GMO Tomatoes? Gardening is Worse than Commercial AG? (My gardening HOT TAKES on mindful consuming)

GMO Tomato Article: www.npr.org/sections/health-s...
Carbon footprint of homegrown food: news.yahoo.com/carbon-footpri...
Hey ya'll, I'm Jess from Roots & Refuge Farm
Welcome to a place that feels like home. A small farm with a big family. We hope you'll pull up a chair, grab some coffee and visit awhile.
There was a time that all I wanted in the world was a little farm where I could raise my family and grow our food. Now, that is exactly what exists outside my door. In watching it unfold, a new dream was formed in my heart - to share this beautiful life with others and teach them the lessons we've learned along the way. Welcome to our journey, friend. I am so glad you're here.
*********************
WHERE TO FIND US (Some of the links here are affiliate links. If you purchase through our links we'll receive a small commission but the price remains the same - OR BETTER - for you! Be sure to check for any mentioned discount codes.)
- Our Website: rootsandrefuge.com
- Sign up for our newsletter: rootsandrefuge.com/yt-signup
- Join our Patreon to get early access to podcasts and other information, plus monthly LIVES with me and Miah: / rootsandrefuge
- Abundance+ (Grab a FREE 7-day trial): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-wilder-...
- Shop our Stickers & Shirts: rootsandrefuge.com/yt-shop
- Order my first book, "First Time Gardener": rootsandrefuge.com/yt-ftgbook
- Order my second book, "First Time Homesteader": rootsandrefuge.com/first-time...
- Instagram: roots_and_refuge
- Facebook: / rootsandrefugefarm
- Email Us: [e-mail]
- To drop us a line:
PO Box 4239
Leesville SC 29070
- To have a gift sent to our house from our Amazon wishlist: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...
- To support us through PayPal: www.paypal.com/paypalme/jessi...
**********************
PRODUCTS WE LOVE - You've probably heard me talk about these things a million times, so here's where you can order them (and get a discount with my code!):
- Greenstalk Vertical Gardens (Use code "ROOTS10" for $10 off your order): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-greenstalk
- Squizito Tasting Room (Use code "ROOTS" for 10% off your order): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-squizito
- ButcherBox: rootsandrefuge.com/butcherbox
- Growers Solution: rootsandrefuge.com/growers-so...
- Neptune's Harvest Fertilizer: rootsandrefuge.com/neptunes-h...
#rootsandrefuge

[@barbarahasenauer2630]

Jess, I'm 71 and I wish everyone ,and I mean everyone could watch this video. Thank you my beliefs are exactly as yours, and people just call me a old hippie.

[@sherrymurphy-kleine4592]

I'm 73, and I also agree completely with you and Jess! (Also an old hippie😊)

[@BobbieJeanM]

Same age, same thoughts and never was a hippie in any way. Maybe it’s many years of seeing the good and bad results of choices by individuals, businesses, government. 👍

[@jbuggy3845]

Same

[@gardengatesopen]

I'm not 73 and I believe these same things y'all do. I also wish every person could hear the words Jess is giving us today. Because it IS a big deal. It feels like the broken food system is getting even more broken...

[@carlynsykes6053]

I agree and have the same views, only 41 sad I missed the hippy years lol, but I believe it’s the very fact that the results are mixed with good results and purposes and bad one that make them such sticky and difficult to decide issues. Plus the majority of the bad effects, like greed and health consequences are easily hidden from consumers by distance and time and even by the illusion the government has created that they will be responsible for our safety and we can trust them so we don’t need to think too hard about our choices.

[@brendaglanzman2066]

I love it when a laid back person suddenly stands up to something and says, No! I'm not doing that! It absolutely tickles my fancy. Love you Jess❤

[@greghamann2099]

Laid back, you got to be kidding.

[@hadriatic2000]

She didn’t stand up to anything

[@margiebrown7436]

Because of you… my daughter and I set down and went through seeds today and I actually bought strawberry slips and we ARE planting a garden this year for the first time in my life and I’m 59 years old. Thank you Jess for being such an encourager without being an alarmist! I absolutely love you and your channel! 🥰

[@denisemccartney9723]

I'm so excited for you. May this be the beginning of a great journey. Bless your future garden and enjoy every moment 💕

[@junkinjodi]

Oh my gosh good for you

[@cynthiafisher9907]

@margiebrown7436 Good for you! Jus so you know, they must be strawberry plants, maybe bare root? Sweet potatoes are planted by slips.

[@louiseswart1315]

I started building the terraces and planting my first serious vegetable garden at 64 in October. I am as tenacious as you about growing most of my own food so that I can know what I am putting onto my family's plates.

[@tompetty3742]

I returned to gardening 3 years ago, after about a 50 year pause. It saved my life. The first year's biggest crop was education. I'm so excited for you.

[@hshepherd45]

Hey Jess as someone who is an avid gardener, and about a month out from having a PhD I just wanted to clarify that a lot of the news articles about this research paper are purposely misleading. I decided to read the actual paper and the scientists themselves are trying to say urban garden sites need to be protected because the current system of urban gardens being forced to shut down and be demolished within the span of a few years in favor of more city buildings is leading to an artificially high calculations of carbon emissions. "To avoid displacing farms and the associated demolition of infrastructure, policies are needed that promote stable land tenure for UA sites. For example, the establishment of community land trusts, such as NYC’s Bronx Land Trust, can help remove land from the real-estate market"

[@charmainenordtvedt4354]

I read it too and really wish more people would, it really sucks to see how the news article is impacting the growing space and it seems like it's just another thing increasing polarity.

[@hshepherd45]

@@charmainenordtvedt4354 To be fair to everyone who hasn't read it, not all the news articles on it actually link the paper in an obvious way and sadly this isn't the first time the news has skewed a paper like this to make it sound unreasonable

[@aliciaspears7847]

Miss Heather, you are a rock star !! I hadn't read any of the articles that were screaming this headline because I knew I wouldn't buy into the bs. I admittedly never thought to research it because of my instant dismissal. You went the extra mile. Thank you so much for sharing. You are an inspiration ! This is a great reminder to DO THE RESEARCH

[@mkpetersen1607]

I'm so annoyed with people always claiming that any research article/paper is biased, wants to crush "the small people, and is just "for someone to become rich". This mindset doesn't help anyone! 🙄

[@kalirussell5982]

Wow!

[@littlesaltyhomesteader]

The home garden is the ultimate act of rebellion. I’ll rebel for the rest of my life, starting with my heirloom tomatoes 💕

[@stephenpmurphy591]

Remember thats an opinion without scientific data to substantiate that wildly false informatiom.

[@roseofsharin]

Amen. This footprint junk is all about controlling us.

[@theoneandonly1158]

😂 its ok to have fun ​@@stephenpmurphy591

[@stephenpmurphy591]

@@tibbs4000 The article home gardening generates more carbon than industrial farming.. Which false and not based on scientific data..

[@stephenpmurphy591]

@@tibbs4000 You Tube keeps removing my comments with specific information dismantling that opinion article.

[@carolynmeadows]

I like this side of JESS. HONEST, UNAFRAID, and ready to plant more. Fight back smarter. Plant more.

[@grandmatammy464]

"In every area of your life where you can be a creator rather than consumer, do that." Love the stuff you say.

[@MiddleEarthGirl75]

There is another reason this article has been written. They don't want people to garden. The more people that garden, farm, homestead...the less dependent they are on the system. They WANT everyone on the system. They will sell the system as being balanced, safe for people and the environment, and able to feed everyone, instead of educating people on how to grow their own food sustainable using regenerative agriculture/permaculture. Learning about seasonal living. Like you said, people did this for thousands of years, working in harmony with their environment. This is why channels like yours are so important. Education is everything.

[@forgetful3360]

Nonsense. The authors of the article don't give a shit if you or anyone is dependent on 'the system'. They want to get published and came up with an angle to accomplish that goal.

[@LulaMae21]

Who is "they?"

[@DarkQueen619]

​@@LulaMae21 The people in charge of our commercial food industry today. Who usually have their fingers in pockets of politicians and very powerful people. Our food industry is a hot mess and nothing is being done to fix (as far as government interference) at this time and yet we still seem to be seeing a push to get people away from growing their own food and canning and preserving.

[@LulaMae21]

​@@DarkQueen619Nonsense. If the government didn't want us gardening or preserving food, they wouldn't provide resources to do it via state ag universities. Michelle Obama even converted part of the White House lawn into a vegetable garden.

[@Just_A_Name14]

No they don’t. People just become lazy and ignorant and migrate to the system

[@WickedAwesomeGardening]

"Anywhere that you have corporate greed, it's not black and white." YES!!! 👏👏👏🙌

[@elaineekberg113]

Why would so many other countries ban them if they hadn't come to a valid conclusion that they are not good/healthy?

[@barbarahasenauer2630]

@elaineekberg113 because Americans don't know enough to stop them. IF you REALLY REALLY look at almost everything OUR government is killing g the American people all for the almighty dollar

[@stellaz2595]

@@elaineekberg113 Well, those other countries allow and enforce things that I don't think are good. It isn't a black and white topic, in my opinion.

[@marking-time-gardens]

Amen Kiddo!🌻🐛💕

[@chelseafailla9887]

Fellow rebellious rule follower here ♥️. You're not alone!

[@marilynmiller9864]

I am 73, an old hippy. You my dear are a breath of fresh air. I love your conviction! Not being physically able to have a big garden and goats I have to settle for herbs, pumpkins, peppers, beans and tomatoes. I bake my own bread but buy 'store bought' milk. You pick your own battles. Right? I could get up there on your soap box with you and shout the evils of processed foods and how ther are killing our gut microbioms but you do such a good job of spreading that information. Thank you for your passion! ❤️

[@MissKrisCadet]

Hi Marilyn -- Weston Price has a directory on their website where you may or may not find 'non-store-bought' milk if interested. Cheers.

[@ChristineSorrell]

That's very much for sharing that! I found someone selling raw milk but it's 3 hours from me so I love a directory to find someone closer!

[@greghamann2099]

My cousin almost died from what you think is a good idea. She got smart a bit too late. I am obligated to warn you. Sorry.@@ChristineSorrell

[@HeadwatersHomestead]

I believe this qualifies as the second “Jess Rants” video. And I’ve got to say… I’m all for it! You want to know if we like this content? From us it’s a resounding, “Hell yes! You go girl!” PREACH! 🙌

[@BrookeSimmons]

I'm an academic -- not in this field, but still one of those PhD people :D -- and I know firsthand what it's like to have a news outlet spin a misleading story out of your work. I hadn't read this news story, so I searched for it with the added word "Michigan" based on your video, and I found the original source: the UMich site with the press release. A press release is what the academics put out themselves, and journalists write articles starting from those. Unsurprisingly, the press release is a lot more measured than the articles seem to be (speaking of corporate greed: common sense never makes good clickbait). My interpretation of the press release is: the paper finds that result on carbon footprints partly because urban gardens have a hard time competing with the scale and long duration of "big ag". They are *not* recommending removing the home garden -- they're trying to give recommendations for how to garden with a lower carbon footprint. They do talk about tomatoes, as you say, but they also say: if you can, build your raised beds to last 20 years instead of 4. Try to reuse building materials instead of buying brand new. Share what you grow with your community, if you have enough. One of the leads of the study (a PhD student who I'm guessing is having an unexpected lesson in how dodgy journalists will twist your work) is quoted as saying, "Urban agriculture offers a variety of social, nutritional and place-based environmental benefits, which make it an appealing feature of future sustainable cities. This work shines light on ways to ensure that urban agriculture benefits the climate, as well as the people and places it serves." The Telegraph article I found is behind a paywall so I can't read the whole thing, but I wouldn't be surprised to hear they didn't print *that* part of the press release quote. I also found a research poster from 2014 out of Pepperdine University (J. N. Brody, lead author) which found that "there is an environmental need for deliberate increased vegetation [in California, where Pepperdine is], which can be done easily and effectively by planting a home garden. According to our empirical data, the quantitative carbon absorption from a home garden creates a substantial impact on atmospheric CO2 reduction over a year." So, my academically-minded searches definitely contradict the impression from the newspapers that the ivory tower thinks you should go back to buying HFCS-laden applesauce. One last thing: there are good (including *really* good) science/tech/research journalists out there. I just wish they weren't so outnumbered. Thanks for all that you do, Jess.

[@valerienaff4612]

So we are already in step two. First step academics perform a study and publish. Step two, the powers that be, use the study to spin a new narrative by cherry picking the study to cause fear.

[@kiradelsol4767]

I think this is an excellent comment! I wish more people would realize that “those PhD people” probably aren’t the enemy in this scenario. I haven’t read the study myself so I’ll refrain from making bold statements about it, but I have a sneaking suspicion that the problem here is that people are reacting to poor journalism rather than poor science, and they don’t necessarily realize there’s a difference. Thank you for trying to offer a perspective from the academic side of it, it might feel like a drop in the ocean but I really do think it’s important that someone does. Also, thanks for pointing out that great science/tech/research journalism actually exits. Sadly, it doesn’t appear to be a priority for most news outlets.

[@andreadinkel4794]

Came here to say these things as well. I will try a copy/paste of the actual study below. I’m a master’s student in horticulture with an emphasis in Urban Food Systems, and the study is simply about carbon footprint trends. Figure 1 in the study shows that Urban Farms have nearly as low of an imprint as big ag (awesome job, UA!), due to using methods that we all here would agree are sustainable, like creating your own compost, cover cropping to seriously reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, etc. All good things that we all here strive to incorporate. When you think about making a raised bed, or buy a metal raised bed (etc), fill it with bags of soil and compost from the local box store, plant a few heads of lettuce that bolt and peas that don’t produce well because they were planted at the wrong time, and some bell pepper plants that produce a handful of peppers a piece, then set your garden scraps at the curb the following autumn for the trash service to take away, and then try to compare that with the scale and efficiency of larger crops, well no, that isn’t going to be effectively reducing carbon footprint. That’s what the study is finding. You have to think about waste and input, and try to make that cyclical. That’s sustainability. That’s what the study is finding works the best. So for home gardeners, they recommend finding ways to make those waste and inputs related to each other and cyclical. Compost your garden scraps. Build your soil using mulching and that compost. Reuse recycled materials for raises beds, and make sure they will last many many seasons. Harvest rainwater. Learn to save seeds and plant/eat seasonally. These are the habits and methods that reduce waste and create sustainable input, and are ALL things Jess has discussed. The study was the object of journalism needing viewership, sadly. We need more studies like the one under scrutiny. Read the study! It’s good stuff! And keep gardening and learning to do it better! It’s an important part of being a human! Heck yes! www.nature.com/articles/s44284-023-00023-3

[@heidibentz390]

I didn't think to look up the press release and I'll give that a read after I finish the abstract/summer.

[@kristiedaniszewski70]

“Rebellious rule follower”-if I ever identified with anything, it’s this 😆I’m so right there with you! You are my spirit animal Jess! 💕love it-always eloquently spoken!🌿

[@ourtinytownhome-stead]

Rebellious rule followers unite! 😂

[@greghamann2099]

Rebellions rule follower. Word salad. Enjoy!

[@greghamann2099]

Not eloquently spoken at all its word salad.

[@bbooanderson]

@@greghamann2099 It's not word salad if you identify as I do. Enjoy!

[@angelawilliams8401]

Absolutely 💯. If it makes sense, I'll accept it. I'm with Jess if it's super muddy, I'm out.

[@vivianzuniga8814]

WEF is pushing hard. Alarms should be sounding loud and clear!

[@HarvestingFaithHomestead]

I think they are for a lot of people. Some people still have their heads stuck in the sand, but a ton of millennials and gen Z are waking up and saying “NO! Not today, Satan!”

[@dawnclemens5615]

I have sent this on. You are a breath of fresh air. No politics, Just the reality of the times in which we live. i was raised on a large Ohio farm. Now we permaculture organically a 17 acre farm. We eat homemade 90% of the time. When we eat out we get sick most of the time. I am not judging but for us a huge garden and fresh fruit is heaven. I humbly thank you.

[@tarabishop8499]

Thank you. My mailbox was full of seeds today and it got me so excited. I rushed inside to show my husband and God bless him, I saw the shutters go closed after the second packet of seeds I had showed him, but I didn’t care. I was excited. I am still excited. I am going to grow so much this year that it will blow his socks off and I will be proud as I stand in the doorway of my pantry and look at the abundance that I created. Wow, what a powerful feeling. It’s better than any drug out there and you don’t get that feeling buying can of green beans from the store. Thank you for this and all you do…❤❤❤

[@nancyjohnson6557]

Last year I planted a few small pumpkin seeds and the best place I have to store them is on my stairs. I’m still working on using up the last of them, but every time I go in or out of the house I get to see them and think of the next thing I want to make with them.

[@marking-time-gardens]

Yay!!! Seed haul!!! I get all excited even if it is only one or two packs of seed that come in! Like getting new babies to tend to! You go girl! And I will happy-dance right along with you and we will both show what these seeds AND we gardeners can do! Blessings on your 2024 garden Kiddo!🌻🐛Carolyn in Ohio 🌿

[@Davidg1t1]

Tara I love your post. You Go Sista! I’m in similar situation. I’ve always been interested in wild plants and gardening but my honey is not. I try and teach by example and as plants grew and we started harvesting she started to become more involved and interested. Same will happen when your guy gets his hands in the dirt and sees the fruits of the garden. 🌻

[@soymilkmuse]

"Be a creator, not a consumer... That is your freedom" . I love that! Thank you, Jess, for sharing this with us. I know it's hard to share opinions and possibly unpopular truths so publicly, but I want you to know how much I appreciate your courage and passion.💕

[@nessidoe8080]

I agree! That really needs to go on a T-Shirt and Stickers!

[@greghamann2099]

Truth is not unpopular. Nice word salad.

[@ruthcalsada1440]

@@greghamann2099in my experience truth is seriously unpopular.

[@greghamann2099]

Same @@ruthcalsada1440

[@margaretevans3358]

WHy cannot we all be free within moderation? Why are we dictating the behaviors of others? Again, I'm an old hippie. We hippies WERE organic pioneers.

[@elizabethharriott9061]

My family calls me a prepper. Our generation has no idea where our food comes from. My kids marvel at home canned homegrown foods. I myself just 15 years ago didn't know I could make brown sugar at home! I love this video in its entirety. Thank you for spreading the word for all home gardeners and those who will be! God bless you, Jess!🥰

[@King_of_carrot_flowers]

'If there's an obvious progression imminent, I don't want to support the first step'. Jess, you have such a way with words!

[@gardentrix4736]

I tried posting the link to the actual journal article in the comments but it didn’t seem to post. I hope you will read the source material (vs Yahoo) - I think they want to see urban/home gardening succeed, and offer some additional best practices for making urban gardening as sustainable as possible.

[@plot10homestead58]

Agreed! It's important to look past the clickbait headlines and skewed articles to read the source material before forming an opinion.

[@Onnada]

Rise of the Victory Gardeners!!!!!!!

[@Michellegrows]

Rebel gardeners unite!!! 😊

[@melissacrittenden1008]

I'm a rebellious rule follower"...next shirt please. This is so me. I was my parent's child that just did what they said and didn't want to rock any boats. Didn't talk in class or pass notes bc I wanted to follow class rules. Pretty much lived my life in the lines. Didn't know I was such a rebel until 2020. 🤣🤣 This is great content! Thank you!

[@BethEmily763]

Excellent comment Melissa

[@blacklilac4438]

I would buy that shirt. Yes, ma'am

[@darlacarter5815]

I would definitely buy that tshirt ❤

[@darlacarter5815]

Love this video, just like your “be a raindrop” video!!

[@jjo.jjournals]

Yes plzzzzz!!!!

[@janelupo6023]

ANYTHING you can create ADDS VALUE!!! Allow your reaction to be something empowering!!!! Right on, Jess!!!! 💗💗💗

[@nigellablossom]

Agree - I have gone this long refusing to let the corporate greed have access to my hard earned money (there's a long list of things I don't do and places I don't shop).. I'm not about to give them my money now. They can go without. I'll keep growing my own saved seeds and eating my own food, thankyouverymuch 🤗

[@mostuniquemary]

Jess, I love you! I stand squarely with you! When people tell me "Why don't you just go to the store?" I rebut with "what if the store is shut down?" This BS is why I'm working towards harvesting my own seeds and buying from smaller companies whenever possible. I'm so freaking glad I heard that loud whisper back in 2018 to continue on this part of my journey.

[@foodnwords]

Nuance is so important, and the more we as a people try to distill everything into over simplistic black and white, yes or no the more my heart despairs. Everything is so divisive and people have lost the ability to hear each other out and have grace and understanding for different viewpoints in favor of "making a stand" on a very explicit idea or belief and then fighting everyone not standing with them. This was so healing. Thank you.

[@bradbaar2043]

Jess, I wish I could give this video a thousand thumbs up. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your message that we all just need to be aware of what’s going on around us, to think for ourselves, and to respond in a constructive manner. This world would be a much better place if we could all just do that. Thank you for being a voice of wisdom in the gardening community.

[@marking-time-gardens]

Yup!... bigger and better HOME garden this year... supporting our family run seed providers and using my home saved seed... yup, much bigger, even if I have to give all the food away! Blessings on your day Kiddos!🌻🐛💕

[@genuineconcern]

As far as the attack against home gardening, I completely agree with you that those articles are complete nonsense. Just consider the carbon footprint of food grown halfway around the world, sent to another country for processing, then sent to yet another country to be sold. Not to mention the carbon footprint of the multiple levels of packaging. Any time land is used in a way that increases water holding potential, produces vegetation that photosynthesize oxygen, creates topsoil from dirt is a winning situation. If however home gardeners utilize synthetic chemicals which degrade soil, water and air, like many conventional growers, then home gardens could be just as much of a problem as conventional lawns are.

[@bowtielife]

Nearly 4 years ago you are the first person on KZbin that started me on the road to where i am today. Converted most of my property to gardens and continuing to be a creator in my garden and here in KZbin thanks to your inspiration. You always articulate everything I agree with and have so much trouble verbalizing. Thank you for the great video!!! Thank you for the great message!!

[@jodibraun6383]

You know, up until I watched this video I'd been beating myself up for having bought more seeds this year, even though I alreadt have a huge stash. Right now I'm feeling really grateful that I have them, and that I did buy - and will buy - more. 😊 Good chat Jess!

[@backyard.permaculture]

Instead of buying a chocolate bar as a treat, I now buy a seed package or two. Way healthier😂

[@elizabethkitchens7077]

Keep it up, Jess!! You are one of the reasons I started gardening because you make sense. I saw the importance through you of being self sufficient as possible and seeing God’s beauty in the garden. Thank you sincerely for your candidness and realness. Keep on keepin’ on! God bless ❤

[@TinkyP]

Dear Jess, I don't know how to adequately articulate this, so I will simply say thank you. Thank you for giving me strength when I'm stumbling. For making me feel seen and understood. For the inspiration to be my authentic self and the courage to chase my dreams. I left the church many years ago but I've never forgotten gods voice and when I feel that familiar pull to turn on your podcast and I'm guided to the exact episode- your words are always the exact words I need to hear. I can't express how much I needed to hear your message from "goats and homebuilding". Your "point" was to give me the strength I needed to hold on. I too am a dreamer (of goats and homebuilding among other things) and you are right it's a delicate balance of wishing and contentment and gratitude and disappointment. Thank you for reminding me to trust the divine timing and keep taking one step at a time. Sincerely, Christina Prince (A fellow stay at home, homesteading, homeschooling mom)

[@gail7998]

This comment is well-written. I agree, Jess is well-worth listening to.

[@roseannekinney6942]

So are we going to be allowed to save seeds from a home garden that has GMO generated plants?

[@irony11]

​@roseannekinney6942 Your comment may have been intended for the main comment and not a reply to this lady's letter to Jess. Yet to answer your question I do not seek approval from anyone to save my own seeds. I highly doubt I would want to save any GMO products much less intentionally purchase them.

[@RTCPhotoWork]

​​@@roseannekinney6942 There is no rule (in the US) against saving seeds from any plant you grow (unless you are next to a big ag farm...and you'll know the parameters if this applies to you). You simply cannot SELL the seeds or plant propagations from certain plants--patented plants.

[@gail7998]

@@roseannekinney6942 we do not need anyone's permission to save seeds.

[@metalmartha2571]

I had a similar question for you mom with the “Christmas orange thing” lol I found it so bizarre that 80 yrs ago a person only ate 1 orange a year… now I try to eat seasonal to keep the gratefulness in my heart.. the way my mother and her mother experienced. My grandmother and my mother put gardening in my soul. Thank you, that sparked a beautiful memory ❤

[@barbaramix1683]

When I lived in California, I ate an orange every day. When I moved back home and could not get a good tasting orange I decided to grow them. Now I have citrus growing in my office because they can't tolerate the cold winters here. Meyer lemon, key lime, and pink lemon trees. I just started a Sumatsu from a seed. It is 2 inches tall. I think I may need more space next winter. How blessed are we to have citrus fruit.

[@margaretevans3358]

My mother was raised in South Georgia in the 1940s. Her father was well off, and she didn't suffer the Depression. SHe and her siblings got one orange and one grapefruit in each stocking. To the day Mother died she served at Christmas Ambrosia with the oranges and grapefruits, added some cherries and small marshmellows and coconut. This salad was a staple for us at Christmas. THe last year Dad was alive I caught him eating a bowl of ambrosia, saying 'I hate the stuff', which I knew meant he loved it. Ambrosia is still celebrated in my family.

[@moonchildgarcia8999]

Keep posting these types of videos, please!!! These videos are much needed. The corporate greed issues and spreading fear just to get people to buy corporate products just for their profit at the expense of the consumer are not only affecting home gardening but home schooling and ANYTHING Home based. People being free and independent thinkers seems to be the biggest treat to corporate greed. Keep growing your own food, buy seeds from independent small businesses, and stay healthy, everyone!!!

[@kathleendavis2008]

The energy of change continues....more and more eyes are opening, conformity is dying while life and true genuine living is continuing to sprout and mature. The creator in us is alive and well....Jess, u represent many....U speak my heart!!!

[@tdhawk167]

Thank you. I was exposed to roundup, early on in it's development, in corn tortillas that were recalled because of the poison (the corn was mistakenly used, it was meant to go to feed animals. Yeah the experiment mess up was going to go to feed and poison animals instead of being tossed) It messed up my gut and I almost died. And I developed some food allergies. One being corn. So, as the years have gone by.... you can imagine. I've always been a gardener and a from scratch cook, but I also used some processed premade foods when I worked several jobs for convenience. Yeah, boy did my life change. Had been fortunate to have a 12x12 garden for many years at my apt, and preserved enough veggies for myself and others, until 2020 when my landlord removed my garden. So, now I'm having difficult time trying to afford healthy food. Warning about wheat- I am not allergic to wheat, but started having really bad reactions... found out that some wheat farmers were spraying their wheat w roundup to kill and dry it all at once so the harvest is much more efficient. So I can now only use organic flour to make my bread and other baked good. Note: when roundup is sprayed on anything, it is not washed off. RU is a broad spectrum killer. It kills the bacteria and organisms in your gut, in the soil, as well as any plant that does not have the GMO gene that protects it from being killed by this poison. Be careful people! Much love and with appreciation ❤️🙏

[@amandaforeman2626]

😮😔😔😔😞

[@user-rv8fk9bx1k]

I love it when you get in that passionate opinionated mode. It lights a fire under me every time.

[@user-gz9jl5bl6m]

I can’t tell you how refreshing your views are. I love how you approach life and the issues that came up. I am so tired of everyone freaking out over everything. Think it through and decide what is best for you and your family! Thanks again! I am learning a lot from you ❤

[@kylaford8338]

Jess you're the 💩 bra! I love how you teach. I love how you grow you children, plants, animals and soil fertility. I love that you call J "Sweet Maya". I love how gracefully you touch down on the craziness we're dealing with and I love how you bless us after finishing actually blessing us with your experience. Thank you for being one of the things I feel like I can actually trust. Thank you for teaching me sustainability ❤

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Such encouraging words! Thank you ♥️

[@nanablue3748]

💚💚💚

[@TerrieAllred2023]

Jess, this may be my favorite video you've ever posted. I have had gardens for longer than you are old, but you have encouraged me to do even more to be self sustainable. Not just this video, but many more. Even though I am older, my gardens are even larger now. I grow our own meat, and haven't purchased any in the last 4 years from the store. We purchase our beef from a local farmer. If we run out before our next harvest, we do without. I have been making my own sourdough products for about 6 months now, and can't remember the last time I bought bread. I can and preserve even more vegetables and they have gotten us through the winter, and will until time to harvest for the first time ever. I am in NO WAY self sustainable, but I am still going to work even harder to go to the store even less than I do now. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for your passion to steward well, what God has blessed us with. I am a better person for running up on you on your channel and getting the kick in the butt I needed regarding so many life lessons.

[@kimosterhoudt9741]

Perfectly said!

[@daniellehoover3444]

YES!!! Please make more videos like this! You articulate exactly how I feel about the situation ❤

[@tammyohlsson7966]

Agree!

[@Nancelot13]

Jess, you are doing exactly what needs to happen worldwide to correct the problems created by greed and corruption. The way you are able to present information to The People is stunningly outstanding, and far more helpful than screaming and arguing. Thank You for making this video!!! You deserve every ounce of success you receive from teaching people to THRIVE!

[@pennyponders]

Well said and I totally agree

[@DifferentWorles]

Amen❤

[@harmoney55]

Hey Jess, well I guess I’m and old hippie too. I love when you get into a thought of I have to say something. It give me great hope. I know you are so right. A slippery slope we need to say, No! Not my garden. Thank you Jess ❤

[@tammynevil7852]

Knowledge is power. ignorance is not bliss, make your choice based on sources you trust, I agree Jess

[@normahl9086]

I have a tiny garden. Growing fruit, veg, and flowers gives me joy. I have variety of success. First year I took all my Christmas dinner veggies from my own garden. Gave my daughter some for her family. Tomatoes are my best crop, don’t get them all to ripen, but I learned how to make chutney! I have invested in an air fryer with dehydrator, to preserve more, and cook cheaper. And I know it’s all organic, and getting out is good for my mental health. My granddaughters can eat strawberries from the plant, 🌱 ❤❤

[@haleysolmen4151]

It’s funny you posted this today… I was just getting heated yesterday, because some of my coworkers saw a TikTok claiming that broccoli doesn’t make seeds and so it is manmade and not natural. I gave them your lecture on the brassica’s life cycle 🤣 But it scares me the things that people will believe!

[@TheWickerShireProject]

I like it! Jess said it great here. We are starting a garden. I had to learn 3 Temperature types, Frost Tolerant, cold weather and warm weather seeds. We've have people sending us seeds by the 1,000's to help us grow food for winter to survive. The gardening community is so strong and caring. I'm filming it for my kids in hopes the will understand why we do what we do. FOOD SECURITY! Grow Big or Go Hungry! " Shire Out!"

[@tamidavis3730]

Love that- "Grow big or go hungry". If only more people would understand that.

[@TheWickerShireProject]

@@tamidavis3730 Much Love Tami You get it!

[@autumnwatkins186]

So..the next step would be to learn how to effectively save seeds from the foods we grow in our gardens. You guys, Jess has a couple REALLY good videos on saving seeds! Watch them for a refresh and save some seeds this garden season!

[@Thingys-Jill]

You and Brian at Next Level Gardening have covered this topic well. I love your videos. I just put together 2 more raised beds to add to my garden. I won't be filling them until I do spring cleaning in the chicken coop, but it's waaaaay to early to plant anything much anyway, except cold weather crops if I had a cold frame. Still, I'll continue gardening! Love your channel and have been following you since forever.

[@kimberlydickenson9141]

I have followed you for years. You are the reason I purchased my first Greenstalk years ago. Thank you for sharing and for staying true to you and your values. There are many of us that think and feel the same way. Self-sufficiency is key. And gardening is so rewarding. To grow and tend to your own food and know where it is coming from, there is nothing that compares. Much love to you. God Bless you and your family. 💚

[@mariefranklin6562]

100 % agree! So thankful for you! People are really looking for direction during these crazy times, and you give the best advice! Like not panicking and just growing a garden. Or, Not getting caught up in the drama and instead, being productive. A reminder we all can use daily. Bless you.

[@laurabillings7156]

We need some R&R merch inspired by this marvelous video. Grow a Dang Garden!😂

[@curiouscitizen4098]

Wow! Such an EXCELLENT video! You stated what millions of us are thinking. So much common sense. We need to educate ourselves how we are being manipulated. Corporations started buying up the seed companies, and it was a huge red flag for me. I thank God for small seed companies with people with integrity running them. Keep up the good work!

[@marymccoy-gc7lp]

Dear Jess, Thank you for your voicing concerns and potential impact of the GMO introduction to home grown gardens and all of us period. I appreciate your heartstrings always. Keep encouraging us and sounding the alarm when called for, God bless and lead you and your spouse in all your endeavors. I would like to hear more about your community driven projects? Loving it...I am in Maryland watching and listening to you.

[@kathrynbamford3497]

Love your content! You are the reason I felt the confidence to start my own garden and I can’t imagine life without one now.

[@umiluv]

Thank you for being my refuge. I currently have a 6 month old and am trying to juggle taking care of everything at home and a baby AND plant seeds for the garden. Your channels help me stay calm and give me a place to chill out. God bless.

[@josephhung5267]

I find it sketchy that this new purple tomato is released after baker creek's purple galaxy heirloom tomato that everyone got excited about was canceled. It might influence gardeners who would not want to buy GMO to make an exception for a similar substitute to the purple galaxy that was very hyped up because they got their hopes up for it.

[@learn-life.]

One word: Litigation

[@DIGardening]

I agree with you. The transparency is a huge issue in most areas of corporate and governmental business

[@loriolsen5785]

Jess, because of YOU, I began gardening during our lockdown in 2020. I was scared and I had a lot of time on my hands, and I discovered you. Since then, I've developed some decent skills. Here's my point: Growing FOOD is a skill that must be developed over time through varying conditions each year. By telling people that it is bad for the planet to have home gardens, they are trying to stop people from developing those skills...making people dependent on the commercial growers and their toxic GMO produce. It is an evil plan, and we cannot give up on growing our own food. Throughout human history, people have grown food for themselves to sustain their families, no matter who was in charge. We must keep that going. Last year, some medical issues kept me from doing much in the garden, but this year will be different. I am so ready to get started! Thank you, Jess, for being with me from the start. I look forward to learning more this year! God bless you and your family for showing us the way!

[@carolynschemm1833]

I love Rebel Jess! And I agree we need to continue you live by example and grow food.

[@amandaforeman2626]

I’ve been sharing these videos , you’re not the only homesteader talking about this ridiculousness. If growing your own garden and saving seeds is a rebellion , I will continue to rebel ! Jess you are incredible ! It’s so heartbreaking that this is happening :( lots of love from this momma to you !

[@greghamann2099]

Nothing is happening. All this freaking out is unnecessary. Go back to your garden and plant more seeds. Some fool launching a nuke is a real concern. The farmers I know do not have plans to end life as we know it.

[@amandaforeman2626]

@@greghamann2099 I’m not freaking out . Of course I’m gonna plant more seeds lol :) happy gardening !

[@cynthiafisher9907]

@@greghamann2099The farmers are just trying to survive and doing what works best for them. They’re not the enemy.

[@greghamann2099]

I know I own 200 acres of farmland.@@cynthiafisher9907

[@chelseywelwood22]

Jess, these kinds of videos are my favourite. In a world where common sense isn’t so common, it’s like a breath of fresh air to hear it spoken. It’s hard to not laugh when these sorts of “scientific findings” come up because it’s so blatant to see the agenda behind such things. But unfortunately, people see the credentials and switch their brain off, just like they have been trained to do.

[@yari2705]

Amen!!! ❤ Growing beautiful things, especially from a tiny seed, hands in the dirt, walking out on a dewy spring day when all you can hear are the birds, feeds the soul and brings peace! Don’t stop spreading the word!! ❤❤

[@hiddenwillowhomestead4797]

I just read the same article and I thought to myself.. "Hmmmm.. I wonder what Jess thinks of this?" So I turned on my laptop and discovered you were talking about the same thing! I am right there with you. I guess I'm a little rebellious myself cause I am expanding my garden and adding another greenhouse this year! I plan to grow all new kinds of tomatoes! Thanks once again Jess, you are a true inspiration!

[@HarvestingFaithHomestead]

It’s weird, I often find myself thinking about different topics and will randomly open KZbin to see Jess having made a video on the same topic. For example, a couple weeks ago when she posted the tips for new homesteaders collaboration video, that same day a girl in a local mom group started a homesteading mama group, and many many people in there are new and wanting to learn about homesteading. It was perfect lol. Talk about divine intervention.

[@jenniferbennett7880]

Yes! This video was spot on. I saw the comment thread you mentioned from your Facebook group. Why go to war with someone in the comment section of someone else’s posts? It’s not worth it! I’d rather choose to have my opinion and make actionable decisions based on that. Like you, the recent news just makes me that much more determined to live a self-sustainable lifestyle. And to share what I’m learning with others so that they can choose (or not choose) to try it, too. Love when you talk about this stuff!

[@kathyburns2945]

Those of us who are busy preparing our gardens for spring and starting seeds don’t always know what is going on outside our little bubble, so thank you Jess for the insight.

[@TheHeartofHome]

I have never felt so similar in opinion to someone else before. Thanks for sharing, Jess! I, and so many others, are grateful for your wisdom, leadership and passion for the garden & gardeners.

[@sharonabner3156]

I think that some people are overreacting and some knowledge or opinions by certain people are trying to fear monger. We all have choices in life but some people have to have guidance every step of the way. Do what is best for you or your family and don't stress over the choices of others. Life is short so spend it the way you would like to be remembered.

[@greghamann2099]

On this issue there is plenty of fear mongering on both sides. It is wrong no matter who does it. I have seen too much of it here. The sky is not falling. Relax and enjoy your garden. Farmers are not going to destroy the world.

[@shellyburris5918]

I love the way your brain works. I couldn't agree with you more. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on these matters, especially your advice to become creators rather than consumers. You were definitely born for such a time as this. God Bless you and the work of your hands.

[@nanahikes]

Jess, I have watched you throughout the years and I am so grateful to listen to your perspective, to look at my own place in life, and to use my own discernment to make my choices in life. I applaud you regularly for your authenticity and knowledge. Keep up the videos! Keep up the books! I have learned so much. I am a better person to have seen your first KZbin video, through to now. I am basically saying thank you. Thank you for your shared family, your friends and your gift of knowledge. I AM blessed by you!

[@tonis7791]

Jess I think you are so spot on! The way You articulate your thoughts! I got such a giggle towards the end when that rebellious spirit spoke up! That’s Me too!GREAT BLOG! I love you dearly and love being encouraged each and every time I watch!

[@tibbs4000]

IF these genetically crossed seeds are becoming a thing (and I won't be surprised if it does) I hope that growers like you and MIgardner become our seed keepers. If our big seed companies become infiltrated with gmo seeds, please consider taking that on. I would trust seeds that came from you Jess.

[@theIAMofME]

I so agree. I wish she would have done that instead of coffee. AND I LOVE COFFEE!! I'm so disappointed in that seed company up in Missouri. For many reasons dealing with the sticks in the arm but, now this. I will never buy another seed from them. Vote with your dollars as much as you can. It's hard but, I will pick my battles!

[@tibbs4000]

Maybe it's down the road for her, who knows 🙏

[@thedomestead3546]

You're going to have to be your own seed keeper. Look up svalbard Seed Bank in Netherlands. Those seeds are for post reset.

[@thedomestead3546]

​@@theIAMofMEthis is all scripted. Going to plan.

[@theIAMofME]

@@thedomestead3546 We ALL know that. Question is...what are you doing to put yourself and the ones you love in a better situation?

[@whispersofwillowpixi]

This was a great video. Inspiring. Makes me want to get out in the dirt, and grow a spectacular garden

[@user-fl9oo6rn6b]

I agree with you!!!! I like being a creator and love watching my seeds sprout and I love that you are a few weeks ahead of me climate wise. You get me ready, Jess. All year long!

[@smoran6579]

I love this video Jess. Felt like you were sent from God to spread a seed of faith to those of us who are losing hope in our society. I hope you continue to make this type of content. It's refreshing to say the least.

[@katharine5606]

You're right Jess-- It's important to look at everything with discernment. A person should try to be educated on matters and also look at things critically. You are such an engaging and natural speaker, that the time flew listening to your hot takes. Thanks!

[@tinatedder8963]

Oh my word...."storming the gates of hell with a squirt pistol". And this is why the world adores you! My garden is getting bigger this year, but those plans were in the works before these ridiculous articles. Every year I promise myself to try something new to grow, this year, it's the glorious sweet potato. Wish me luck!

[@savannahmolina3725]

I always love a good “fired up Jess” video. Here’s to growing more food!🖤👏🏼🌱

[@malibu405]

I feel so fortunate that at the start of this weekend you posted a video regarding your taking a short break, you suggested it may help if we could share and watch old videos....I appreciate your voice and so I determined to binge listen to you through the weekend. I appreciate you more than ever. Your such a rebel. I LOVE it❤ A past video you mentioned an influencer who thought she was putting you in your place with questioning your credentials.... You are exemplary proof that a piece of paper is not needed to gain the knowledge to be exceptional. YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY INTELLIGENT! Your COMPASSIONATE! Your THOUGHTFUL. I'm going to share you with my teen daughter as a role model. ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

[@eightysixcommunism2827]

Hello Darling! ❤ As a 35 yr female dirt lover, I pray to meet you and share laughs one day. I am extremely reactive to negative and stupid vibes. Especially if it involves children. The more knowledge I gain the more I realized nasty people are ignorant. Greed is the greatest threat to mankind we face today. We will evolve as a species when we demand better for ourselves. Enlightenment is the only goal. ❤

[@daniellegrzelecki5222]

U go girl. I love this video. Speak it loud. You positively touch so many people. Keep up the great work!

[@susiesalazar7360]

I just had to leave another comment…Jess, I just finished watching Kiss The Ground documentary. I was literally in tears at the end. My heart felt so heavy. I went through all the emotions while watching and listening to the documentary. But towards the end it gave me hope. So much hope. I’m crying again while leaving this comment. Thank you, truly thank you for recommending it to us for always inspiring us. Definitely inspired me to do better. Have a wonderful weekend. ❤👩🏽‍🌾

[@melodyrhodes3306]

When I watched Kiss the Ground there were moments that I felt so upset I almost didn't finish watching it but I felt that it was important to see it through. I'm so glad I did because as you said, by the end I felt real hope. Another really excellent documentary is Seed: The Untold Story. It's available on You Tube.

[@barbdawdy7698]

They have a new movie coming out i think called common ground. Welcome to the journey

[@susanrichards4844]

Jess you are amazing. Everything you’ve said is based on common sense and we should all take a breath and realize that all these “shocking studies” and “articles” are being driven by money. ALWAYS follow the money. Someone is getting very rich right now. Common sense needs to be practiced now more than ever. Love you Jess. 💕💕💕💕

[@melanieniemann4160]

And the fact that it's shocking is why so many news outlets are talking about it. I saw the headline and thought "this is rage bait for ad revenue and I should not click on it." And then of course I read it anyway.

[@charmainenordtvedt4354]

Hey, the news article is extremely misleading about the actual findings of the study (which are very much in favour of and encouraging urban agriculture and backyard growing). The actual point of the study is that if people are going out and purchasing every new garden gizmo every year that's obviously going to increase carbon emissions.

[@AngelaSissySnyder]

I got on KZbin and saw this video pop up first as yours normally do and I saw the title and thought “oh boy Jess is gonna give her two cents on the footprint subject! And the gmo subject” And I am so pumped to watch this! I saw Brian over at his Next Level Homestead and Next Level Gardening talk about the footprint issue last week and the gmo issue a couple weeks ago was hoping some other content creators would get in on this and give a voice for the rest of us and you have stepped up to the plate! Well done, Darlin’! Well done!

[@AngelaSissySnyder]

Another thing. In a hundred years (if humanity lasts that long) gmo food grown in home gardening will be the norm. Why do I say this? I say this because everybody keeps saying food grown “conventionally” meaning monoculture fields full of gmo food while in truth that is as far from conventional as we can get but it is accepted and called “normal” because it’s familiar. In truth, the CONVENTIONAL way of growing food is in home gardens at least that is my thought. We are living in a reset generation I think. Normal changes daily.

[@leesamahaffey694]

Wish I could like this video over and over again. Thanks Jess

[@ediewall426]

Thank you for this vlog. It resonates with our family a lot. Hubby and I are both in our 70's so some things are beyond our physical limitations, but we maintain a garden to grow our own veggies and some fruits and berries in south west New York state. We have a great farmer community where we can get grass fed beef, pork that we buy from 4-H kids, organically raised lamb and sometimes venison either from our property or from friends that like to hunt but their families won't eat venison. Corporate greed was our major impetus to start expanding the gardens and the health concerns that we believe comes with artificial nutrients and weed and insect control. We will continue to do this for as long as we can. Thanks for your explanations and passion for your lifestyle!!!!!

[@kellifras9703]

PREACH👏🙌 I love when you get fired up. Your passion for not just gardening, but for stewardship is so very inspiring.

[@denisemouledous7352]

I agree with you on expanding my garden! And that’s exactly what I’m doing this spring. Even before this study I was preparing to double the size of it. Now my resolve is firmed up even more! My thinking is what is the purpose of the info in this study spreading like wildfire on MSM? one possibility is because the powers that be want us to be more dependent on the big systems in place and less able to provide the food we need for sustenance for our families which leads to more control over us. The older I get and the more I see what is being touted by the ruling class the more I see a need to be self sustaining and have a community around me that allows us to share resources with one another. So in my life that means I’m growing vegetables, herbs, and fruit; my neighbors are doing some of that and raising chickens and sharing eggs, and I’m searching for others to provide good resources that we can share. I want to work on making herbal teas and tinctures and am learning about the healing properties of things as well as figuring out how and what to forage. It’s a slow process and for the time being I still depend on the grocery store a lot and try to make smart choices .

[@katie7748]

Same here. Having BC in '18 shook me awake. Prior to that, I'd been hitting snooze. I knew things were off, I always had questions, but I didn't really dig in until then. I didn't and still don't have anyone IRL who can help with teaching this stuff and we physically and financially couldn't do anything until a few years ago. It's been a slow process but we're getting there. It can be overwhelming at times with the information overload and trying to plan out this, that, and the other. But it can also be fun, relaxing, and a huge load off my shoulders knowing we'll be fed and taken care of. Two of this year's goals are to really get into fermentation as well as get deeper into herbalism. Incorporating it all (gardening, preserving, etc) into our homeschool is such a blessing and I'm so grateful to have online resources like Jess to help 😊

[@mbmiller1956]

SO well done, Jess. A very comprehensive hot take on our world today, and how we should be responding to it. I thoroughly enjoy your brain dumps, and hope to hear more of them frequently! You are bright, and so very articulate! Keep it coming!!!

[@Kelly-annStCyr]

I had the opportunity recently to spend pretty much a month in Italy. I feel blessed that I was able to do so in one thing that I noticed immediately was not many people in Italy are overweight, and there aren’t any people that I noticed that were extremely obese. Everybody has a garden. Everybody grows their own food restaurants have their own garden.

[@tabithachandler4302]

I would actually love to see more content like this from you. There are a lot of up and coming issues that may affect us all in the gardening world and in the way our food is produced commercially. And there are a lot of content creators who will take that information and (many with good intention) incite panic. It's just a breath of fresh air to be presented with the facts in such a well rounded way. What good could come of us all running around with our hair on fire? Thanks, Jess. Love all of your content, btw!

[@ramblinrosecottage5983]

I am watching (listening) while I work, and I am not finished with it yet, about half way through and I just have to say this. I love you, Jess. You rock! I will probably say more after I finish this but for now....this is perfect. Absolutely perfectly said. Oh...and the orange in your stocking thing......Me, too! Every Christmas when I was growing up. lol

[@HealthbyEmily]

I wish I could hit the like button 100 times on this video. Thank you for being a voice of reason in this crazy world! ❤❤

[@GlacialRidgeHomestead]

I appreciate your level headedness.

[@jeshurunfarm]

Hey Jess, we are 100% with you on these matters and we do not mind videos like this. Respect from Africa 🇿🇦

[@SuttonsDaze]

Preach! Love it

[@kelseyelaine215]

Off topic… but I came across an old video of you bringing home a small herd of goats in your friend’s mini van. You were bursting with joy through the whole video so excited to have those goats! As you prepare to bring your new goats home please bring us along. I’m so excited for you to have goats back on the farm as I learned a lot from your old videos before I purchased my own goats!

[@lauracarver6083]

God bless you for your honesty, discernment, and honesty!!

[@tyreeharris3731]

Thank you!! I had no idea on so many points you made!! Example is the corn being modified to get them chemically resistant and then WE eat it! Omgosh!! You’re a blessing! Thank you for-doing what you do!

[@amsohn1]

Jess, you are sooo right on point!! Last year in April we received a letter from Homeland Security making it sound like we were required to report our Homestead Garden and what we were growing... yes this correct!! After contacting them and further investigating - YES, they dis send this letter out to all Texans who have a Homestead exemption [as well as many other states] and when push came to shove- there were no rules or regulations that REQUIRED us to report it- as they said- it was only a suggestion... So my thoughts were, how many folks believed we HAD to report what we grew?? In truth- I like you would rebel!! Not now or ever am I going to report what or why im growing food for my family, friends or community... Im so tired of the powers that be, decide that missinformation is acceptable to control us, and yet allow the media to be their sounding board to attempt to Manipulate us at every turn! Blessings ❤

[@narrowpathfarm]

I live in Texas too. FAFO, is about to come up when the gov keeps pushing

[@amsohn1]

@@narrowpathfarm where at in Texas? We are in New York Texas

[@narrowpathfarm]

College station

[@loverlyredhead]

I don't remember getting that letter. Plus, a homestead exemption is a normal tax-based thing for a person's primary residence. No gardening is necessary to qualify. So if I had received the letter, I would have been very confused.

[@amsohn1]

@@loverlyredhead we were at 1st confused, and then when we started researching- found many Thousands had received the same letter...