Georgia Magazine - August 2012 - (Page 4)

August 2012 CONTENTS D E PA R T M E N T S 5 VIEWPOINT ‘Wagon Train,’ ‘Jersey Shore’—or neither 6 MAILBOX 7 LIBERTY NOTES 8 GEORGIA NEWS 9 FESTIVAL GUIDE 10 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 13 CURRENTS On the cutting edge; Where kids count; Co-op employees brighten Mt. Zion Park 24 AROUND GEORGIA Small-town homecoming celebrations 26 PICTURE THIS? 26 MY GEORGIA Sweeter in Georgia 28 GEORGIA GARDENS Seasons of squash 30 GEORGIA COOKS Garlic Fest showcases the unexpected in North Georgia 34 SNAPSHOT At the fair FROM THE EDITOR There are 5 million farm acres in Georgia, and only .1 percent are considered “organic.” Growing organically is usually thought of as farming the “natural way,” or growing in harmony with nature, using no pesticides. Healthier produce and meats are the result. Supporting small and mid-size farms (from 5 to 50 acres), is important. These local farmers provide fresh, healthy food and are carving out a niche for themselves in Georgia’s agricultural industries, which contribute billions of dollars to state coffers. Even the state Department of Agriculture’s “Georgia Grown” campaign urges consumers to seek out the Georgia Grown logo when they shop for produce. Many farms are recognized as “Certified Naturally Grown,” a private qualification that follows the USDA National Organic Program standards. The CNG tag is not affiliated with the National Organic Program, but it’s quicker to achieve for small, sustainable farms. For more, see “Georgia’s farmers return to their roots,” page 19. Other important segments that serve the state admirably are the organizations and professionals that see us through all kinds of emergencies. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security (GEMA) is responsible for coordinating emergency preparedness, response and recovery. There are so many elements to coordinate in any disaster, but individual preparedness can be the key element in life or death. Nearly three-fourths of Georgians report they are somewhat prepared for a large-scale disaster or emergency, according to a recent 2012 GEMA survey. This represents a 28-percent increase from 2007. That’s good news. See “Ready, set, get prepared,” page 14, for more. Be prepared! Ann Orowski Editor GEORGIA MAGAZINE Vol. 68, No. 8 19 ON T H E C O VER : At Cane Creek Farm in Cumming, the harvest crew shows off their bounty. From top center, clockwise: Matthew Irby, Frances Winslow, Michele Gillman, Judy Robson (in hat), Carolyn Mills, Lynn Pugh, Holly Davis and Celia Shutters. For more on sustainable farms in Georgia, see page 19. (Cover photo courtesy of Cane Creek Farm.) F E AT U R E S 14 Ready, set, get prepared Georgia Emergency Management Agency officials encourage self-initiative during disasters. By Margie Fishman 19 Georgia farmers return to their roots web exclusive The “g” means more is online! web exclusive Sustainable models look toward the future. By Margie Fishman Click on the August 2012 cover, online at www.georgiamagazine.org, for this month’s bonus content: 23A—Georgia’s “Certiﬁed Naturally Grown” farmers 25A—More small-town homecomings 32A—More great garlic recipes 34A—Bonus Snapshot submissions 34B—Liberty notes; Plant of the month 34C—Home safety tips 34D—August’s online trivia contest More online at www.georgiamagazine.org Official Publication of Georgia Electric Membership Corporation 4 http://www.georgiamagazine.org http://www.georgiamagazine.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - August 2012

Georgia Magazine - August 2012
Contents
Viewpoint
Mailbox
Liberty Notes
Georgia News
Festival Guide
Calendar of Events
Currents
Ready, Set, Get Prepared
Georgia Farmers Return to Their Roots
Around Georgia
Picture This?
My Georgia
Georgia Gardens
Georgia Cooks
Snapshot

Georgia Magazine - August 2012