 This absolutely free, open source Web browser is fast, packed with useful features, and safe from the nasty applications and security holes that plague Internet Explorer. It's the browser we rely on for all Farm work! |
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Australia: Climate Change Victim |
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Thu, 26 Feb 2004 |
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If you're not living there, it's easy to miss the extreme weather news coming
out of Australia. A major drought and scorching heatwaves have afflicted
particularly South Australia since March 2002. Originally blamed on freak El
Nino weather effects, consensus is now settling on climate change as the
culprit. Record temperatures have exceeded norms by upwards of 10C.
Agricultural production is down massively, in the order of 50-70%. Rainfall is
also drastically down - in Sydney, water reserves have dropped to 50%, there is
an indefinite ban on homeowners watering lawns and hard surfaces, and permits
may soon be required for filling swimming pools.
Part of the problem comes from annual rains that suddenly moved south and now
fall over the ocean instead of over land - this is attributed to changes in air
movement over the Antarctic, caused by global warming.
Weather experts have predicted conditions to break more than once in the last
two years, only to be proven wrong. Much of the country is prone to drought, and
comparisons are made with historical dry periods, and therefore, "normal".
However, Australia is currently in its third consecutive summer of unprecedented
hot and dry conditions, and predictions are now that things will only get
worse. The Australian government is coming under criticism for siding with the
US in not getting on board with the Kyoto accord aimed at reducing pollution
that contributes to climate change.
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CSA Update |
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It's 2008 and the new farming year is underway! Sign-ups for 2008 are way ahead of any previous year, with both renewals and new members already in. Share prices have been increased for this season (the first increase since we began four years ago). The season will once again be 18 weeks, beginning around mid-June. This year, you're also encourage to visit the farm at least once, and a new farmwork program is being considered, where you can do some veggie gardening here in the field, in 4-hour blocks, when it's convenient to you. If you're interested in CSA with us for 2008, here are the details for our farm, and the new 2008 printable sign-up form (or email or call for one to be mailed!). And there's more CSA info in the FAQs.
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Come grow with us! |
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If you're in the Lindsay area any time this Spring or Summer and are looking to volunteer or for some part-time work on a real, live organic microfarm, get in touch! You'll enjoy a little fresh air and exercise, probably learn some stuff, and definitely have a good time (as long as your heart's in it!). Come for a day, or set up a regular schedule. All ages welcome, no experience necessary, any sort of personal interest in small scale growing or gardening plus a cheerful disposition are required! Enquire here! |
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Research |
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