even the methane released from cow manure. In addition, the social issues of the business of farming, like workers’ rights, fair wages, health care, and housing, are all taken seriously by the farmers, Marin Organic, and the larger Marin community.

looking ahead Marin Organic plans to expand its relationship with local schools by offering children the opportunity to work on the farms that feed them. The experience will give them a sense of how their food is grown, and allow them to get their hands dirty harvesting and cleaning what will be on their lunch tray tomorrow. And, says Helberg, the nonprofit is also part of a program that is field-testing farming practices that could reduce the amount of atmospheric carbon by restoring it back into the soil.

“Marin has become a national model video of sustainability that is even attracting international interest at this point,”

happy cows Visit Straus Dairy and Creamery

Helberg says, adding that while farming is on the decline nationwide, the county is able to attract new, young talent away from the cities and into the fields. The organization is ensuring that the public gets good food, that food producers can make a comfortable living, and that the environment is not a commodity to be traded and defiled. While not everyone will exchange day jobs for working the soil, they can buy from local farmers, support the businesses that power the system, and otherwise help keep the self-sustaining wheel of local food and local commerce in motion. 0