Disqus - Latest Comments for nikkijwa

Re: Poulsbo farm jumps in on the goat yoga craze

nikkijwa — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 22:19:49 -0000

There's nothing more enjoyable than to watch baby goats be playful. Just to look at them is a memorable treat. But goat yoga gives three joys in one: relaxing exercise while you get the incredible therapeutic benefits of small hoof acupuncture-type massage as you enjoy the closeness of Mother Nature's sweetest animals. It kind of sounds crazy but you will have a ton of fun trying it!

Re: Are the commissioners for farmers or just against ‘mega-corporations?‘

nikkijwa — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 21:33:54 -0000

Numbers? What numbers do you have? You are shifting, jr. There's no reaching you if you won't do your homework.
So, Happy Fourth of July.

Re: Are the commissioners for farmers or just against ‘mega-corporations?‘

nikkijwa — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:13:01 -0000

Commissioner Garrido did not think wisely about her choice of words and how they might be turned. I do know she is very conscious of the cost of transportation and aware that when food is shipped long distances, it's chances of exposure to all kinds of contaminants is likely, let alone the deterioration of quality affecting taste and mostly nutrition. I believe Commissioner Garrido is serious in her efforts to see an increase in nutritional food and sustainable practices in her community. We all realize mega companies create jobs. But mega food retailers have a tainted record when it comes to selling nutrition. They buy from factory farms and many factory farms are in serious trouble with a list of problems. That's a another huge subject in itself but it lends to people's awareness of knowing where their food is produced, what growing methods were used, and when it was harvested.
People do have "a burning desire" (as you put it) to buy fresh, local food. And talk about the high cost of local food at our local farmer's markets is unfounded, maybe just an excuse to short-cut to a supermarket. I suggest you get out and check out your local farmers markets and see what's going on. Last year the Poulsbo Farmers Market saw a 44% increase in sales (mostly food sales), which set a record in the state. Our Kitsap Food CoOp is making great progress and we are headed to the formation of a year round farmer's market. Don't try to tell me people are not interested in local food!
I'm thinking you have an obligation to print factual information you put out to your readers, Mr. Rhodes. I challenge you to take time to do some homework to get yourself updated to produce more factual journalism. You owe that to your readers.

Re: Are the commissioners for farmers or just against ‘mega-corporations?‘

nikkijwa — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 16:34:08 -0000

I would agree with Ellen. There could have been a better choice of words to describe the cost associated with mega food suppliers. Mr. Rhodes gets way off the real subject to take a political jab . But I believe a much bigger point has been missed. We have a community of consumers who are demanding more local food because people are so much more well informed these days. If given the opportunity, they will chose locally produced food because the nutritional value far outweighs "mega food." I see this as the driving factor promoting farming in Kitsap and the real issue is about agriculture.
The current Draft Stragetic Agriculture Plan as written is a broad overview that tries to sketch a picture of Kitsap agriculture. I'm not sure who the authors were but it's stated in very broad and general terms. It is currently being critiqued by the community including farmers and the deadline for review ends soon, I believe July 7th. I look forward to a final version to be a vast improvement so that a more accurate picture of Kitsap agriculture will unfold.
There is a need for Kitsap codes and ordinances to loosen up that will allow agriculture to develop and grow to meet the consumers demand. Doors need to open just like they do for SafeBoats, or some mitigation project needed to accommodate a big builder.
People want more local, good-tasting and wholesome food. To meet that need, local agriculture must have the support of our county government - that's what this is all about and I want this Stragetic Plan to help accomplish.

Re: Local farming sustains a community - Central Kitsap Reporter

nikkijwa — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 01:10:28 -0000

This is a great article. Sustainable Connections, under the direction of Michelle Long, has made Bellingham the leader in the nation in implimenting the practice of sustainability. We had the privilege of Michelle Long attending the Great Peninsula Future Festival in August at Port Gamble but only a hand full of people had the opportunity to hear her speak. Her message is incredibly inspiring. It was all I could talk about for a month! Check out their web, www.sustainableconnections.org and listen to a YouTube interview with Michelle at:
http://www.youtube.com/watc...
Please do this and then envision how Kitsap can follow their lead and build a more self-supportive community.