Latest news with #AldermanOrganicFarms
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Local greens have a national impact, ‘lettuce' celebrate National Salad Month
With the month of May bringing warmer temperatures and the return of backyard cookouts, it's also a time to celebrate Lettuce Month, or National Salad Month. It is worth recognizing that the crisp greens that brighten our plates and nourish us play an important role in our local economy and in U.S. agriculture. South Florida's Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) is not only the top producer of lettuce in Florida, but it is also one of the largest winter producers of lettuce in the entire country. The average American eats around 30 pounds of lettuce every year, and there is a good chance some of that was grown right here in Palm Beach County. At TKM Bengard Farms, we've just concluded our lettuce harvest. We are a family-owned farm based in Belle Glade, and we grow a variety of leafy greens including romaine, iceberg, butterhead, escarole, red leaf and endive. From our farm to your table, our crops are distributed nationwide, through major processors and retailers, to supermarkets, restaurants and schools, and often, these veggies end up right back here in communities across South Florida. Farmers in the EAA also grow a wide range of other crops, including sweet corn, celery, green beans, radishes, broccoli and rice, all of which contribute to a secure, stable and resilient American food supply. In a time when food supply chains can be disrupted by global events or extreme weather, the value of a reliable U.S.-grown food supply cannot be overstated. Local farms help to ensure that fresh, healthy produce is available year-round, lessening our dependence on foreign countries. Plus, South Florida's unique climate allows local farmers to be capable of producing fresh fruits and vegetables during times when other farm states across the United States are too cold. Opinion: Our family farm, Alderman Organic Farms, supports Earth Day and quality of life This not only keeps food more affordable and accessible for families, but it also creates jobs, supports our rural economies, and keeps our country self-reliant. EAA farming supports tens of thousands of jobs in the Glades and surrounding areas, provides fresh produce for local schools and food banks, and helps to drive economic activity for the state. Our role as EAA farmers comes with great responsibility. As stewards of the land, we understand the need to farm in ways that protect our environment for future generations. Our legacy is our land, and we must do all we can to preserve it. The EAA is one of the most carefully managed agricultural areas in the nation. For over 25 years, EAA farmers have been meeting or doing better than stringent water quality standards. In 2024, farmers achieved a 46% annual phosphorus reduction, nearly double the 25% reduction necessary under the Everglades Forever Act. Since the program's inception, EAA farmers' clean water efforts have averaged a 57% annual reduction. Our View: Trump's government cuts will stifle Florida food banks, expand hunger crisis Our commitment to sustainable agriculture includes implementing nationally recognized "Best Management Practices" and utilizing cutting-edge technology with the goal of cleaner water, healthier soil, increased energy efficiency and environmental conversation. So this May, as you enjoy a crunchy salad or top your burger with a fresh leaf of romaine, take a moment to consider where that lettuce came from. There's a good chance it was grown with care right here in the EAA by local farmers who are working every day to feed our country and preserve our land for future generations. Stephen Basore is the Director of Food Safety at TKM Bengard Farms, LLC, a family-owned farm based in Belle Glade that specializes in growing leafy greens. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida farmers have a national impact. 'Lettuce' celebrate | Opinion
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Celebrate Earth Day: Learn what it is and how to give back around Palm Beach County
Today is Earth Day, a global reminder to give back, clean up, and express gratitude for our planet. Observed every year on April 22, Earth Day inspires people across the world to take action, whether it's cleaning up coastlines, planting gardens, supporting sustainability efforts, or simply learning more about the environment. In Palm Beach County, there are plenty of ways to get involved, from community clean-ups to eco-friendly events. Whether you're volunteering your time or making small changes at home, today is the perfect opportunity to help protect and preserve our local environment. Here's what Earth Day is all about, and how you can celebrate it right here in Palm Beach County. More: Our family farm, Alderman Organic Farms, supports Earth Day and quality of life | Opinion By giving back to the planet! Earth Day encourages people to take action through community clean-ups, beach and park beautification, recycling efforts, tree planting, and eco-education. In Palm Beach County, residents are stepping up with events like coastal clean-ups, native gardening workshops, and sustainability fairs. Whether it's picking up litter or planting something green, Earth Day is all about protecting the place we call home. Earth Day falls on April 22 because it was strategically chosen by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970 to maximize student involvement. The date falls between spring break and final exams for most colleges, making it the perfect time to mobilize young people. That first Earth Day sparked a national movement — and it's been celebrated every April 22 since. This year's Earth Day theme is 'Our Power, Our Planet' , a global call to action focused on accelerating the transition to renewable energy. The campaign urges countries to triple renewable energy generation by 2030, spotlighting solutions like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power. The message is clear: the future of our planet depends on the power we harness today. The Earth Day flag features the iconic 'Blue Marble' image of Earth taken by NASA's Apollo 17 mission in 1972. Set against a dark blue background, the flag represents global unity and environmental awareness. Created by peace activist John McConnell, who also proposed the first Earth Day in 1969, the flag reminds us that we all share one planet, and one responsibility to protect it. People around the world will be giving back to the planet with clean-ups, community gardening, and environmental education, and you can join in right here in Palm Beach County. From beach clean-ups to family-friendly activities, here are some amazing events you can take part in to help protect our environment and celebrate Earth Day this year. Celebrate Earth Day by giving back to nature! Join the West Palm Beach Coastal Clean-Up on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Downtown Waterfront, 138 South Flagler Drive. Hosted by Visit Palm Beach, this free event welcomes all ages for both on-land and in-water (kayak) cleanups. Kayak spots are limited and require advance registration. Celebrate Earth Day at Palm Beach Zoo on April 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and learn how your visit helps save both animals and their habitats. Enjoy curated talks and experiences that highlight conservation efforts and sustainability. Plus, bring your reusable water bottle to the Zoo and get 10% off your general admission ticket! It's a fun way to support the planet while enjoying a day at the Zoo Head to the Wellington Amphitheater on Saturday, April 26, for a free, family-friendly Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration. Tree Planting Ceremony with the Village Council kicks things off at 10 a.m., followed by the Great American Cleanup, Wellington Garden Club Plant Sale (10 a.m.–2 p.m.), and Earth Day activities from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Enjoy a day of eco-friendly fun, hands-on learning, and community spirit. All activities are free to attend. Celebrate Earth Day with the North Palm Beach Environmental Committee on Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bird Village, behind the Village Community Center Park (1200 Prosperity Farms Road). Bring your painted birdhouse (designed for local birds only!) and enjoy a day of fun, free, family-friendly activities including a tree giveaway from Jane at Indian Trails Nursery, face painting, yard games, dirt cup snacks, and more. Diamond Walker is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at dkwalker@ Help support our journalism. Subscribe today This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Earth Day 2025: Give-back, celebrate, events in Palm Beach County
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Our family farm, Alderman Organic Farms, supports Earth Day and quality of life
People around the world will celebrate Earth Day on April 22. On our family farm, Alderman Organic Farms, we achieve Earth Day objectives throughout the year, guided by respect for the blessings natural resources provide. We grow an array of certified organic vegetables, including tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, cucumbers, eggplant and cabbage from late October to early June. We also produce beef cattle and conventionally grown herbs. By maintaining our Palm Beach County farm as level ground, we prevent soil erosion. We flood it during the summer months with collected rainwater and nearby surface water to control harmful insects, avoiding the use of chemicals. In all seasons our farm functions as a large retention pond that helps to recharge the aquifer all southeastern Florida residents depend upon for drinking water. Regular soil testing allows us to apply precise amounts of fertilizer for each plant only when necessary for growth. As a result, we achieve plentiful harvests while making sure that water leaving our farm is not contaminated by phosphate. We have to conserve our water and our soil not only for the next crop, but for the next generation and the generations after that. We pick and pack what we grow. One of our staff members oversees food safety daily, assuring that the produce coming out of our farm is safe and fresh. As a primary part of our beef cattle production, we suppress invasive vegetation with controlled burns. This technique supports the growth of native plants and trees and also maintains habitat and food sources for the abundant wildlife surrounding us. Along with other farm families in Florida, we help preserve our national security by growing food. We also support our collective economy. In our county, agriculture supports more than 194,000 jobs, as University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences data show. On our farm we have 50 full-time employees. On this Earth Day I hope that all Floridians recognize that farmers are outstanding stewards of our state's natural resources. We are basic contributors to the positive quality of life in our state available for everyone. Jim Alderman is president & CEO of Alderman Organic Farms, a 1,200 acre operation in Palm Beach and Martin counties. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Earth Day, a time to remember best farming practices | Opinion
