Ground Level Blog

USDA economist Jim Barham is looking for champions of the food chain, people with business sense who can take advantage of relationships with growers and retailers and help the local food movement meet an increasing demand.
Is this housing bust and recession enough fodder to foster a re-thinking of exurban development? Or will everything fall back into place when builders begin laying down foundation again?
Is local on your grocery receipt?
Some food cooperatives are spelling out precisely on cash register receipts just how much of your purchases are either local or from a small producer.
Red Wing Mayor John Howe says he plans to veto a city council-approved property tax levy increase and a line in the 2011 budget that calls for a new franchise fee on electricty and gas bills.
A non-profit organization in Montevideo, Clean Up the River Environment, wins $25,000 from the Bush Foundation in a contest aimed at showcasing efforts to address problems through collaboration.