"The human existence depends on the top six inches of soil." By Dervaes - Watch video too.

I'm signing the petition and I will also join the group. This is such a good post.. Kudos to you look@mypix.

I really appreciate the info and that petition. I am passing it around. --signed--

I signed the petition to encourage the USDA to improve standards for livestock and organic labeling. Thank you for that opportunity. I hope it helps to some minute degree.
I myself do live totally off-grid and grow as much of my own food as possible. To be fair though, I'd have to report that I don't think it is a panacea for the earth in its present state. I do think it will help some in the transition we are undergoing, and more power to them. But ultimately, the size of our population, and the structure of our society, as well as our finite resources of available arable soil, prohibit the much idealized individual small sustainable farm from being the solution to a planetary problem. Many people romanticize the ideal of the small farm. It does have its unique unparalleled benefits. The direct connection to nature, and, the (if you'll pardon the word,) the almost spiritual psychological grounding that it's feeling of independence gives you, is something that I myself could never part with.
But, in truth, if you were to accurately assess the cost of economic inputs to create a single small sustainable farm, there are very few, even after herculean effort and expense, that match the economics of even the smallest retail or manufacturing effort. For myself that isn't an overriding concern, but it is something to keep in mind if we are discussing a rush "back to the land" which often becomes popular in time of social and economic turmoil. It's true that mankind has thus far depended on six inches of soil. I look at the cost and long and continuing effort expended to plant and care for a few fruit trees, for example, (and I consider trees one of the best investments one can make) and it's clear that as an economic venture alone, it's absurd. I tell my friends, considering the wider economy, that it is somewhat akin to Marie Antoinette playing milk maid at Versailles.
I do love the Jeffersonian fantasy of an agrarian nation of independent and self-sustaining yeoman farmers. I'd vote for it every chance I get. But as history has consistently pointed out, that is not a direction the ever-increasing majority of people have chosen, or probably could have chosen.
Fewer people farm today than anytime in US history and the number has continually dropped through this century. If we are able to do so ourselves in a viable way, we can thank our rare luck in doing so.

And and ice free world to grow food.

Here a little of "take action":
Sign the petition at the link:
http://capwiz.com/grassrootsnetroots/issues/alert/?alertid=13184481

The Organic Consumers Association will be submitting written comments and presenting testimony in person at the November 3-5, 2009 meeting of the National Organic Standards Board in Washington, DC.

In joining the OCA's comments, I would like to say that, as an organic consumer, I am particularly concerned about:

1. Labeling Fraud

Personal care products labeled or marketed as organic should meet USDA standards. Unlike organic foods, many personal care products are falsely labeled as "organic." The USDA should use its enforcement power to go after shampoos, cosmetics and other personal care products that mislead consumers by improperly using the term "organic" in their name, branding and marketing claims.

2. Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is inherently dangerous and antithetical to organic principles. Mounting scientific evidence indicates that nanomaterials produce dangerous "free radicals" which can destroy or mutate DNA and can cause damage to the liver and kidneys. Nanotech particles not only injure and kill lab animals--they have killed people, as well. Workplace nanoparticle exposure was linked to seven cases of serious and progressive lung disease in China – including two deaths.

3. Animal Welfare

The foundational principle of animal welfare is to allow animals to express their natural behaviors. Intensive confinement, where animals are packed together at high stocking densities, has no place in organic production. Animals need ample space, sunlight and fresh air for reduced stress and improved health.

Please improve organic standards by addressing these important concerns.