I did not even know that a "Food Policy Council" existed. I thought that kind of stuff is what the Agricultural College was established for down in Corvallis. I would not be PC because I would demand that the Oregon Investment Council reveal their ownership interests in all food retail outfits in the Portland Metro area and also their ownership interests in the entities that sell their goods to these local retail outfits. Monopoly pricing is a problem . . . and the OIC stands to benefit by sucking up food stamp dollars to reward the retail and wholesale distribution network and assert monpsonistic economic power over any and all local (regionally local) producers. We might as well examine the superior bargaining power of Fred Meyers relative to growers, and correct the imbalance so as to share the fruit of the food dollar with the growers.

2007 Portland/Multnomah Food Policy Council Call for Applications

Priorities for 2007 are expected to include:

• Local land use policies and rules related to food production and distribution;
• Methods for building regional demand for locally produced foods and food products;
• City and County food purchasing policies and practices;
• The availability of healthy, affordable food to all residents; and
• The capacity of local communities to engage in healthy food practices

I am a little puzzled by the focus on "Local land use policies and rules related to food production and distribution." Removing barriers to entry for competitors to Fred Meyers would be first on the agenda, rather than political alignment.

We could arrange for a bulk purchase of wheat, and for grain mills for the family for under 200 bucks. After which yeast would be the most expensive ingredient.

The PNW has a bunch of land committed to "lentils" too, if that matters. Lentils store well and is healthy and low fat.

If you give me land in the middle town somewhere and let me put up a silo or two, for these and a other bulk products, accessible to the light rail and bus lines, we could "feed" some folks much cheaper than the present practice of having a lot of food dollars going into the pre-processing value-added dollar that is often no more than packaging and brand name advertising.

We could go all Hippie and think of starting a Food Coop religion. But "growing" crops takes land, which is in limited supply in the city. Though I have seen a few really nice compact sideyard gardens.

OK -- Here is a note:

Harvest Festival is happening again on Wednesday October 4th 1-9pm here at People's Co-op on Se 21st between Division and Powell.

Every fall People's shuts down 21st Avenue and has a big party in the street with pumpkin carving, a pie eating contest, lots of local & organic farmers selling ripe fruit and fresh vegetables, a beer garden, square dancing with Caroline Oakley, live music including Beliss, cider pressing, a craft fair, and the opportunity to meet the board of directors candidates for 2007. As always, People's Havest Festival is free and open to all.

UPDATE September 24 JohnEyler: How's your Sustainability?