A Message from AERO’s Food and Ag Program Manager:

As AERO's Food and Ag Program Manager I bring the knowledge I’ve gained in the past 30 years as a practitioner of soil building cropping systems, and as an organic agriculture and marketing consultant, as well as my familiarity and involvement with agricultural policy and research, and my long term association with AERO.

During my nearly thirty years living in Montana, I have forged strong relationships with hundreds of individuals and numerous organizations that are interested in sustainable agriculture. I have also participated in developing programs for the revitalization of Montana’s rural farm economy. My background is relevant to the Program Manager position. This includes organizing and conducting many of AERO’s farm tours.

Other relevant experiences and activities I have include: twice serving as Co-Chair of the AERO Ag Task Force; and lobbying the Montana Legislature for bills that define the word ‘organic’ as it pertains to food, for funding for a weed biologist position at MSU, and to protect Montana’s farms from contamination from genetically engineered seeds.

My lifestyle, to a large degree has been shaped by, and exemplifies the AERO culture of simplicity and local self reliance. I intend to use my experiences, knowledge, relationships, and communication skills as AERO's Sustainable Agriculture Program Director.

A few things I think need to change for agriculture to be more sustainable include:

1. Pay producers a fair price for their crops and livestock.
2. Develop local and regional biofuel production to replace expensive and non- renewable fossil fuels.
3. Minimize transportation of food products.
4. Develop capital from local sources to provide an infrastructure for the production, processing and distribution of food products.
5. Minimize agriculture production costs while optimizing farm revenue.
6. Develop farm specific cropping systems to provide for adequate fertility while reducing pest problems.
7. Encourage the humane treatment of livestock.
8. Discourage the purchase of out of season produce and fruits from thousands of miles away. Refuse to buy highly processed, pop in the oven, ready to eat over packaged frozen food items.
9. Purchase food from farmers markets and roadside stands.
10. Obtain commitments from grocery stores to feature foods from local producers.
11. Implement policy changes that encourage institutions to give preferential consideration to locally or regionally produced food items.
12. Discourage slotting fees that give major food corporations advantages in placing new products on grocery store shelves.
13. Promote celebrations and events that feature local food items.
14. Work with restaurants to encourage them to commit to local food products (Chef’s Collaborative).
15. Encourage effective waste recovery systems that utilize formerly wasted resources for valuable products (compost, co-generated heat, livestock feeds, building materials).
16. Work with dietary experts to introduce recipes that promote food which is most favorably adapted to the capabilities and capacities of local producers.
17. Promote neighborhood pesticide-free gardens.

I truly believe AERO can help bring about many these needed changes. Thank you for your support.

Jim Barngrover