The University of Tennessee creates an organic farming initiative

This story was written by Chloe White
As U.S. organic food production is increasing at a steady pace of about 20 percent a year, UT has launched an organic farming initiative to "jump-start organics in Tennessee" and "help keep family farms in the family," said Annette Wszelaki, UT Extension commercial vegetable specialist.

Organic production can increase profits by reducing the use of off-farm inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides, she said.

There are currently 21 acres under cultivation at the 90-acre organic research farm at UT's Agricultural Research and Education Center off of John Sevier Highway. Fourteen acres are under transition to organic farming. It typically takes three years for a plot of land to be certified suitable for organic production, Wszelaki said.

The organic research farm was dedicated to organic crop production in fall 2007, and crops tested have been mainly vegetable crops, including carrots, beets, peppers, tomatoes, squash and watermelon.

"Nothing has been unsuccessful," Wszelaki said, noting that the first year was low-disease, which is "unusual for any farm system."

Meanwhile, the Organic and Sustainable Crop Production program is a statewide initiative aimed at involving more Tennessee farmers in organic production.

Read the entire story in the Knoxville News Sentinal.

Tennessee needs to start using wind and clean energy

“I’m a big fan of Tennessee,” he said. “We picked Tennessee because it felt right. … To be successful you have to rely on your heart as well as your head.”

Jacoby’s remarks came Tuesday during a keynote address to a lunch crowd at the Governor’s Summit on Clean Energy Technology, an event that wraps up today at the Knoxville Convention Center. The summit, hosted by Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, former U.S. Sen. Howard Baker and the University of Tennessee Baker Center for Public Policy, focused on ways that green technology can help spur economic growth in the state.

Read the entire article and learn how companies and the Tennessee government are moving to make changes to help the environment.



Wind power has started to become a popular way for homeowners to generate their own energy, but some new rules in Nashville could limit how green homeowners can get.

One resident in the city is already using a wind tower on his property to pump power into his home.

As more people decide to go green by using wind power, Metro councilman Charlie Tygard said he doesn’t want some people’s efforts to save money to alter other people’s quality of living.

Read the entire article in National Wind Watch.



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I made it into the Knoxville News Sentinel

Story written by Linda Lange

The green space also functions as a quiet oasis from fast-paced downtown. People spend their lunch hour at picnic tables or admire sculptures sprinkled across the tiered grassy hill. Tourists glimpse into earlier times when they visit Fort Nashborough, a replication of 18th century log cabins. "People really do enjoy the ambience of the river. From the Shelby Street Bridge, they have the best view of the Nashville skyline," says Corey Webb, owner of the Nashville Experience, a company offering walking tours. (615-400-0966, www.webbspunideas.com)

Read the entire article in the Knoxville News Sentinel.

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