The vote to pare down 111 nominees for White House Farmer to just 3 ended last Saturday night, and while our much favored Will Allen of Growing Power didn't make the cut--coming in a very solid fourth--our fair state of Wisco does have ample reason to celebrate with the first place finish of Claire Strader of Troy Community Farm in Madison. Whoot!
Strader co-authored a winner's statement with second place finisher Carrie Anne Little of Mother Earth Farm in Puyallup, WA, showing the kind of collaborative spirit often found at the heart of the community farming world:
"It is a great honor for us to be recognized by our communities as potential candidates for the first White House Farmer. We are thrilled by the possibility of converting a portion of the lovely White House lawn into a lively vegetable farm... The fact that so many farmers were nominated for the White House farmer position and that so many individuals voted in this unique 'election' speaks loudly to our combined interest in local, organic agriculture... Taking personal responsibility to a new level by addressing the core issues of the Obama administration's focus, this farm could be the example for the nation. It would clearly address economic insecurity, fuel conservation, climate change, and healthcare issues in a very tangible way. Collectively, this effort could be the center of the cultural shift needed to highlight the imperative that we need to eat locally and think globally... No matter who becomes the first White House farmer we stand in support of the White House farm project and would be honored to bring our spades and worm castings and hula hoes to join in the effort!"
Third place winner Margaret Lloyd of Home Farming in Davis, CA rounded out the all female top vote-getters, stating:
"Change is here... in our backyards, in our communities, and in the White House... By raising food at the White House, President Obama's promise of change can include the most fundamental thing to Americans: the food they eat. For the First Family, the White House Farm would provide an opportunity to directly engage in agriculture, a place for inspiration and reflection, and the highest-quality, best-tasting food we the people can grow. To Americans, the White House Farm would show the President's sincerity in his effort to address the hard issues within our food system, his support for local, organic food, and his openness to innovation. The White House Farm would also acknowledge the tireless work of more than a billion farmers worldwide, renewing America's commitment to improve their conditions and alleviate hunger."
Right on, sister, and congrats to all three of you!
See the Results
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