Turn Here Sweet Corn: Organic Farming Works

Description

In telling her story of working the land, coaxing good food from the fertile soil, Atina Diffley reminds us of an ultimate truth: we live in relationships--with the earth, plants and animals, families and communities. A memoir of making these essential relationships work in the face of challenges as natural as weather and as unnatural as corporate politics, her book is a firsthand history of getting in at the "ground level" of organic farming.

Atina Diffley is an organic vegetable farmer who now educates consumers, farmers, and policymakers about organic farming through the consulting business Organic Farming Works LLC, owned by her and her husband, Martin. From 1973 through 2007, the Diffleys owned and operated Gardens of Eagan, one of the first certified organic produce farms in the Midwest.

Turn Here Sweet Corn is an unexpected page-turner. Atina Diffley's compelling account of her life as a Minnesota organic farmer is deeply moving not only from a personal standpoint but also from the political. Diffley reveals the evident difficulties of small-scale organic farming but is inspirational about its value to people and the planet.-Marion Nestle, author of What to Eat This book is wonderful on so many levels: the swift moving and dramatic story of Atina and Martin Diffley, the farmers of Gardens of Eagan, as they confront wild weather, development pressure, and pipelines. The transformation of Tina into Atina, from confused teenager to strong, passionate, and committed leader in organic agriculture. A powerful argument for organic farming and a must read for anyone thinking of farming-a vivid and realistic picture of the beauties, satisfactions, and stresses of farming as a way of life. And finally, a vision of hope for the future: blending intuitive faith in our oneness with Nature, the most advanced biological science, and the power of community.-Elizabeth Henderson, author of Sharing The Harvest: A Citizen's Guide to Community Supported Agriculture What strikes me most about this amazing memoir is that for those of us who aren't farmers but who are versant in such issues as organics, soil building, diversity, GMOs, certification and more-it is utterly different to hear how the farmer herself grapples with them in her daily life. Unlike reading about the same issues in an article, it's immediate, powerful, tender, heartbreaking and above all, encouraging.-Deborah Madison,author of Local Flavors: Cooking and Eating from America's Farmers' Markets "An education on organic farming and its importance, as well as a heartfelt love letter to the land." -Kirkus Reviews "Like her own farm, this book offers an abundant crop: practical-minded readers will appreciate the how-to's of soil building and crop rotation as well as information on the rigors of meeting FDA organic standards. Those seeking inspiration will enjoy the story of a single mother's dogged effort to follow her bliss. All readers will enjoy the organic ethic beautifully demonstrated in the author's close observation of and deep deference to nature. . . . a satisfying, instructive book." -Library Journal "In addition to being a charming memoir of love and living off the land, Diffley's debut is a timely tale of modern farming, the growing organic movement, and the problems that arise when urban development runs up against fertile fields. Equal parts anecdote and practical organic farming guide, this book is a powerful testament to the Diffleys' passion for their work and a terrific guide to the trials and tribulations of sticking to the land, sticking to the Man, and going organic." -Publishers Weekly