Colle Farmers Market Honors Late Organic Farming Advocate Russell Libby

In memory of Russell Libby for his advocacy in organic farming, Colle Farmers Market honors his admirable advocacy efforts.

Bohemia, NY (PRWEB) January 02, 2013

On January 2, Colle Farmers Market honors the late Russell Libby for his contributions to the [organic farming industry across America. As reported by The New York Times, Russell Libby died from cancer in his Mount Vernon home at 56 years old.

According to the New York Times, Mr. Libby was executive director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association for 17 years, building the Association into “one of the largest of the organic movement's state organizations.”

The New York Times article reports that since Libby was named director in 1995, the membership had doubled, reaching more than 7,000 members. In addition, the article reports that the number of organic farmers and producers in the state increased from 85 to 420.

The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association moved from a “single office in Augusta, Me., to a 400-acre complex of offices, exhibition halls, a library, a teaching kitchen and farmland in the town of Unity,” reports the New York Times. According to the article, The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association “[distributes] educational material throughout the country, places apprentices on farms in Maine and provides advice to local farmers on financing, marketing and food safety, as well as agricultural techniques.”

The article states that Libby played a central role in lobbying Congress to amend the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011 which helped protect organic farmers nationally, broadening the power of the Food and Drug Administration to regulate food production.
We lost a very powerful voice in the organic farmers community, states Colle Farmers Market in response to the Libby's death. Colle Farmers Market went on to say that Russell Libby revolutionized the farming industry for all those who believe in the organic movement. His political influence and devotion to the organic farming revolution set the bar for all those who wish to follow his aspirations for a more organic approach to the farming industry. Russell Libby will be missed.

Colle is an E-Commerce enabled farmers market community that is passionate about sustainable consumption and responsible conservation. The Colle movement is dedicated to connecting natural product vendors, organic farmers and all people who are living an organic and natural lifestyle with the ultimate goal of using more sustainable farming and consumerism.
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