Organic food and farming in Canada and the U.S. is under immediate THREAT from GM alfalfa

The introduction of Monsanto’s genetically modified (GM) herbicide tolerant (Roundup Ready) alfalfa wll have serious negative impacts on many different types of farmers and farming systems, both conventional and organic. Because alfalfa is a perennial crop pollinated by bees, GM contamination is inevitable. GM alfalfa was actually approved in Canada in 2005 but still needs to go through one more step before it can be legally sold as seed in Canada.
Why is Alfalfa Important?
Alfalfa is used as pasture and high-protein feed for animals like dairy cows, beef cattle, lambs, and pigs and is also used to build up nutrients in the soil, making it particularly important for organic farming. If introduced, GM alfalfa would threaten the future of organic food and farming because animals eat alfalfa, and then the resulting Milk and Meat products are impacted. On top of that, if a farmer grows non-modified alfalfa, eventually it will be cross-pollinated with the genetically modified strain and then Monsanto will have grounds to sue and bankrupt the farmer.

Where is the agriculture industry headed?

What can You do?
Sign the petition against approving GMO's in Canada
Endorse or Modify this letter to the government asking them to NOT ALLOW GMO's in Canada

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

We just wanted to wish all of our friends and customers a Happy New Year!

Toronto Garlic Festival - We Were There - Were You....

This past Sunday we went to the Toronto Garlic Festival and it was buzzing with people and vendors. The weather was wonderful, sunny and warm and everyone looked like they were enjoying themselves. What a great way to spend a morning or afternoon, taking in the fresh air, appreciating the new fall colours, relishing in the warm breezes and of course buying Ontario Garlic.

We learned something new while we were there to - Did you know that some people like to eat hot peppers right out of the basket! Such Daredevils! I doubt that I'll ever develop tastebuds of steel!

Vendors provided a great variety of items to touch, taste and buy, like spices, produce, pottery and of course tasty foods. We were located between "Add Love & Stir" and "Organic Crepe." From our taste experiences, we can say that the Buckwheat Crepes with Peaches and Chocolate were STUPENDOUS and that the Dip and Prezzels were habit forming (sorry - just couldn't stop!!)

It was a great festival, lots of fun for everyone. Of course we (the Cobblestone Farm Paris) sold Gourmet Garlic, Hot Peppers and some Butternut Squash.We also talked a lot about our farming practices and our Market Garden Produce. If you're wondering - Customers order produce they want from our list, they e-mail us their choices - we pack up their order - Customers pick up their order at our farm.

We spoke with so many nice people and we hope to hear back from some of you! I am really interested in getting the recipe for the hot pepper marinade, if that customer is willing to share - please - please!

It was great to see everyone, and Toronto was definitely the place to be to enjoy Canadian Culture and Canadian Hospitality.

SanMarzano September Days.......

The weather has really cooled off here in Paris. It must be a sign, winter will be just around the corner.
Oh well, it is not here yet!

If any of you are interested in making sauces, we have SanMarzano Roma Tomatoes - they are great for sauce and stewed tomatoes. I made my first batch of sauce and it was soooooo gooood!! We also have heirloom Sicilian Saucers, sweet Low Acids and tasty Cherry Tomatoes.
 
So, be sure to check our website and order some of our tasty, no spray veggies while they last! At least before we get our first frost. Check our current Produce Availability at:  http://www.thecobblestonefarmparis.com/STAND.html

Summer Days

The Garden has produced an amazing bounty this year. Soon it will be time to make Tomato Sauce, I am eager for our San Marzano's to ripen. Only a few here or there right now.

If you are planning a trip to Paris Ontario and have a chance to stop by the farm, be sure to place an order for a custom basket of fresh produce. Check our website Stand page to see what is available and then just let us know what you would like.
http://www.thecobblestonefarmparis.com/STAND.html

Hope to see you before the snow flies!

Heirloom, Hybird, and Non-GMO Vegetables Ready at the farm

The produce is coming on now and we have a large selection of fresh items for sale. Check out the "stand" page on our web site to see the most up to date selections

Here is a sampling of what we have today:

Rhubarb - 8 to 10 stalks - $3.00

Broccoli - 400 grams - $3.00
Chiogga Beets - package of 8 - to 10 - $3.00
Eggplant - package of 4 (6 to 8 inch) = $3.00
Green Onions (Green Banner) - packages 8 to 10 - $2.00
Hot Peppers - 200 grams - $3.00
Herbs - Oregano/Dill - 125 grams - $3.00
Kohlrabi - Large Purple or White - $3.00
Sweet Banana Peppers - 200 grams -$3.00
Swiss Chard - White - package of 8 to 10 stalks - $ 3.00
Romaine - Large Jerrico - $3.00
Waldmann Frilly Lettuce Leaves - 200 gram packages - $3.00
(packaged as whole leaves or cut for salad)
Zucchini - package of 4 (between 6 to 10 inches in size) - $3.00 or
            - package of 2 at least 11 inches or more - $3.00

Pastured, Free Range Brown Eggs
$3.25 with your egg carton or $3.50 with ours

Garden is Growing 2011

Our garden is pesticide/chemical free and we hand manage our plantings by laying landscape fabric and straw.  Early this spring we planted Asparagus and Rasperberry Bushes. Theses plants will need a year or two to get situated but after that, we should have enough produce for our customers.

This spring we have Garlic Scapes, Rhubarb, Herbs and Spinach ready to go (eggs too!). If you would like to purchase something from our farm, please contact us through our website.

As the season progresses we will have beans, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, onions and squash (many varieties). Be sure to check out our website and look at the "Grow Plan" to see what is planted in the field. We only plant non-gmo, heritage and hyrid vegetables.

With rain in the air today, our garden is happy and growing and hopefully it will produce a bounty for us this summer!