The UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture's New American Farmer program has partnered with the Association of Africans Living in Vermont New Farms for New Americans program to publish “Global Food, Local Food: Guide to Growing, Harvesting & Preserving African & Asian Crops in the Northeast.” It’s available for free download, or for purchase by emailing: Alisha Laramee at alaramee@aalv-vt.org 100% of all profits will be used to purchase seeds for the New Farms for New American farmers.
The purpose of the 42-page booklet is to help Northeast farmers and gardeners adapt important crops of world cultures into the local food system to be grown successfully for market, food and/or medicine (and to foster cross “agri-cultural” communication!)
The guide tells the story of eight important African and Asian crops with significant potential for adapting to the Northeastern U.S. food system. Some of crops will be familiar to most consumers (such as eggplant and rice), but others may be brand new (like African corn, which is different in color, texture and taste than what many Americans are accustomed to, and spicy roselle leaves that form a favorite dish from Burma). The guide introduces Vermont to these New American farmers and gardeners: their histories, cuisine and contributions to the local food landscape. Sources for seed, cultivation tips and recipes are all included in the colorful publication, filled with photos from the field and “how-to” demonstrations.
According to the book’s introduction, “We have only scratched the surface of integrating global into local. We hope this guide inspires you to join us in working with farmers and gardeners, both new and established Americans. Together we can refine best cultivation and processing practices. Consider this booklet a starting point.”
Several events are being planned to introduce the event to the local community of growers and eaters in spring and summer of 2015 and will be announced shortly.
Established in 1994, the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture provides timely information to Vermont communities and the UVM campus. The Center cultivates partnerships, supports innovative research and practices, and informs policy to advance sustainable food and farming systems. Learn more at on the Center's website.
New Farms for New American’s (NFNA) mission is to help refugees and immigrants continue to practice their agrarian traditions through the production of culturally significant crops. NFNA's farmers have long agrarian traditions that include organic practices, food preservation and seed saving. Cross cultural agrarian learning and sharing is an essential component of the program. Learn more at http://www.aalv-vt.org/