They said it couldn't be done

Growing organic produce in Florida is tough. But this feature highlights a handful of growers in south Florida who are making a go of it. On the demand side, one concept with appeal to some consumers cited in the story is the "Organic Buying Club of South Florida." Paying $43 twice a month provides members a 30-pound share of locally produced organic vegetables every other week. One nice quote from an extension agent: ''It used to be the organic farmer was an ex-hippie kind of guy who ate tofu burgers." Now all they want to do is make money.
Another south Florida nod toward organic and local produce is found in this feature about restaurant trends.

Kudos to a balanced consumer press feature story about food safety, which opened with this line "Nothing is going to keep 78-year-old Mary Manoukian from her vegetables." Another apt line from the reporter: "Fear junk food more than the junk - the human and cattle waste - that could contaminate your next salad."

"Ten tips to keep fruits and vegetables safe from E. coli and other bacteria" is the title of a helpful if exhaustive list written for responsible consumers. Ten tips sounds like a lot, but far be it from me to undercut this consciousness raising effort.