Farmer Jane by Temra Costa

Farmer Jane by Temra Costa

As nurturers and caretakers of the health of our children and communities, women have the power and ability to transform the way we eat and farm. Farmer Jane profiles twenty-six women in the sustainable food industry who are working toward a more holistic food system in America a system that ensures our health with wholesome natural foods, protects the earth and wildlife, treats farm workers fairly, and stimulates local economies. Leaders like Denise O'Brien are empowering women to take leadership roles in agriculture. Farmers like Dru Rivers of Full Belly Farm are educating kids and growing diverse fruits and vegetables to sell directly to the community. Advocates like Marion Kalb and Anna Lapp are fighting for fresh organic fruits and vegetables in school cafeterias. Activists like Jo Ann Baumgartner are inspiring other farmers to be protectors of natural spaces. And chefs such as Deborah Madison are promoting local seasonal foods as a mainstay of the American meal.

Sustainable food activist Temra Costa shows how you can join these women, whether you want to start a farm, open a food business, found an organization, or simply become a sustainable-food consumer.

Temra Costa began her career in sustainable food while organizing for the preservation of organic standards in 1998. After completing her degree in agriculture from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, she moved to California to work with the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAF). Throughout her time with CAF, from 2003 to 2009, she supported Farm to School programs and farmers markets and directed a statewide program of Buy Fresh Buy Local.

Costa is passionate about local food and eating seasonally. When she's not gardening, cooking, or bringing community together over food, she's writing about it. She lives in El Cerrito, California. Cover design by Jocelyn Foye.