The Acres U.S.A. January 2016 issue; Vol. 46, No. 1; contains the following: FEATURES Join the Open Source Seed Movementby Carol DeppeWe are rapidly losing the ability to exercise control over the kinds of foods we have available and our options with respect to agricultural patterns because we are losing control of the breeding and ownership of our seed. Farmer and author Carol Deppe shares the how-to of growing, breeding and sharing your own food crop varieties to take back ownership. New, Old Seed Treatmentsby Chris BondGet the scoop on a seed treatment, requiring no chemical inputs or genetic manipulation, that researchers and private enterprises are currently experimenting with around the globe. Bare Root Transplantingby Darby WeaverStarting transplants directly in the soil not only eliminates unnecessary waste, but reduces watering and heating needs and conforms to natural patterns. Hives of Controversyby Tracy FrischAccording to the federal government, the cause of colony collapse remains a mystery, but other scientists have amassed a great deal of evidence implicating a chemical culprit. Seeds with a Fighting Chanceby Tamara Scully Commercially available seeds can be unfriendly to organic production — even without genetic engineering, most seeds are not bred to meet the needs of those who aren’t using chemicals. Getting the right seed for the job can play a major role in sustainable farming success. Pay Dirtby Katherine BellThrough careful observation of plant life and years of trial and error, Paul and Elizabeth Kaiser produce three to five times the amount of vegetables as other area farms and gross $85,000 to $100,000 per acre of land in production at Singing Frogs Farm. Algae Agricultureby Lee AllenWhile casual observers view algae mostly as pond scum, researchers envision it as a food and fuel source of the future. Preserving Purple Wheat Strawby John FendleyOrganic farmer John Fendley and partners in the slow food movement are leading the way in reviving the rare and heirloom variety of Purple Straw wheat. Interview: Vandana ShivaSeeds of RevolutionScientist, author and activist Vandana Shiva leads the movement to restore sovereignty to farmers through seed freedom. FEATURES Departments View from the CountryMonthly musings from Acres U.S.A.’s publisher. Letters to the EditorReaders share their thoughts on past articles and words of encouragement. Opinion: Growing DoubtDiscover why a plant biologist once involved in research and development of GMOs now believes we should take a step back and fully explore the potential risks and implications for the entire ecosystem before it’s too late. Eco-UpdateNews in brief from around the world on developments in eco-farming technology, organic food and farming, human health and vital environmental issues. Science on Your SideAcres U.S.A. highlights research on our radar and what it means for you. The Harvest TableRediscovering Wild FoodsWe grow up absorbing what our culture teaches us about food. Ironically, these attitudes could make you starve in the middle of a limitless supply of “unconventional” foods. Stock & Flock: Breeding to Boost Poultry PerformanceThe consumer fire around fancy table eggs and range-raised birds, while not exactly cooling, is beginning to need something more in the way of feeding and tending. They are, after all, farm businesses and should be treated as such. Small-Scale Success: Luscious Landscaping with ElderberryElderberries have so many admirable qualities that it’s hard to focus on just a few. Besides providing nourishing food and medicine to humans, nectar for endangered pollinators, and browse for a myriad of bird and wildlife species, elderberry has the ability to help restore brutalized landscapes and revitalize wildlife habitats. Reviews & RecommendationsFrom in-depth book reviews to innovative websites and beyond, here’s what’s on our radar. Marketplace Classifieds Eco-MeetingsWe let you know when and where exciting eco-farming events are happening. Meet an Eco-FarmerGet to know fellow innovative farmers putting ecologically correct production principals to work, resulting in profitable, sustainable operations.
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