1,000 gardens in Africa fundraiser

Believe it or not!!! Yesterday, I received a call from a dear friend in PR who wanted to contribute to the 1,000 Garden in Africa program.With her generous donation, our grand total is $ 1,248.00. The 1,000 Garden program recommends a donation of 900 EUROs . Last night, I notice if you convert 900 EURO's into dollars, it comes out to $1,247.95. This coincidence was completely amazing.
We decided to support the Ayuub garden project in Somalia. Thank you all.
En los últimos meses, muchos testigos del sufrimiento humano devastador en las partes orientales de África. Nilsa Eberhart, Santosh Dihan, Dr. Ernesto J. Herger, Adriana Pou, Julia Lugo y Bartus Allen tienen voluntarios para colaborar con sus manos sanadoras para ofrecer sesiones de masaje en el Antiguo Mercado de San Juan orgánica el 15 de octubre de 2011 (08 a.m.- 04 p.m.). Estos Masaje / Terapeuta de Shiatsu se reunirán en un proyecto de recaudación de fondos muy especial para ayudar a los agricultores en Somalia,Etiopía, Kenya, Uganda y Tanzania. 100% de lo recaudado será donado a los jardines de 1.000 en el programa de África, patrocinado por Slow Food Internacional (ver detalles más abajo). Por $ 1.00 por minuto, usted puede relajarse y liberar todas sus tensiones cotidianas, de, posiblemente, no sólo dos manos, pero cuatro o seis manos que cuidan. Después de cada sesión, el cuerpo y restaurar el espíritu se lo agradecerán, por lo que muchos agricultores agradecido y comunidades en África

Words of Wisdom from Sonia Carlo

Our farm is located at the southwest region of PR. relatively dry area ( perfect for growing leafy crops) , I had been managing the farm for about 5 years. However, because of the recession and lost of employment we ( my husband, my child and I) have dedicated ourselves to live from the land these past 3 years. It has been tough, other than the harsh weather, there exist a lack of knowledge of organic and sustainable agriculture. Our practices have been trial and error and we still manage to survive and compete with bigger companies. This made us realize that the only way organic farming is going to flourish in Puerto Rico is through coop operation with other farmer, dedication and sustainability. We have accomplished being the first certified organic farm in P.R. for now , our next step it to be completely sustainable.

Our future plans is to educated farmers to work together for a better future and to not depend on external outputs. Lot of family farms are struggling in P. R., because of the lack of knowledge, inputs and competitiveness with other farmers. In the past 8 years there have been only a handful of "organic farmers" and only one market on the island, now there are over 150 "organic" farmers, 3 "organic" CSA , 5 Markets and 3 major chains of supermarkets that are willing to buy local and organic. This clearly shows the interest in organic produce, however not one of these farmers are certified organic and lack basic marketing knowledge, even with the high demand on the island these farmers would need to be organized to fulfill these needs, being careful not to misuse our natural resources.

Our goal is to demonstrate to these farmers that you can live off the land, we plan to be the first completely sustainable farm on island and maybe even the Caribbean. I know our plans my seem ambitious, however it is extremely important that the our little learn the value of local fresh food. It shames me to say that our Island imports 80% of its food ( most vegetables and fruit are not even in conditions to be eaten and the pricing are to high even for a working class family). I feel deeply for the elderly and young mothers that struggle with the poor quality of food that there is available. Our Island can produce so much much more quality and quantity that whatever is offered in the supermarket.

I apologize for such a long e-mail. The list of concerns and problem are endless on the island.. However, I have so much faith that families can live a better life, eat better and live together without any grief. As a farmer I see ( high valued) food going to waste ( example coconuts, mango's etc) everyday. I have already explained my thoughts and goals. I 'am a new member of slow food, so I dare to ask of help or ideas to reach these goals. Any ideas would be of great help, I also a volunteer and memeber in a small "organic" market in Rincon and I wish to motivate the farmers towards sustainable agriculture.

Slow Food Boricua: Terra Madre 2012 contest rules

  On March 12, 2011, Slow Food Boricua ( SFB) began several fundraising events; to assist one young Eco-friendly person from Puerto Rico, to visit Italy and participant in a international organic food movement; called Terra Madre 2012 ( www.terramadre.info   ). We are proud to announce, Antonio Rullan is the winner!!!! Antonio is a 22 year old agricultural student, youth counselor and part-owner of a enterprising Moringa tree company. Antonio will visit Turin, Italy from Oct. 24 -30 2012, and observe Terra Marde. Slow Food Boricua wants to warmly thank all the donors for supporting Antonio with his dreams. Antonio will be joined in Italy along with Fernando Samalot, Maria Alvarado and Elena Biamon. These three were selected by Slow Food International as delegates, representing Puerto Rico.

Mr. Rullan resides in Puerto Rico, but also lived in Spain, Virginia and Massachusetts. He studied High School at the Academia del Perpetuo Socorro, then Boston University and Universidad de Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras ( now Utuado ). He initially studied Mechanical Engineering, shortly thereafter; theatre performance, and now his true passion... agriculture. Antonio and his business partners began their farm project, three years ago. In 2011, they increase their Moringa tree production. Ideally, they prefer customers to purchase a Moringa tree so they can enjoy the beauty and wonder of this tree, also this way they can elevate the mature Moringa tree population in Puerto Rico. However if a customer has limited land space; they'll sell the dehydrated leaves mixed with Ginger... to form a magical tea infusion. This mixture has a wealth of nutritional and prophylactic uses. Their project has become educational, since the majority of their customers are not familiar with the beneficial use of Moringa.

Mr. Rullan was selected because of his ambition, sincerity, and passion; also in his application, Antonio clearly expressed his vision for Puerto Rico's agricultural future. 

Below, you can read about Antonio's plans and aspirations. Also, if you care to learn about Antonio's project or wish him on a safe journey; you can contact Antonio @ ...   antoniorullan@hotmail.com

A BRIEF CONVERSATION WITH ANTONIO RULLAN:

(SFB) Describe how personally you have empowered the communities and citizens of Puerto Rico, involved with the green organic environmental movement.

(Antonio) In 2009,  I first learned of the Miraculous nutritional capabilities of Moringa Oleifera, or Ben tree. Surrounded by the incomprehensible 90% 

agricultural import on our fertile, tropical island, I felt compelled to help our community thrive in the case of scarcity. By focusing our approach to sell the germinated tree, in conjunction with dehydrated tea, we try to maximize the number of mature Moringa trees in households, aspiring to imitate our sister island Santo Domingo, where  "Libertad" as they name Moringa, is in every backyard. Since the vast majority of people in Puerto Rico never have heard of Moringa, our Market approach is one of education. We simply ask costumers, as they pass by, if they have heard of Moringa, if they say no, then we teach them. We feel satisfaction in our goal solely with the knowledge of Moringa being spread before our own commercial interests.

 (SFB) Describe how attending the Terra Madre 2012 event in Italy, will uplift the citizens of Puerto Rico.

(Antonio) Living on an island has tremendous benefits but some disadvantages, one being a geographical separation from the greater masses of the Earth. Although private interests flourish here and are instantly transmitted through media, smaller, grassroots movement, are harder to come by. If people train outside of Puerto Rico they generally work outside as well. Personally I feel a deep connection with helping to build a movement here on the island with the knowledge from our brothers and sisters across oceans. I feel an incredible potential with Puerto Rico, all the dry wood is there, we just need a spark to illuminate our tremendous island. Conferences like Terra Madre create such important network connections so necessary for a segregated island.

 
(SFB) Describe how your future organic projects will educate the communities of Puerto Rico. 

(Antonio)Through the use of Moringa, people in Puerto Rico can become empowered with their own production of: Nutritional Supplements/Medicine for themselves, their animals and plants, an easy, efficient and cheap water purification option, fencing materials, rhizome/ tubers, and if they're ambitious, oil and Bio diesel. In addition to our Moringa project, we dream of expanding on to Neem and Alelí and Albahaca Santa. Our dream is to help forge a more locally empowered society, as we are so dependent on foreign allowance which is many cases is a very poisonous and wasteful source of sustenance. Even if it's in little measures, like cloth production with Gandhi, a non-violent source of empowerment can shake Leviathans. 

Thank you,

Elizama Montalvo

1. INTRODUCTION. By entering this Contest, entrants agree to abide by all terms of these Official Contest Rules and the decisions of Slow Food Boricua (“Contest Administrator”) and Sponsor(s), whose decisions shall be final and binding. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
2. ELIGIBILITY. Contest is open only to individuals who are 18 – 25 years of age at the time of entry (unless otherwise stated). The Contest is open to residents of Puerto Rico; involved in the organic agriculture movement, alternative progressive chef, and green environmentalist. Other residents are not eligible to participate. By entering this Contest, entrants agree to waive any and all claims against Contest Entities for personal injury, damage or loss of any kind which may result from participation in the Contest or from the receipt, enjoyment, ownership or use of any prize.
3. HOW TO ENTER. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. To enter, log on at http://slowfoodboricua.blogsot.com. Submit to slowfoodboricua@gmail.com. (1) In 100 words, describe how you personally have empowered the communities and citizens of Puerto Rico, involved with the green organic environmental movement. (2) In 100 words, describe how attending the Terra Madre 2012 event in Italy, will uplift the citizens of Puerto Rico. (3) In 100 words, describe how your future organic projects will educate the communities of Puerto Rico. (4) submit copy of current passport (5) A letter of recommendations from three leaders in the Green movement (6) must be a current member of any of the three different Slow Food Convivium in Puerto Rico. One entry per person. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Entries generated by script, macro, bot, or other automated means will be disqualified. Any entry information collected from the Contest shall be used only in a manner consistent with the consent given by entrants at the time of entry. All entries become property of Sponsor and Contest Administrator. If no suitable candidates are found for this contest, Slow Food Boricua will donate the prize to several Slow Food…adopt a projects.
4. PRIZES. For single prize contests: One (1) Prize winner will receive a round trip airline ticket to Italy, for the Slow Food Terra Madre 2012 event. (2) One year basic membership from Slow Food International. (3) For several days the winner will be an observer of the Slow Food Terra Madre 2012 event. The observer in Terra Madre is allowed to attend all workshops and meetings of Terra Madre including the opening ceremonies, but the ultimate decision about what the observer, will be allow to do is up to Slow Food International (4) The winner will be provided with finical transportation and rooming previsions in Torino, Italy. The winner is responsible for their meals throughout the duration of their trip. No transfer, substitution, or cash equivalent for Prizes except at Sponsor’s sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a Prize of equal or greater value if a Prize cannot be awarded as described for any reason. Limit: One Prize per person/family/household. Any Prize Winner shall sometimes be referred to hereinafter as the “Winner.” No transfer, substitution or cash alternative permitted, except by Sponsor in its sole discretion. The winning entry will be deemed submitted by the e-mail account holder associated with such entry, as solely determined by Sponsor. Installation, insurance, registration, taxes, and any fees or costs associated with the prizes are the sole responsibility of the Winner. Prize is awarded “as is” with no warranty or guarantee, either express or implied. Winner agrees to take full responsibility throughout the duration of their trip.
5. DRAWING AND NOTIFICATION. Deadline for contest is July 1, 2012. Winner will be selected by a committee of members from Slow Food Boricua, whose decisions will be final. Winner will be notified by e-mail and/or by phone, 5 days after the Slow Food International announcement of the Puerto Rico delegates for Terra Madre 2012. If Sponsor or its designee is unable to contact potential Winner by e-mail or phone (using the contact information provided at the time of entry) and/or if the potential Winner fails to respond to notification within five (5) business days of issuance, the potential Winner will be disqualified and forfeit his or her right to a prize, and an alternate Winner will be selected.
6. WINNER'S AFFIDAVIT. Each Winner may be required to sign an Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability/Publicity release, a written version of these Rules and any additional documentation, waivers and releases that may be required (collectively, “Affidavit”). The Affidavit may require that each Winner provide his/her Social Security Number for tax purposes due to potential payments from Sponsor to the Winner and will be used solely for such tax purposes. The requirement for a publicity release shall be void where prohibited. The Affidavit will provide that by acceptance of the prize, the Winner releases Sponsor from any and all liability for injuries, damages or expenses sustained in connection with the Contest or with the receipt, ownership or use of the prize. Failure to sign the Affidavit may cause the Winner to forfeit the prize. Failure of the Winner to respond to notification and/or to complete and return the Affidavit within one week after sent to such Winner will be deemed a forfeiture of the prize and an alternate Winner will be selected from the eligible entries.
7. GENERAL. This Contest is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws. If any prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, prize will be forfeited and an Alternate Winner will be selected. All federal, state or other tax liabilities (including income tax) arising from this Contest will be the sole responsibility of each prize Winner. Except where prohibited by law, each Winner's entry and acceptance of the prize constitutes permission for the Contest Entities to use said Winner's name, photograph, likeness, statements, biographical information, voice, and address (city and state) worldwide and in all forms of media, in perpetuity, without further compensation. This Contest is subject to these official rules. By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these official rules and waive any right to claim ambiguity in the Contest or these official rules. Winners and entrants also agree to release, discharge, indemnify and hold harmless the Contest Entities, and the officers, employees and agents of each, from and against any claims, damages or liability due to any injuries, damages or losses to any person (including death) or property of any kind resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, misuse or use of any prize or participation in any Contest-related activity or participation in this Contest. Any person attempting to defraud or in any way tamper with the Contest will be ineligible for prizes and may be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Odds of winning depend upon the number of eligible entries received by Sponsor.
8. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY. If for any reason the Contest is not capable of running as planned, including, but not limited to, due to tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures or any other causes beyond the control of Contest Entities which corrupts or affects the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this Contest, Contest Entities reserve the right to disqualify any individual who causes any such problem, and to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Contest. Contest Entities assume no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, or any problem or technical malfunctions of any telephone network or lines, or any combination thereof, which may limit an entrant’s ability to participate in this Contest.
By entering this Contest, each entrant agrees that (i) any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or in connection with the Contest or any prizes awarded, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action; (ii) any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs, associated with entering the Contest, but in no event will attorneys' fees be awarded or recoverable; and (iii) under no circumstances will any entrant be permitted to obtain any award for, and entrant hereby knowingly and expressly waives all rights to, punitive, incidental or consequential damages and/or any other damages other than actual out-of-pocket expenses.
Each winner, by accepting a prize, agrees to release and hold harmless Contest Entities from any and all liability, claims or actions of any kind whatsoever, which may result from the receipt, enjoyment, ownership or use or misuse of such prize (including, without limitation, claims, costs, injuries, losses and damages related to personal injuries, death, damage to, loss or destruction of property, or any claims, costs, injuries, losses, or damages related to or based on the entrant's rights of publicity or privacy, or the entrant's claim that he/she has somehow been defamed or portrayed in a false light).
Contest Entities do not assume any responsibility for any schedule changes in the Contest timeline, including without limitation, scheduling conflicts, labor strikes, Acts of God, or other unforeseen events that disrupt the Contest schedule. Contest Entities reserve the right to cancel, modify, or suspend this Contest.
ALL ISSUES AND QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION, VALIDITY, INTERPRETATION AND ENFORCEABILITY OF THESE OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES OR THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF ENTRANTS OR CONTEST ENTITIES IN CONNECTION WITH THIS CONTEST SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF PUERTO RICO WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CONFLICT OF LAW RULES OR PROVISIONS THAT WOULD CAUSE THE APPLICATION OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION'S LAWS. THE INVALIDITY OR UNENFORCEABILITY OF ANY PROVISION OF THESE RULES SHALL NOT AFFECT THE VALIDITY OR ENFORCEABILITY OF ANY OTHER PROVISION. IN THE EVENT THAT ANY PROVISION IS DETERMINED TO BE INVALID OR OTHERWISE UNENFORCEABLE OR ILLEGAL, THESE RULES SHALL OTHERWISE REMAIN IN EFFECT AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR TERMS AS IF THE INVALID OR ILLEGAL PROVISION WERE NOT CONTAINED HEREIN. EACH PERSON WHO PARTICIPATES IN THIS CONTEST AGREES THAT PUERTO RICO SHALL HAVE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OVER ANY SUIT OR OTHER PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR BASED UPON THESE OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES OR THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF ENTRANTS OR CONTEST ENTITIES IN CONNECTION WITH THIS CONTEST AND EACH HEREBY WAIVES ANY CLAIM THAT IS NOT SUBJECT PERSONALLY TO THE JURISDICTION OF SAID COURTS OR THAT ANY SUCH SUIT OR OTHER PROCEEDING IS BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM OR IMPROPER VENUE.
9. OFFICIAL RULES AND WINNERS LIST. For an additional copy of these Rules or the names of the Winners, send an email to slowfoodboricua@gmail.com.com. Requests received more than thirty (30) days after the last day to submit entries will not be honored.
10. SPONSORS. Slow Food International, will provide the winner with (1) observer ticket for the Terra Madre 2012 event.
11. CONTEST ADMINISTRATOR. Slow Food Boricua Puerto Rico
CONTEST VOID WHERE PROHIBITED

Free Artisan Bread Class in San Juan

Peace n' Loaf & Slow Food Boricua presents a delicious educational delight. Baker and chef," Isa"; will be providing free artisan bread classes at the Peace n' Loaf restaurant. The first class begins August 28, 2011 at 8am and will continue every last Sunday of each month. Come a share in the fun of preparing your own fresh, fluffy, and creative loaf of bread. Learn this ancient craft from a true master in the art of culinary bakery. Isa holds a diploma in Baking (from INFOTEP) and Culinary Arts ( from PUCMM) since 2002 . Recently, she has develop the first vegetarian pizzeria in Puerto Rico. You can sample her tender bread quality at both the Roosevelt and Old San Juan organic farmers market. Have you ever dreamt of making bread with your own hands? Contact Stephanie (steph@peacenloaf.com )
and reserve your space in this unique experience.

Peace n' Loaf restaurant
787-293-7773
http://peacenloaf.com
Ave. Americo Miranda # 1402 San Juan 00921