have the certification. This helps me understand why.
🙏🏽
Sadly, yours is an all-too-common tale, and so sorry to hear of the frustrations and roadblocks put in your path when you have been doing things as well as possible -- and in the spirit of the organic movement's roots.
I live on a ranch in Colorado that was certified organic, but a few years ago, when they bought a salt block from the same provider as previously, somehow what they received was not organic. The inspector found it and took away their credential. Now, they too continue to operate as they long have, just without the label.
Sharing your story and informing people about the challenges is so important... and at least for me, whenever I can know and support the grower directly, I do so. Living in a rural, agricultural area makes that more accessible. And still, so relatively few people live in places or in circumstances where that is possible and/or affordable for them.
As you well know and are sharing with your readers, there are many layers of change needed to effect the systemic transformation of our food systems and all that entails. And your stories and sharing your experiences contribute to the movement... as your business background may also do. Thank you.
Appreciated. Well said and thank you for sharing.
Your writing is awesome - cogent, funny and spot on! After caring for your farm in addition to gathering others, I think you should write a book about all this! I wish you (very very) well! Keep on keeping on! 💕
Thank you so much 🙏🏽
Bureaucracy will be the death of us. Your explanation is spot on.
🫶🏽
You don’t sound ridiculous at all and I’m sure the regenerative farmers are facing frustration with bureaucracy yet keep on going.
Do what you believe because it’s integrity that counts not paperwork!
Truth
Love this column and your work. We've all experienced the bureaucracy overtaking the mission, and I'm sorry that happened to you.
🙏🏽
Kafka-esque. Brazil the movie, IRL. What a nightmare. I'd still buy your blueberries, if they were in my markets. If there were a message and QR code on the package that led to this story, even better.
Good idea…transparency should win
So sorry that you have been jerked around like this. Indeed, as if your margins weren't small enough, some bureaucracy thinks you have thousands to spend on their system. Good for you for saying enough is enough and continuing to farm with best practices without having to have the government looking over your shoulder. Hang in there . . .
🫶🏽
I support your decision
This is so well explained. What a ridiculous system! I am sure you will find you are far from alone in your point of view.