Monday, April 8, 2013

Support Organics, Keep GM Alfalfa out of Canada

Speak Out Against Genetically Modified Alfalfa

It's time to show your green. Send a letter to The Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food- Here's my letter, sent today.
Go here and learn more about GM Alfalfa and your food.


To: Hon. Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Re: Please stop GM alfalfa today: Protect family farms, family health and the health of our soil
Date: Monday 08 April 2013
Cc: Malcolm Allen, NDP Agriculture Critic
Cc: Frank Valeriote, Liberal Party Agriculture Critic
Cc: Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party
Cc: André Bellavance, Bloc Québécois Agriculture Critic
Dear Minister Ritz,

I am writing to ask you to take urgent action to stop the registration and
commercial introduction of genetically modified (GM) alfalfa in Canada.

GM alfalfa threatens the markets for all alfalfa growers as well as the
future of organic food and farming in Canada.

The introduction of Monsanto’s GM herbicide tolerant (Roundup Ready)
alfalfa would have serious negative impacts on many different types of
farmers and farming systems, both conventional and organic. Conventional
and organic farmers agree that GM alfalfa is not wanted or needed

Because alfalfa is a perennial crop pollinated by bees, GM contamination is
inevitable.

GM alfalfa was approved in Canada in 2005 but still needs variety
registration before it can be legally sold as seed. Please take immediate
action to stop GM alfalfa before it contaminates farmers' fields and my
food.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
Pat Crocker
concerned mother, consumer, voter

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Spring Cleansing with Herbs

Bitter Herbal Tonics Herald Ancient Rite of Spring


Green Goddess by Pat Crocker, page 188 The Juicing Bible, Second Edition (Robert Rose publisher)


Cleansing tonics are an ancient rite of spring that reflects the season's central theme of self-renewal. By definition, a tonic is an infusion of herbs that invigorates or strengthens the system. In addition, tonics often act as stimulants and alteratives as well. Taken either hot or cold, tonics restore tone, purify the blood, and act as nutritive builders.

Throughout history, and even as late as the 20th century, herbs and herbal spring tonics have been used by North Americans and Europeans to cleanse the system after a long winter of eating preserved meats with little or no fresh fruits or vegetables. The six-week fasting and abstinence period of Lent, apart from its spiritual significance, had a practical effect of helping the body prepare for the shock of astringent spring greens.

Read more about tonic herbs, click here...

copyright

All photographs and recipes are original and copyrighted to Pat Crocker. Pat invites you to use her recipes and share with family and friends. Please contact Pat Crocker for express permission for commercial, internet, or other use of her photographs and recipes.