The word around the Union Square Farmer's Market is that one of the participating famers has leased their land to a Fracking company.
I sat in on a Grow NYC committee meeting today and was disgusted and confused when the majority of committee members refused to pass a motion (suggested by one farmer) that Grow NYC take a stand against Fracking by not allowing any farmers into the market who have leased their land. The complacent bureaucrats in a manner typical of those who have been watered down by a corrupt system, hemmed and hawed and said we just don't know enough to "punish" farmers whose land/water/product may be contaminated. I highly suggest we all be really hyper vigilant about where our food is coming from.
You may not be aware that not all products sold at the Union Square Farmers market are organic. In the interest of a bottom line, $, those in charge are compromising their integrity. The committee has also hesitated to take a clear stand on GMO's.
Unbelievably, one member suggested that any statement made publicly about GMO's or Fracking should be kept "vague", to which most of the room agreed.
Ask the farmer you are buying from if they have leased their land to gas companies or if their neighbors have, ask if they are organic and if they use GMO seeds/crops.
It seems that GrowNYC enjoys playing itself off as an all around eco-friendly organization while behind closed doors, you can easily learn, as I did today that this is not the reality. Don't get me wrong, I will give credit where credit is due, they are doing many great green things, just as long as they don't rock the boat or question the almighty authority of the destructive status quo.
We, as consumers can make a difference in the market by raising our consciousness and demanding, especially at a place like the farmer's market, where you are likely to be face to face with the grower/producer what it is we want and need. If you value clean water, air, and food, use your voice, ask GrowNYC to take a stand for what is obviously right and best for the quality of life for farmers, consumers and all living things.
