S1067: There's a proposal in the NC legislature this session - Senate bill 1067 - which would create a North Carolina Sustainable Local Foods Policy Council to address barriers to a thriving local food economy in NC. Better food policy can help us cope with crises like the economic downturn, an epidemic of obesity, and even climate change. Some agribusiness interests have swept in at the eleventh hour to stir up opposition to this legislation. Take action now!

http://www.toxicfreenc.org/involved/actionalerts/foodpolicy.html

Dean Naujoks, of PEA member Yadkin Riverkeeper, Inc., was named one of the six new River Heroes by River Network. Our congratulations to Dean!

North Carolina has the dubious distinction of being tied for first place in farm land loss among US states. We need to keep farms working in order to feed our state and provide sustainable, locally-produced foods for consumers. Right now, the North Carolina House is making some very difficult decisions about what will be included in the state budget.

Summer is approaching, which means the air quality is going to get worse.  Triad Air Awareness, which issues the local daily Air Quality Forecast, now offers email updates.  Simply go to their website and sign up for this free service.  This is a very useful service, especially for those who are considered to be in a sensitive group (kids, athletes, anyone active outside, the elderly, people with asthma or other respiratory disease or allergies).

An estimated crowd of 7,000 attended the 4th annual Piedmont Earth Day Fair April 18th on the campus of Wake Forest University.  Presented by Piedmont Environmental Alliance (PEA), the Fair included 140 booth spaces representing over 120 exhibitors.