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ROC and ROC Projects in the News

ROC in print and on radio, TV, and the web.

Local Produce Increasingly Preferred To Organic, Consumer Survey Shows

September 26, 2012 Roots of Change

A recent survey of grocery shoppers commissioned by Whole Foods Market gives new credence to a belief that's taken hold in the sustainable food movement over the past few years: when it comes to consumer preferences, local is the new organic.

Beyond Farmers Markets: Why Local Food Belongs on Grocery Shelves

September 6, 2012 Roots of Change

There are tremendous untapped opportunities for producers to sell their products locally, further fueling the U.S. economy and expanding agriculture's impact.

Vertical farm: Farmer takes crops to new heights

September 5, 2012 Roots of Change

Alegria Fresh is the first hydroponic, vertical farm on the West Coast, and Cutter is hoping to become a model for high-yield, resource-efficient growing. The farm – 150 7-foot-tall towers that hold more than 8,000 plants – produces everything from arugula to zucchini, and in only 1,200 square feet.

Connecting kids to water and wildlife

August 31, 2012 Roots of Change

The project provides a living laboratory for students from kindergarten through high school. The young scientists conduct field studies in the ranch's restored wetlands—testing water quality, identifying wildlife, collecting insects, practicing mapping skills and helping maintain the private conservation area.

A Meal Without a Mexican? Your Food Has Already Migrated!

August 1, 2012 Roots of Change

Not even a decade has passed since Sergio Arau filmed A Day Without a Mexican, but 2012 may go down in history as the Year of No Meals Without a Mexican because of labor shortages in American fields and orchards.

California Authors series: Rites of spring

March 18, 2012 Roots of Change

Spring arrives with the first warm breezes and fogless mornings in our Valley. On our 80-acre organic farm south of Fresno, I disk our soil, breaking winter's crust.


Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/03/18/4344815/rites-of-spring.html#storylink=cpy

Looking ahead to food politics in 2012

January 1, 2012 Roots of Change

Nutrition and public policy expert Marion Nestle answers readers' questions regarding 2012 food politics agenda.

Hyper-local markets provide big economic boost

December 27, 2011 Roots of Change

Local specialty grocery store is fueling the neighborhood's economy, not just by bringing other businesses to the street but by supporting other Bay Area companies.

For One Ala. Farmer, Workers Are Still Scarce

December 25, 2011 Roots of Change

Now, as the planting season nears for next year's crop, some farmers are worried they won't have enough workers due to Alabama's tough immigration law passed earlier in the year.

Putting Farmland On A Fertilizer Diet

December 14, 2011 Roots of Change

The U.S. Department of Agriculture released a document yesterday that got no attention on the nightly news, or almost anywhere, really. Its title, I'm sure you'll agree, is a snooze: National Nutrient Management Standard.