Answering the Call of Good Work

Planting the seeds of future wealth; Brix Bounty Farm is pleased to announce the development of new apprenticeship, internship, and research opportunities for the 2009 growing season. I've compiled a very brief list of local agricultural opportunities. For more information about specific positions with Brix Bounty Farm please contact Derek, 508-992-1868.

The work we carry out on the farm and in our community aims to increase working knowledge of vegetable production and contribute new insights into sustainable vegetable production. The backyard garden and local agriculture renaissance is well underway. It provides our towns and cities a response to a deeper understanding of peak energy's impact on future food production and the current economic crisis (or opportunity). Growing more healthy food locally, is only one part of the mosaic.

This month we'll be presenting a springtime bounty of garden workshops through our Roots Down - New Bedford series; our next monthly workshop focusing on New Garden Bed Production, Rejuvenating Existing Gardens and an Introduction to Container Vegetable Production will be held at 4PM this Tuesday at the Lawler Branch Library in New Bedford. Our free educational offerings include an expanding list of neighborhood workshops that will begin with a workshop focusing on soil testing and soil biology basics at 5PM this Wednesday April 8th at the potential community garden location on Brock Ave. at Victory Park in the South End of New Bedford. We encourage you to join us at one or more of our Roots Down workshops in the coming weeks. Workshops will provide information for new and experienced gardeners, with a focus on growing healthy foods using safe, sustainable production methods.

While we focus on this Spring and the opportunities that lay directly before us, we are reminded the importance in considering the long view of the great work that lies ahead. As we confront the realities of a rapidly changing foodscape and slowing world monetary economy; we embrace the call of good work and real economy. Last week, The Post Carbon Institute released a timely paper; The Food and Farming Transition: Toward a Post Carbon Food System. Well worth the read.

Along these lines; mindful of the future, in the coming months we hope to be involved in efforts to initiate Transition Planning for our region on the Southcoast of Massachusetts. Interested in getting involved in a real economy renaissance, the mosaic of good work? Be in touch with the farm for details about tranisition town planning, plans to begin a regional community food security assement (based on the Center for Whole Communities - Whole Measures Tool), and other opportunities focusing on elements of a healthy local food system. Embrace the Spring of 2009.