I know, it seems a little like reverse sharecropping. But it's actually all about following up on food guru Michael Pollan's call for a White House Farmer -- to showcase good gardening, local food, healthy victuals and the value of knowing where your food came from.
Charlie Collins of Victory Farms (if you shop at Ellwood-Thompson's or pick up produce at any number of farmer's markets around town, you know the Collins family) is the only Virginia farmer to make the list. Go check out his nomination, leave a friendly comment and cast your vote. Polls close January 31.
As of today, Charlie had 668 votes, which put him in fourth place. Here's what the nomination says about Charlie:
Charlie has been a highly successful market gardener in both
Phoenix, Arizona and Hanover/Richmond, Virginia. His dedication to
sustainable agriculture, natural/beyond organic methods, community
involvement, and sound business practices make him a perfect candidate.
He has also grown for over 25 fine restaurants in both Phoenix and
Richmond, working one-on-one with award-winning chefs to provide the
highest quality products (Chris Bianco of Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix
would happily serve as a reference). His fervent support for
President-elect Obama inspires his perspective on the country’s green
future. Additionally, his farm
is only 1 1/2 hours from the White House allowing it to continue to
serve the community here while he provides a beautiful, abundant and
thoroughly productive garden on the White House grounds.
