Re: Warehouse Raided and Products Under Embargo

[Guest guest]

Yes, and many fear there will be more of the same if the S. 510 bill passes (see

food safety post below). Please call both your senators now to protect small

family farms and local producers, who are inherently safer and more accountable

than the huge, centralized industrial producers who produce most all food-borne

illnesses. Urge support of the Tester-Hagan amendment.

[Guest guest]

Yes, and many fear there will be more of the same if the S. 510 bill passes (see

food safety post below). Please call both your senators now to protect small

family farms and local producers, who are inherently safer and more accountable

than the huge, centralized industrial producers who produce most all food-borne

illnesses. Urge support of the Tester-Hagan amendment.

[Guest guest]

Yes, and many fear there will be more of the same if the S. 510 bill passes (see

food safety post below). Please call both your senators now to protect small

family farms and local producers, who are inherently safer and more accountable

than the huge, centralized industrial producers who produce most all food-borne

illnesses. Urge support of the Tester-Hagan amendment.

[Guest guest]

6/16/2010 ALERT:

Food safety is heating up again and we need your help! Although the Senate's

food safety bill was delayed, there is now a concerted effort to bring it to the

floor for a vote. Unfortunately, as it is currently written, S. 510 would

actually make our food less safe. S. 510 would strengthen the forces that have

led to the consolidation of our food supply in the hands of a few industrial

food producers, while harming small producers who give consumers the choice to

buy fresh, healthy, local foods.

Please contact your Senators NOW to urge them to amend or oppose the bill!

Contact information and talking points are below.

Congress needs to solve the real problems - the centralized food distribution

system and imported foods - and not regulate our local food sources out of

business. S. 510 is a " one-size-fits-all " approach that will unnecessarily

burden both farmers and small-scale food processors, ultimately depriving

consumers of the choice to buy from producers they know and trust.

TAKE ACTION:

Call both of your Senators. You can find their contact information at

www.Senate.gov, or call the Capitol Switchboard at or toll-free at

. Ask to speak with the staffer who handles food safety issues.

Tell the staffer that you want the Senator to amend or oppose S. 510. If you

get their voice mail instead of the staff, leave the following message:

" Hi, my name is _____ and I live in ______. I'm very concerned that S.510, the

FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, imposes unfair and burdensome regulations on

local food sources, which are very important to me. I urge the Senator to

support the Tester-Hagan Amendments to exclude small facilities and direct

marketing farms from the most burdensome provisions of the bill. Please call me

back at ____________. "

TALKING POINTS

Over 150 organizations have signed a letter of support for the Tester-Hagan

amendments to exempt small-scale and local producers from the more burdensome

provisions of the bill. You can borrow some talking points from the letter

(posted at http://farmandranchfreedom.org/sff/Amend-S510-June-7.pdf ) or use the

ones below:

1. The major foodborne illness outbreaks and recalls have all been caused by the

large, industrial food system. Small, local food producers have not contributed

to the highly publicized outbreaks. Yet S. 510 subjects the small, local food

system to the same, broad federal regulatory oversight that would apply to the

industrial food system.

2. Increased regulations and record-keeping obligations could destroy small

businesses that bring food to local communities. In particular, the reliance on

hazard analysis and risk-based preventative controls, a concept similar to

" HACCP " , will harm small food producers. HACCP has already proven to be an

overwhelming burden for a significant number of small, regional meat processors

across the country. Applying a HACCP-type system to small, local foods

processors could drive them out of business, reducing consumers' options to buy

fresh, local foods.

3. FDA does not belong on the farm. S. 510 calls for FDA regulation of how farms

grow and harvest produce. Given the agency's track record, it is likely that

the regulations will discriminate against small, organic, and diversified farms.

Although language calling for " flexibility " may be included, but there are no

enforceable limits or protections for small diversified and organic farms from

inappropriate and burdensome federal rules.

4. Food safety and security both come from a diversified, vibrant local food

system. Local foods give consumers the choice to buy from producers they know,

creating a transparent, accountable food system without federal government

oversight. State and local laws, which are often size-specific rather than

one-size-fits-all, are more appropriate for local food producers.

TO BE REMOVED FROM OUR MEMBER LIST, email info@...

----------------------------------------

Our postal address is

PMB #106-380

4200 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

Washington, District of Columbia 20016

United States

[Guest guest]

6/16/2010 ALERT:

Food safety is heating up again and we need your help! Although the Senate's

food safety bill was delayed, there is now a concerted effort to bring it to the

floor for a vote. Unfortunately, as it is currently written, S. 510 would

actually make our food less safe. S. 510 would strengthen the forces that have

led to the consolidation of our food supply in the hands of a few industrial

food producers, while harming small producers who give consumers the choice to

buy fresh, healthy, local foods.

Please contact your Senators NOW to urge them to amend or oppose the bill!

Contact information and talking points are below.

Congress needs to solve the real problems - the centralized food distribution

system and imported foods - and not regulate our local food sources out of

business. S. 510 is a " one-size-fits-all " approach that will unnecessarily

burden both farmers and small-scale food processors, ultimately depriving

consumers of the choice to buy from producers they know and trust.

TAKE ACTION:

Call both of your Senators. You can find their contact information at

www.Senate.gov, or call the Capitol Switchboard at or toll-free at

. Ask to speak with the staffer who handles food safety issues.

Tell the staffer that you want the Senator to amend or oppose S. 510. If you

get their voice mail instead of the staff, leave the following message:

" Hi, my name is _____ and I live in ______. I'm very concerned that S.510, the

FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, imposes unfair and burdensome regulations on

local food sources, which are very important to me. I urge the Senator to

support the Tester-Hagan Amendments to exclude small facilities and direct

marketing farms from the most burdensome provisions of the bill. Please call me

back at ____________. "

TALKING POINTS

Over 150 organizations have signed a letter of support for the Tester-Hagan

amendments to exempt small-scale and local producers from the more burdensome

provisions of the bill. You can borrow some talking points from the letter

(posted at http://farmandranchfreedom.org/sff/Amend-S510-June-7.pdf ) or use the

ones below:

1. The major foodborne illness outbreaks and recalls have all been caused by the

large, industrial food system. Small, local food producers have not contributed

to the highly publicized outbreaks. Yet S. 510 subjects the small, local food

system to the same, broad federal regulatory oversight that would apply to the

industrial food system.

2. Increased regulations and record-keeping obligations could destroy small

businesses that bring food to local communities. In particular, the reliance on

hazard analysis and risk-based preventative controls, a concept similar to

" HACCP " , will harm small food producers. HACCP has already proven to be an

overwhelming burden for a significant number of small, regional meat processors

across the country. Applying a HACCP-type system to small, local foods

processors could drive them out of business, reducing consumers' options to buy

fresh, local foods.

3. FDA does not belong on the farm. S. 510 calls for FDA regulation of how farms

grow and harvest produce. Given the agency's track record, it is likely that

the regulations will discriminate against small, organic, and diversified farms.

Although language calling for " flexibility " may be included, but there are no

enforceable limits or protections for small diversified and organic farms from

inappropriate and burdensome federal rules.

4. Food safety and security both come from a diversified, vibrant local food

system. Local foods give consumers the choice to buy from producers they know,

creating a transparent, accountable food system without federal government

oversight. State and local laws, which are often size-specific rather than

one-size-fits-all, are more appropriate for local food producers.

TO BE REMOVED FROM OUR MEMBER LIST, email info@...

----------------------------------------

Our postal address is

PMB #106-380

4200 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

Washington, District of Columbia 20016

United States

[Guest guest]

6/16/2010 ALERT:

Food safety is heating up again and we need your help! Although the Senate's

food safety bill was delayed, there is now a concerted effort to bring it to the

floor for a vote. Unfortunately, as it is currently written, S. 510 would

actually make our food less safe. S. 510 would strengthen the forces that have

led to the consolidation of our food supply in the hands of a few industrial

food producers, while harming small producers who give consumers the choice to

buy fresh, healthy, local foods.

Please contact your Senators NOW to urge them to amend or oppose the bill!

Contact information and talking points are below.

Congress needs to solve the real problems - the centralized food distribution

system and imported foods - and not regulate our local food sources out of

business. S. 510 is a " one-size-fits-all " approach that will unnecessarily

burden both farmers and small-scale food processors, ultimately depriving

consumers of the choice to buy from producers they know and trust.

TAKE ACTION:

Call both of your Senators. You can find their contact information at

www.Senate.gov, or call the Capitol Switchboard at or toll-free at

. Ask to speak with the staffer who handles food safety issues.

Tell the staffer that you want the Senator to amend or oppose S. 510. If you

get their voice mail instead of the staff, leave the following message:

" Hi, my name is _____ and I live in ______. I'm very concerned that S.510, the

FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, imposes unfair and burdensome regulations on

local food sources, which are very important to me. I urge the Senator to

support the Tester-Hagan Amendments to exclude small facilities and direct

marketing farms from the most burdensome provisions of the bill. Please call me

back at ____________. "

TALKING POINTS

Over 150 organizations have signed a letter of support for the Tester-Hagan

amendments to exempt small-scale and local producers from the more burdensome

provisions of the bill. You can borrow some talking points from the letter

(posted at http://farmandranchfreedom.org/sff/Amend-S510-June-7.pdf ) or use the

ones below:

1. The major foodborne illness outbreaks and recalls have all been caused by the

large, industrial food system. Small, local food producers have not contributed

to the highly publicized outbreaks. Yet S. 510 subjects the small, local food

system to the same, broad federal regulatory oversight that would apply to the

industrial food system.

2. Increased regulations and record-keeping obligations could destroy small

businesses that bring food to local communities. In particular, the reliance on

hazard analysis and risk-based preventative controls, a concept similar to

" HACCP " , will harm small food producers. HACCP has already proven to be an

overwhelming burden for a significant number of small, regional meat processors

across the country. Applying a HACCP-type system to small, local foods

processors could drive them out of business, reducing consumers' options to buy

fresh, local foods.

3. FDA does not belong on the farm. S. 510 calls for FDA regulation of how farms

grow and harvest produce. Given the agency's track record, it is likely that

the regulations will discriminate against small, organic, and diversified farms.

Although language calling for " flexibility " may be included, but there are no

enforceable limits or protections for small diversified and organic farms from

inappropriate and burdensome federal rules.

4. Food safety and security both come from a diversified, vibrant local food

system. Local foods give consumers the choice to buy from producers they know,

creating a transparent, accountable food system without federal government

oversight. State and local laws, which are often size-specific rather than

one-size-fits-all, are more appropriate for local food producers.

TO BE REMOVED FROM OUR MEMBER LIST, email info@...

----------------------------------------

Our postal address is

PMB #106-380

4200 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

Washington, District of Columbia 20016

United States

[Guest guest]

>

> I don't know how the warehouse raid came about but obviously it is

>coincidental with tipper leaving the site. I am absolutely not saying >she

called it in, but it's a possibility.

There are several other possible callers, to my mind, but in the end, does it

matter?

We're dealing with it now. No one present at the time responded to anything the

inspectors asked, including their questions about raw milk. The general manager

was called in and is dealing with the procedures the inspectors implemented.

The Farm To Consumer Legal Defense was notified.

At this point, as far as I know, the warehouse is closed for the next few days.

We will keep you posted as best as we can.

Joe

[Guest guest]

>

> I don't know how the warehouse raid came about but obviously it is

>coincidental with tipper leaving the site. I am absolutely not saying >she

called it in, but it's a possibility.

There are several other possible callers, to my mind, but in the end, does it

matter?

We're dealing with it now. No one present at the time responded to anything the

inspectors asked, including their questions about raw milk. The general manager

was called in and is dealing with the procedures the inspectors implemented.

The Farm To Consumer Legal Defense was notified.

At this point, as far as I know, the warehouse is closed for the next few days.

We will keep you posted as best as we can.

Joe

[Guest guest]

>

> I don't know how the warehouse raid came about but obviously it is

>coincidental with tipper leaving the site. I am absolutely not saying >she

called it in, but it's a possibility.

There are several other possible callers, to my mind, but in the end, does it

matter?

We're dealing with it now. No one present at the time responded to anything the

inspectors asked, including their questions about raw milk. The general manager

was called in and is dealing with the procedures the inspectors implemented.

The Farm To Consumer Legal Defense was notified.

At this point, as far as I know, the warehouse is closed for the next few days.

We will keep you posted as best as we can.

Joe

[Guest guest]

One loses ALL credibility when accusing and slandering another's name without

proof. Is that not the very issue with the Hartmann's?

Remember that very recenty, when Sally Fallon was here, many people toured the

warehouse. Perhaps there was a mole in that group but, how can we know?

I have heard much misinformation about the warehouse from people who are just

talking amongst themselves. I believe that possibility was a big concern for

those who started the warehouse.

I was at the warehouse last week and there were people milling about who seemed

confused and unsure of the products there - who were they, new members or DOH?

Perhaps we need more seasoned volunteers to help on busy days.

So, as Alvin said in another post, we have to stand firmly for our right to food

choice. I'm not sure how to do that on any given day but perhaps we all can

offer concrete solutions in the coming days.

Anne Nalevanko

They also brought to my attention that someone is talking about TFMN on at least

one other site. I feel by the views expressed by this someone that it's probably

Tipper since she expressed the same views and said she was leaving the group

which is basically what this someone said.

I don't know how the warehouse raid came about but obviously it is coincidental

with tipper leaving the site. I am absolutely not saying she called it in, but

it's a possibility.

[Guest guest]

One loses ALL credibility when accusing and slandering another's name without

proof. Is that not the very issue with the Hartmann's?

Remember that very recenty, when Sally Fallon was here, many people toured the

warehouse. Perhaps there was a mole in that group but, how can we know?

I have heard much misinformation about the warehouse from people who are just

talking amongst themselves. I believe that possibility was a big concern for

those who started the warehouse.

I was at the warehouse last week and there were people milling about who seemed

confused and unsure of the products there - who were they, new members or DOH?

Perhaps we need more seasoned volunteers to help on busy days.

So, as Alvin said in another post, we have to stand firmly for our right to food

choice. I'm not sure how to do that on any given day but perhaps we all can

offer concrete solutions in the coming days.

Anne Nalevanko

They also brought to my attention that someone is talking about TFMN on at least

one other site. I feel by the views expressed by this someone that it's probably

Tipper since she expressed the same views and said she was leaving the group

which is basically what this someone said.

I don't know how the warehouse raid came about but obviously it is coincidental

with tipper leaving the site. I am absolutely not saying she called it in, but

it's a possibility.

[Guest guest]

One loses ALL credibility when accusing and slandering another's name without

proof. Is that not the very issue with the Hartmann's?

Remember that very recenty, when Sally Fallon was here, many people toured the

warehouse. Perhaps there was a mole in that group but, how can we know?

I have heard much misinformation about the warehouse from people who are just

talking amongst themselves. I believe that possibility was a big concern for

those who started the warehouse.

I was at the warehouse last week and there were people milling about who seemed

confused and unsure of the products there - who were they, new members or DOH?

Perhaps we need more seasoned volunteers to help on busy days.

So, as Alvin said in another post, we have to stand firmly for our right to food

choice. I'm not sure how to do that on any given day but perhaps we all can

offer concrete solutions in the coming days.

Anne Nalevanko

They also brought to my attention that someone is talking about TFMN on at least

one other site. I feel by the views expressed by this someone that it's probably

Tipper since she expressed the same views and said she was leaving the group

which is basically what this someone said.

I don't know how the warehouse raid came about but obviously it is coincidental

with tipper leaving the site. I am absolutely not saying she called it in, but

it's a possibility.

[Guest guest]

I agree there's much misinformation going around, BUT...

Once we start speculating on moles and informers, the paranoia and distrust

ramps up. (I know mine has). Remember, TFMN has had a lot of publicity lately,

and our growth has been tremendous. It coincides with the various food safety

measures and debates. This always bring greater scrutiny -- it was bound to

happen sooner or later that we come to the attention of the state and feds.

Don't feed into fear until we have more concrete info. Contact your Senators

and Representative and share your views, ASAP. Thank you.

~Joe

>

> Remember that very recenty, when Sally Fallon was here, many people toured the

warehouse. Perhaps there was a mole in that group but, how can we know?

>

> I have heard much misinformation about the warehouse from people who are just

talking amongst themselves.

[Guest guest]

I agree there's much misinformation going around, BUT...

Once we start speculating on moles and informers, the paranoia and distrust

ramps up. (I know mine has). Remember, TFMN has had a lot of publicity lately,

and our growth has been tremendous. It coincides with the various food safety

measures and debates. This always bring greater scrutiny -- it was bound to

happen sooner or later that we come to the attention of the state and feds.

Don't feed into fear until we have more concrete info. Contact your Senators

and Representative and share your views, ASAP. Thank you.

~Joe

>

> Remember that very recenty, when Sally Fallon was here, many people toured the

warehouse. Perhaps there was a mole in that group but, how can we know?

>

> I have heard much misinformation about the warehouse from people who are just

talking amongst themselves.

[Guest guest]

I agree, Joe, although I was not speculating myself, just trying to make a point

with another member here.

Good advice to take action.

Once we start speculating on moles and informers, the paranoia and distrust

ramps up.

[Guest guest]

I agree, Joe, although I was not speculating myself, just trying to make a point

with another member here.

Good advice to take action.

Once we start speculating on moles and informers, the paranoia and distrust

ramps up.

[Guest guest]

I agree, Joe, although I was not speculating myself, just trying to make a point

with another member here.

Good advice to take action.

Once we start speculating on moles and informers, the paranoia and distrust

ramps up.

[Guest guest]

I'm really disappointed in how this was handled by our supposed enforcement

bodies. It would have been very much appropriate to do something about the

licensing issue, if it is indeed required, long ago and perhaps without the need

to shut us down (even temporarily). But the thing that bothers me the most is

this trampling on the rights of consumers to procure healthy food. The CSA drop

from THE FARM, was done Tuesday morning with some items picked up. I moved the

remaining items (not embargoed) into one of our recently added coolers, but they

are not accessible due to this harassment timing. All of the quality milk that

was purchased (offsite)at the beginning of June is also not available to those

families that count on it for their family's health. Are we going to complain or

do something about it. I've responded to a reporter from MPR that may shed some

light on this activity. We have support from the farm-to-consumer defense fund

attorney and need not rest until we get some answers. This effort must also move

to exonerate the Hartmann farm as they are due an apology as well. How do we

rally for this cause? Alvin

>

> I agree there's much misinformation going around, BUT...

[Guest guest]

I'm really disappointed in how this was handled by our supposed enforcement

bodies. It would have been very much appropriate to do something about the

licensing issue, if it is indeed required, long ago and perhaps without the need

to shut us down (even temporarily). But the thing that bothers me the most is

this trampling on the rights of consumers to procure healthy food. The CSA drop

from THE FARM, was done Tuesday morning with some items picked up. I moved the

remaining items (not embargoed) into one of our recently added coolers, but they

are not accessible due to this harassment timing. All of the quality milk that

was purchased (offsite)at the beginning of June is also not available to those

families that count on it for their family's health. Are we going to complain or

do something about it. I've responded to a reporter from MPR that may shed some

light on this activity. We have support from the farm-to-consumer defense fund

attorney and need not rest until we get some answers. This effort must also move

to exonerate the Hartmann farm as they are due an apology as well. How do we

rally for this cause? Alvin

>

> I agree there's much misinformation going around, BUT...

[Guest guest]

I was thinking that MN got the idea from WI since DATCP recently raided Vernon

Hershberger's farm store. they taped shut his coolers and freezers, and said he

could not sell anything in them. the next day, he cut the tapes and it was

business as usual. Yay Vernon! we need more brave souls like him.

what would the inspectors do if the warehouse continued to be open anyway?

> >

> > I don't know how the warehouse raid came about but obviously it is

>coincidental with tipper leaving the site. I am absolutely not saying >she

called it in, but it's a possibility.

>

> There are several other possible callers, to my mind, but in the end, does it

matter?

>

> We're dealing with it now. No one present at the time responded to anything

the inspectors asked, including their questions about raw milk. The general

manager was called in and is dealing with the procedures the inspectors

implemented. The Farm To Consumer Legal Defense was notified.

>

> At this point, as far as I know, the warehouse is closed for the next few

days. We will keep you posted as best as we can.

>

> Joe

>

[Guest guest]

I was thinking that MN got the idea from WI since DATCP recently raided Vernon

Hershberger's farm store. they taped shut his coolers and freezers, and said he

could not sell anything in them. the next day, he cut the tapes and it was

business as usual. Yay Vernon! we need more brave souls like him.

what would the inspectors do if the warehouse continued to be open anyway?

> >

> > I don't know how the warehouse raid came about but obviously it is

>coincidental with tipper leaving the site. I am absolutely not saying >she

called it in, but it's a possibility.

>

> There are several other possible callers, to my mind, but in the end, does it

matter?

>

> We're dealing with it now. No one present at the time responded to anything

the inspectors asked, including their questions about raw milk. The general

manager was called in and is dealing with the procedures the inspectors

implemented. The Farm To Consumer Legal Defense was notified.

>

> At this point, as far as I know, the warehouse is closed for the next few

days. We will keep you posted as best as we can.

>

> Joe

>

[Guest guest]

I was thinking that MN got the idea from WI since DATCP recently raided Vernon

Hershberger's farm store. they taped shut his coolers and freezers, and said he

could not sell anything in them. the next day, he cut the tapes and it was

business as usual. Yay Vernon! we need more brave souls like him.

what would the inspectors do if the warehouse continued to be open anyway?

> >

> > I don't know how the warehouse raid came about but obviously it is

>coincidental with tipper leaving the site. I am absolutely not saying >she

called it in, but it's a possibility.

>

> There are several other possible callers, to my mind, but in the end, does it

matter?

>

> We're dealing with it now. No one present at the time responded to anything

the inspectors asked, including their questions about raw milk. The general

manager was called in and is dealing with the procedures the inspectors

implemented. The Farm To Consumer Legal Defense was notified.

>

> At this point, as far as I know, the warehouse is closed for the next few

days. We will keep you posted as best as we can.

>

> Joe

>

[Guest guest]

> Anne I'm not accusing her, I pointing out that the circumstances are

> suspicious and only doing so in case there are other producers that are part

> of this community that may still be selling their products to her. They

> should be careful. On another site she almost certainly said she was

> cancelling her membership to the warehouse and essentially called the

> members of this community heartless conspiracy theorist anti government

> nuts. So it would be prudent for anyone still selling to her to consider

> carefully how they handle things.

>

>

If you are not accusing her, you are promoting a very nasty smear campaign

based purely on assumptions. (Regardless of what she is doing or saying).

I consider that a FLAME and flames are supposedly not allowed on this list.

The last person who engaged in a similiar smear campaign lost their posting

priviledges, I believe.

If you want to continue in this vein, I would argue that you should too.

I think it is in your best interests to drop it. Right now, you are just

making yourself look bad.

Lori Ann

[Guest guest]

> Anne I'm not accusing her, I pointing out that the circumstances are

> suspicious and only doing so in case there are other producers that are part

> of this community that may still be selling their products to her. They

> should be careful. On another site she almost certainly said she was

> cancelling her membership to the warehouse and essentially called the

> members of this community heartless conspiracy theorist anti government

> nuts. So it would be prudent for anyone still selling to her to consider

> carefully how they handle things.

>

>

If you are not accusing her, you are promoting a very nasty smear campaign

based purely on assumptions. (Regardless of what she is doing or saying).

I consider that a FLAME and flames are supposedly not allowed on this list.

The last person who engaged in a similiar smear campaign lost their posting

priviledges, I believe.

If you want to continue in this vein, I would argue that you should too.

I think it is in your best interests to drop it. Right now, you are just

making yourself look bad.

Lori Ann

[Guest guest]

> Anne I'm not accusing her, I pointing out that the circumstances are

> suspicious and only doing so in case there are other producers that are part

> of this community that may still be selling their products to her. They

> should be careful. On another site she almost certainly said she was

> cancelling her membership to the warehouse and essentially called the

> members of this community heartless conspiracy theorist anti government

> nuts. So it would be prudent for anyone still selling to her to consider

> carefully how they handle things.

>

>

If you are not accusing her, you are promoting a very nasty smear campaign

based purely on assumptions. (Regardless of what she is doing or saying).

I consider that a FLAME and flames are supposedly not allowed on this list.

The last person who engaged in a similiar smear campaign lost their posting

priviledges, I believe.

If you want to continue in this vein, I would argue that you should too.

I think it is in your best interests to drop it. Right now, you are just

making yourself look bad.

Lori Ann