Peace in Mindanao means Peace everywhere

Garden Tower Project - GrowingCircles

Fri, 24 May 2013 20:26:52 -0400

See on Scoop.it - Yellow Boat Social Entrepreneurism

Home of GrowingCircles, a non-profit committed to urban farming initiatives including gardens, education, increased food accessibility and distributed production.

Rick Passo’s insight:

http://www.gardentowerproject.com/index.php/growingcircles 

To meet the mission of the Garden Tower Project, we have envisioned a grass-roots program which can effectively identify, attract, and connect energetic community leaders with key outreach target groups and supporters. This program will place Garden Towers into the hands of those that can most effectively use them as a tool for education, as well as for food production in communities where the Garden Tower Project can make a difference. GrowingCircles will turn personal initiative into food-growing action; it can be geographically boundless and scalable.

See on gardentowerproject.com

Food Scraps Patented Vertical Vermicomposting System + Worms = Great Compost!

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:53:22 -0400

See on Scoop.it - Yellow Boat Social Entrepreneurism

Patented Vertical Vermicomposting System + Worms = Great Compost! The long tube running down the center of the vertical garden tower is a vermicomposting system. Half a cup of worms is added at the…

Rick Passo’s insight:

http://gardentower.weebly.com/food-scraps.html

From Kitchen Scraps to Internal Composting to Plant Food!
As water is poured on the top to feed the plants, some of the water seeps through the holes running down the length of the compost tube. As this water seeps through the compost tube it absorbs nutrients from the castings and the compost, directly feeding the plant roots and collecting at the bottom drain hole.

See on gardentower.weebly.com

The Garden Tower! The composting vertical patio farm by Garden Tower Project

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:31:09 -0400

See on Scoop.it - Yellow Boat Social Entrepreneurism

[LIVE on KICKSTARTER: http://kck.st/14DcsXS] A brief introduction to the vertical Garden Tower, the first and only available vertical patio farm which integr…

Rick Passo’s insight:

http://youtu.be/YVr8FFf4Fxg

You can get one too: at http://gardentower.weebly.com/

The Garden Tower is a revolutionary self-contained vertical garden / composting system capable of transforming home gardening, urban gardening, and making a difference.

Garden Tower Project is a socially-responsible company based in Bloomington, Indiana whose mission is to make that happen innovatively, collaboratively, and affordably.

Less Fertilizer, More Nutrients, Faster Growth!

Plants grow faster in the Garden Tower because they are protected in their own special microclimate, and because they have constant access to nutrient-dense water. Water is steeped in a hearty brew of “compost tea” and “worm tea” via the vermicompost tube and returned to the soil repeatedly. One unexpected bonus of this rapid growth is that you can grow a larger crop of spring vegetables before replacing them with summer plants.

Additionally, the heat storage and insulation provided by the vertical composting Garden Tower allow for an increased growing season over typical container gardening approaches which offer a less stable soil environment; other vertical growing systems simply do not have the necessary thermal mass.

50 Plants + Composting in Four Square Feet!The Garden Tower grows plants vertically, enabling you to grow 50 plants in a very small space — the ultimate square foot garden with integrated composting!

See on youtube.com

Ground Operations - Battlefields to Farmfields

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:12:18 -0400

See on Scoop.it - Yellow Boat Social Entrepreneurism

This is the video appeal from our IndieGoGo campaign. Please visit our website: www.groundoperations.net for more information.

Rick Passo’s insight:

https://vimeo.com/63679121

check out the related indiegogo campaign at

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ground-operations-battlefields-to-farmfields?c=gallery

only 6 days left to fund!

A Solution for Veterans!
“Veterans need real options when they are coming back, they dont need programs or some pamphlets or a little bit of counseling. They need options that are going to allow them to take care of their families, pay their bills, and start a new life!” - Phil Northcutt, US Marine Corp
What is GROUND OPERATIONS?

Ground Operations: Battlefields to Farmfields is a social action campaign featuring a Documentary Film, a companion E-Book, and a National Tour. Our goal is to strengthen the veterans-in-agriculture network and increase their resources, so that they can create healthy new lives for themselves and sustainable food security for us all.

America needs a million new farmers. Veterans want the job!

See on vimeo.com

Nevada Indoor Agriculture Conference Highlights

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:20:35 -0400

See on Scoop.it - Yellow Boat Social Entrepreneurism

On April 24, 2013, more than 200 people gathered in Las Vegas to learn more about the potential for indoor agriculture as an economic engine for Nevada. The conference…

Rick Passo’s insight:

http://vimeo.com/65505013

The conference was sponsored by Seedstock, the Nevada’s Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and Nicola Kerslake of Real Assets Junkie.

More information:
Indoor Ag Conference: agnevada.seedstock.com/
Seedstock: seedstock.com/
Nevada’s Governor’s Office of Economic Development: diversifynevada.com/
Real Assets Junkie: realassetsjunkie.com/

See on vimeo.com

Nevada Indoor Agriculture Conference | Celebrating produce and protein farming in hydroponic, aquaponic and aeroponic systems

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:11:07 -0400

See on Scoop.it - Yellow Boat Social Entrepreneurism

Rick Passo’s insight:

http://indooragnv.com/

On April 24, 2013, Seedstock, the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and Nicola Kerslake of Real Assets Junkie co-hosted the inaugural Nevada Indoor Agriculture Conference at the Historic Fifth Street School in downtown Las Vegas. Over 230 participants, from as far afield as Israel, Japan and Canada, joined together to discuss the benefits and challenges of the hydroponic, aquaponic and aeroponic industries. We believe that this event was a first for Nevada as it allowed technologists, entrepreneurs, farmers, customers and investors to join together in discussing the opportunities provided by indoor growing techniques. Please check out the video recaps of ourkeynote, panel and lunch speakers.

See on indooragnv.com

starting_a_food_hub_webinar_slides.pdf

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:17:02 -0400

See on Scoop.it - Yellow Boat Social Entrepreneurism

Rick Passo’s insight:

http://ngfn.org/resources/ngfn-cluster-calls/starting-a-food-hub-successful-hubs-share-their-stories/starting_a_food_hub_webinar_slides.pdf

See on ngfn.org

Starting a Food Hub: Successful Hubs Share Their Stories — National Good Food Network

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:10:54 -0400

See on Scoop.it - Yellow Boat Social Entrepreneurism

Three successful food hubs share their stories about how they formed and their first year in action.

Rick Passo’s insight:

http://ngfn.org/resources/ngfn-cluster-calls/starting-a-food-hub-successful-hubs-share-their-stories

Three successful food hubs share their stories about how they formed and their first year in action.

ContentsDescriptionRecordingPresentation SlidesPresenter BiosDescription

Food hubs hold great promise for a myriad of positive community impacts - economic development and job creation, farmland preservation, environmental sustainability… the list goes on.

But how do you start a food hub?

This webinar brings together the stories of the formation and first year of three different, successful food hubs. Our presenters share some of the best decisions they made … and some of the worst. What types of contacts did they feel really helped their business to thrive? How much money did they need, and how did they get it? Why did they choose their incorporation status? And more…

See on ngfn.org

Microgreen Starter Kit

Sun, 19 May 2013 21:47:06 -0400

See on Scoop.it - Yellow Boat Social Entrepreneurism

Microgreens - a product and growing process that anyone can do AND everyone should eat … Urbaform has been searching for kit that will allow an entry point for all who have interest in this…

Rick Passo’s insight:

http://microgreen.weebly.com/microgreen-kit-blog.html … follow #microgreen #healthy growth progress; order at

http://microgreen.weebly.com/the-kit.html via @urbaform &

https://www.facebook.com/UrbanHydroGreens …

http://microgreen.weebly.com/index.html
Microgreens - a product and growing process that anyone can do AND everyone should eat … Urbaform has been searching for kit that will allow an entry point for all who have interest in this fascinating area of home growing. We have teamed with our partner, Urban Hydro Greens of Las Vegas to offer a unique product that takes you through all the steps to successfully grow many types of microgreens in your home. We offer a commerical unit that can produce multiple pounds of microgreens daily, but in train and experience growers we offer this kit as a stepping stone to growing commercially or a source for your own supply of home grown goodness.

See on microgreen.weebly.com

How to Farm Fish in the Nevada Desert

Sat, 18 May 2013 16:26:18 -0400

See on Scoop.it - Yellow Boat Social Entrepreneurism

Nevada is trying to grow more food locally, using hydroponics, greenhouses, and other indoor-farming techniques

Rick Passo’s insight:

http://images.businessweek.com/photos/2013-05-16/how-to-farm-fish-in-the-nevada-desert#slide1

See on images.businessweek.com

Boston Redevelopment Authority Proposes New Urban Agriculture Rules

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:49:03 -0400

See on Scoop.it - Yellow Boat Social Entrepreneurism

Rick Passo’s insight:

http://www.bostonredevelopmentauthority.org/pdf/PlanningPublications/Urban%20Agriculture%20-%20Draft%20Article%2089%20as%20of%205.7.13.pdf

Some highlights from the draft regulations:

• Small and medium ground-level urban farms will be allowed in all city districts and subdistricts, while large ground-level farms—greater than one acre in size—are allowed only in industrial districts and as a conditional use, with special permit, in all other districts.

• Rooftop farms of all sizes will be allowed by right in the city’s industrial and institutional districts, but rooftop farms of more than 5,000 sq. ft. are conditional in all other districts and subdistricts.

• Most ground-level urban farms that are more than 10,000 sq. ft. in size must undergo a Comprehensive Farm Review process to make sure they are designed in a way that fits with the surrounding neighborhood. Rooftop farms larger than 5,000 sq. ft. must also go through the CFR process, with some exceptions for farms being placed in industrial and institutional districts.

• Accessory composting will be allowed where any ground-level urban farm or rooftop urban farm is permitted. Ground-level composting structures must not exceed 10 feet in height and all must not cover more than 5 percent of the lot and must be enclosed and out of direct contact with flammable materials.

• Article 89 does not regulate whether the keeping of bees or hens is allowed in certain districts—that is already outlined in the city’s Base Code. But the new document does set some rules for that use, including the prohibition of on-site slaughtering, a no-rooster policy and a limit of six hens and six non-egg-laying chickens per site.

• A maximum of two honey bee hives will be allowed on any given lot or roof for personal consumption of honey bee products, while three hives will be allowed on an urban farm. Hives will be limited to 5 feet in height and 20 feet in length, and any hive located within 20 feet of the principal building on an abutting lot must have written permission from the neighboring property owner. All hives must be registered with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.

• Aquaculture and aquaponics facilities, which are concerned with the cultivation of aquatic animals and plants, will be allowed in all industrial districts and in waterfront manufacturing, waterfront service and waterfront commercial districts and will be conditional in all commercial and institutional districts. These facilities will be forbidden in all other city districts.

• Hydroponics facilities, which grow plants using a mechanical system that circulates a solution of minerals in water, will be allowed in all industrial, institutional and commercial districts and will be conditional in all others.

• Unless part of an urban farm and subject to Comprehensive Farm Review, all new aquaculture, aquaponic and hydroponic structures and additions by more than 750 sq. ft. will be subject to BRA design review.

• Farmers markets and farm stands selling horticultural and agricultural products or distributing Community Supported Agriculture shares will be allowed as a primary use on lots where retail is allowed by the underlying zoning rules and will be conditional for areas where retail is not allowed by the underlying zoning rules. Farmers markets will be allowed as an accessory use on lots in all industrial, institutional, commercial and multi-family residential districts.

• All farmers markets will require a permit from the city’s Inspectional Services Department—Division of Health Inspections.

See on bostonredevelopmentauthority.org

24 TED Talks That Will Help Save the Food System

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:23:24 -0400

See on Scoop.it - Yellow Boat Social Entrepreneurism

Food Tank has decided to highlight 24 TED talks specifically around food issues that we found compelling and worth sharing.

Rick Passo’s insight:

http://foodtank.org/news/2013/05/twenty-four-ted-talks-that-will-help-save-the-food-system

See on foodtank.org

USDA Blog » New API Helps Satisfy the Nation’s App-etite for Farmers Markets

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:52:00 -0400

See on Scoop.it - Yellow Boat Social Entrepreneurism

Rick Passo’s insight:

http://blogs.usda.gov/2013/05/15/new-api-helps-satisfy-the-nations-app-etite-for-farmers-markets/

The new Farmers Market Directory API (Application Programming Interface) released today will give app developers and designers direct access to the wealth of farmers market information housed in the online database. The directory receives nearly 2 million page views per year and is one of the USDA’s most popular consumer search engines. With over 7,800 farmers market listings available for all 50 states, apps and websites that previously relied on a download or export of the data set will now be able to make direct calls to the directory. This means that apps developed with the new API will be able to give foodies and farmers market lovers everywhere more accurate and up-to-date information.

See on blogs.usda.gov

NSAC – Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:47:16 -0400

See on Scoop.it - Yellow Boat Social Entrepreneurism

Farming for the Future:A Sustainable Agriculture AgendaFor the 2013 Food & Farm Bill
The 2013 Farm Bill debates are underway, and the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition is fighting for better food and farm policy. The perfect storm of economic, environmental, and health crises currently gripping our nation demands decisive farm policy reform that will ensure a sustainable future for American agriculture.

NSAC’s farm bill proposals will expand opportunities for family farmers to produce good food, sustain the environment, and contribute to vibrant communities. NSAC’s farm bill proposals are the culmination of two years of policy work within its broad, diverse coalition of over 90 grassroots organizations from across the country.

Rick Passo’s insight:

http://sustainableagriculture.net/our-work/local-food-bill/

See on sustainableagriculture.net

AMEX Lounge at McCarran Airport » GSky Plant Systems, Inc. -

Thu, 09 May 2013 21:31:58 -0400

See on Scoop.it - Yellow Boat Social Entrepreneurism

more photos found at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.560643727290055.1073741828.123932234294542&type=1

American Express had officially opened The Centurion Lounge for its VIP guests at the McCarran International Airport, the principal airport in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Centurion Lounge offers a delightful escape from the airport rush with a freshly-scented living Green Wall that welcomes guests immediately upon entering. For more informtion, please visit the project profile: http://gsky.com/projects/amex-lounge-at-mccarran-airport/

Rick Passo’s insight:

http://gsky.com/projects/amex-lounge-at-mccarran-airport/

more details at

http://www.prweb.com/releases/GSky_Plant_Systems/Living_Green_Wall/prweb10663184.htm
GSky Living Green Wall Offers Escape for Travelers Inside American Express Centurion Lounge at McCarran International Airport

A Living Green Wall designed by GSky Plant Systems, Inc now adorns the American Express Centurion Lounge at MCarran International Airport. The newly installed wall, which spans 150 square feet, houses 735 plants made up of seven different species

See on gsky.com

Dare To Imagine

Thu, 09 May 2013 20:46:27 -0400

See on Scoop.it - Yellow Boat Social Entrepreneurism

What will the world look like 50-100 years from now?

“We are quickly becoming a global neuro-network. The power of a correct idea in this interconnected age spreads so quickly that scale can happen on a never-before-seen pace,” says Premal Shah of Kiva.

In this futuristic short video created for the opening of the 10th Anniversary of the Skoll World Forum, we asked friends and members of the Forum community such as Elon Musk, Arianna Huffington, Sakena Yacoobi, Joi Ito, Shaifali Puri, Sarah Caddick, Geoffrey West, and junior genius Tanishq Abraham that very question.

The problems facing our world are so large that they demand disruptive thinking. We don’t have time to think in incremental terms. It’s time to challenge the status quo, and dare to imagine what we can do.

http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=3d61a72ed68f57b047aeb67aa&id=4bae362f57&e=65d70d045a

Rick Passo’s insight:

How do we deliver healthcare, education, nutrition, financial inclusion and other social goods in a sustainable manner to the populations that need them most? As part of an anthology of essayspublished by McKinsey & Company in honor of the 10th Anniversary of the Skoll World Forum, we asked over 25 of the world’s leading thinkers, policymakers and entrepreneurs to share their views. +Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group, believes we’re on the verge of an emerging science of delivery. +Tony Blair reveals three essential lessons about how to deliver real change in government. +”If you’re reading this in the United States or the United Kingdom, then congratulations: you live in one of the unhealthiest nations in the world,” declares Jamie Oliver.

See on us1.campaign-archive2.com

SunWater Crowdfunding Campaign

Tue, 07 May 2013 22:59:56 -0400

See on Scoop.it - Yellow Boat Social Entrepreneurism

Paul Polak and his team in conjunction with volunteers from Ball Aerospace have developed a revolutionary technology that harnesses sunlight to irrigate crop…

Rick Passo’s insight:

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/sunwater-affordable-solar-powered-pumps-for-poor-farmers/x/519136

Paul Polak and his team in conjunction with volunteers from Ball Aerospace have developed a revolutionary technology that harnesses sunlight to irrigate crops in rural villages in a sustainable, affordable way.

See on youtube.com

Cultivating Community

Tue, 07 May 2013 22:45:58 -0400

See on Scoop.it - Yellow Boat Social Entrepreneurism

More on food and health at patrickmustain.com Music by Michael Linder soundcloud.com/miclinder

Rick Passo’s insight:

https://vimeo.com/62954950#

http://www.advocatesforhealthinaction.org/2013/04/30/jre-grant-to-iffs-for-planning-urban-ag-in-southeast-raleigh/

See on vimeo.com

How Food Tank's Danielle Nierenberg Wants to Save the World

Tue, 07 May 2013 22:32:11 -0400

See on Scoop.it - Yellow Boat Social Entrepreneurism

Follow Danielle Nierenberg, and you will end up in interesting places.

Rick Passo’s insight:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/zester-daily/how-food-danielle-nierenberg_b_3220656.html

People around the world seem to be far more aware of the issue of food quality and food security. What has caused this awakening?

I think that since the food and economic crisis began in 2007 and 2008 there’s a growing movement around how not just to feed people, but nourish them. Most of the investment in agriculture is on starchy staple crops and less has been invested in leguminous crops, protein-rich grains or indigenous vegetables. These are crops that are not only more nutritious, but tend to be resistant to drought, disease, pests, high temperatures, etc.

See on huffingtonpost.com

Data Farming: Demonstrating the Benefits of Urban Agriculture [INFOGRAPHIC] | Sustainable Cities Collective

Tue, 07 May 2013 21:23:07 -0400

See on Scoop.it - Yellow Boat Social Entrepreneurism

Design Trust put together a metrics framework that measured the associated activities of urban agriculture with the known benefits derived from various studies to convince city officials of urban farming’s positive impacts.

Rick Passo’s insight:

http://sustainablecitiescollective.com/big-city/133921/data-farming-demonstrating-benefits-urban-agriculture

Ensia ‏@ensiamedia

Data Farming: Demonstrating the Benefits of Urban Agriculture (infographic) http://soa.li/4a5tjUV  #foodsecurity

See on sustainablecitiescollective.com