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...Plus, look inside for the Battle of Plattsburgh Schedule of Events! September 5, 2009
Despite challenges, local orchard sticking with organic apples Forrence Orchards now certified to sell organic Paula Reds, McIntoshes By Sarah L. Cronk sarah@denpubs.com
McIntosh Forrence looks through a crate of organic Paula Red apples at Forrence Orchards in the town of Peru. The orchard is continuing to grow organic apples despite challenges. Photo by Sarah L. Cronk
PERU — A new way of growing and harvesting apples has been a learning experience for one local orchard. Four years ago, a 10-acre block of apple trees came to be managed by Forrence Orchards. “At the time it had been abandoned and a lot of diseases and pests were moving from that block into our conventional orchard,” explained McIntosh Forrence, part-owner of Forrence Orchards. “One way of handling it was to manage it and try to clean it up.” Taking note of the distance from the abandoned block to the orchard, the owners of Forrence Orchards decided it was segregated enough to “meet the organic standards,” explained Forrence. “The government is leading us in the direction of softer pesticides. So, we thought, ‘Well, maybe we can learn something here,’” Forrence added. In order to be certified organic, the apples and trees must meet the standards of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of
New York Inc. The only chemicals that can be used must be naturally mined from the earth and NOFA-NY will observe the block of trees for three years before making it certified. “We use sulfur, we use liquid lime sulfur, and we can use the chemical called Surround, which is actually kaolin clay,” Forrence explained of the pesticides used on the organic apples. “For fertlilizers, we use composted chicken manure. So, [NOFA-NY is] watching what we apply to the tree and to the ground.” Other steps Forrence Orchards has to take in order to assure the apples are organic, is to keep the apples completely segregated from the conventional apples and to make sure there is no contamination from the conventional apples. “We can’t take equipment that’s been in the conventional block,” explained Forrence. “It’s a lengthy process. Fortunately, I was able to pass and now we’re certified organic.” NOFA-NY inspectors will return every year to make sure Forrence Orchards is “keeping things legitimate.” However, the
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School district’s menu now offers healthier alternatives Veggie burgers, hummus among vegetarian selections By Jeremiah S. Papineau jeremiah@denpubs.com BEEKMANTOWN — Healthier choices are on the menu for the Beekmantown Central School District. Roxann Barnes, the district’s school lunch manager, said middle school and high school students returning this fall will see an increase of nutritional entrées on the daily lunch menu, particularly with more vegetarian offerings. “That’s something students have been requesting,” said Barnes. Red pepper hummus, cheese quesadillas, veggie burgers and vegetarian chili are among the items to be offered, however, the district isn’t walking blindly into its new endeavor, said Barnes. “Red pepper hummus is something that we have served before,” she said. “That went over well ... the vegetarian chili has
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been on our menu and that’s been very popular with the kids and the staff.” Chef salads and low-fat, low-sodium made-from-scratch soups are also among the choices that, though the district has already been known to offer, will pair nicely with the new menu, said Barnes. “I think it’s great that more and more kids are looking for vegetarian items and healthier foods,” she said. “I’m very excited about this.” The new vegetarian selections are part of a continued effort by the school district to incorporate foods with more nutritional value in them, said Barnes. One tradition the district has established, she said, has been to buy fresh fruits and vegetables locally from the Shields Vegetables stand south of the school on State Route 22. “That’s something I’ve done for the past couple years,” said Barnes, adding the dis-
Showing support Friends, family and supporters of Gordon J. Hazel, retired director of the Joint Council for Economic Opportunity for Clinton and Franklin Counties, turned out for a benefit in his honor Aug. 30 at the Naked Turtle in Plattsburgh. Hazel, seen here speaking with friends at the event, is fighting pancreatic cancer. Those who missed the event but who would like to still make a contribution may do so by sending donations in care of him to 1474 Cumberland Head Road, Plattsburgh N.Y. 12901. Photo by Jeremiah S. Papineau
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