I recently had the pleasure of visiting Polyface Farm in Virginia, which is the now-famous farm of local food/farming hero Joel Salatin. Joel was hosting was the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund annual fundraiser. The Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund is a non-profit organization that provides much-needed legal support to small farmers legitimately selling products directly to consumers, and Joel is a big supporter of theirs, since he has used their services to fend unwarranted attacks from various regulatory agencies.
The event included a very eye-opening tour of Joel's farm, in which he explained (in the enthusiastic way that only Joel can) the sound scientific and ecological reasoning behind the farm's highly sustainable operation. Another exciting moment was the 'hot-off-the-presses' release and book signing of Joel's new book, The Sheer Ecstasy of Being a Lunatic Farmer. I even purchased extra copies of this book, with the plan of donating them to the local library so that others can appreciate and learn from Joel's positive approach to farming, and life itself. 
Perhaps the overwhelming theme of the discussion during lunch (of course with all local ingredients, including Joel's fabulous 'Pigaerator Pork') was the concern over the impending food safety legislation (Senate Bill S510), and of the general trend towards reduced consumer choices due to seemingly well-intentioned government food policies. I was sincerely moved and left the event with an even stronger commitment to do whatever I can to protect the rights of small farmers and the consumers that wish to obtain healthy food from them. Of course, contributing the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund was a good start!
Here's a link to a more detailed online write-up of the event, complete with useful links, pictures, and videos.
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