Harvest season brings many things. This year it brings bounty, not only in the many pounds of organic fruit coming from my apple and pear trees, but also in a new group of excellent NCAP interns and volunteers!
Sadly though, it also brings disappointment. For the first time since the 1940s, our country's farm bill will expire without a new policy to take its place.
The immediate impact is that many valuable programs will be lost, or at least
harder to fund. While the future is uncertain, NCAP and our allies will continue working hard to maintain and expand programs that support organic practices and help develop ecological alternatives to pesticides. We'll also keep you informed about the important role you can play in getting our national food and farm policy back on track.
Meanwhile, there's still much important work we can do together. Read on to find out how you can take action on several pressing issues, and please plan to join us for a very special harvest celebration...
Hope to see you there!
Kim Leval, Executive Director
Visit our website at www.pesticide.org for information and the latest news!
Food, Drink, and Fun for a Cause
 As if protecting public health and the environment isn't hard enough, as a non-profit we have to raise money in order to remain operational and effective. Thankfully, there are ways of doing so that are fun for everyone.
Our fourth annual dinner and fundraiser auction: A Healthy Harvest, is less than two weeks away. Being our 35th anniversary, this year's event not only offers a gourmet organic dinner, locally crafted beer and wine, and fun games, it also features live music by Laura Kemp and the Liaisons, as well as some fantastic auction packages. Here's a sneak peak:
A southern Oregon get-away including Shakespeare Festival tickets and a tasting/tour at the Cascade Peak Spirts distillery
An exclusive overnight stay at King Estate Winery's Villa with a gourmet dinner and one of a kind wine tasting experience
A tree themed dinner at the home of Nathaniel Sperry and Teresa Damron, owners of Sperry Tree Care
Tickets are now on sale. Get yours in advance and come celebrate 35 years of pesticide reform at our biggest party ever! Tickets are $35 if you purchase in advance or $40 at the door. Buy Online!
A Healthy Harvest, October 6th, 6pm, Vets Club Ballroom
1626 Willamette Street, Eugene, Oregon 97401 - 541-338-4074
Organic Field Day: Rocky Fence Vineyard, Sept. 27th
 Mike and Liz Medes of Rocky Fence Vineyard produce table and wine grapes near Emmett, Idaho. The farm has been producing certified organic grapes since 2004. Join us on Thursday, September 27th as they lead us on a tour that will highlight their techniques and on-farm research. This will include:
- organic grape production
- organic methods for managing powdery mildew
- organic methods for increasing berry size
- composting of grape vine prunings
See Rocky Fence Vinyard on Idaho's KTVB
Register online or contact Jen Miller - jmiller@pesticide.org, 208-850-6504.
Learn More
Rally to Keep Canola Out
 The Oregon Department of Agriculture has filed a new permanent rule that would allow the production of canola, including genetically modified canola, in previously protected areas in Oregon. Due to the threat this poses to specialty seed growers, fresh market produce growers, and organic growers, Friends of Family Farmers has organized a rally coinciding with the public hearing on the rule.
Please join us this Friday and lend your voice to help keep canola out!
Rally to Keep Canola Out
September 28th, 2012
9am - afternoon
Friendship Square at the Oregon State Fairgrounds
Cascade Hall – 2330 17th St. NE
Salem, OR 97301
Learn More
Sign the Petition
If you plan to attend the rally, RSVP to leah@friendsoffamilyfarmers.org.
Tell EPA: Pollinators Matter
 Pesticide Action Network has petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to speedily reevaluate neonicotinoid pesticides, namely clothianidin, to examine the role they might play in widespread Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).
Sadly, EPA has stated that pollinator declines don’t present an imminent hazard and has denied the petition.
Please join Pesticide Action Network in asking the EPA to protect pollinators by taking a closer look at clothianidin and similar pesticides.
Take Action
Many Ways to Give
Special gift for NEW members
Join NCAP today with a gift of $30 or more and receive an enameled aluminum sign for your yard or garden (United States only, while supplies last). It is a perfect addition to your pesticide-free yard or garden.
Refer a Friend Special
If you are a current member, get a friend to join NCAP at $30 or more and you BOTH will receive an NCAP 35th Anniversary grocery bag made of 100% recycled material. Just be sure your friend mentions your name when they join. More voices means more positive change and healthier communities (While supplies last, United States shipping only)!
Strength in Numbers
Working for the environment and the public interest pits us against a pesticide industry with seemingly endless reserves of cash. That’s why, for NCAP’s 35th anniversary, we asked our most committed donors to join the Leadership Giving Circle and help us raise $10,000. Generously, they did it!
They also issued a challenge to raise another $10,000 by the end of the year. Your donation will help us meet this challenge and create a strong foundation for another 35 years of strategic wins. Whether it’s eliminating pesticide use in schools, parks, homes, and farms; or protecting our rivers and the lives that depend on them; or monitoring policy changes and being a voice for health and sustainability...we must have strength in numbers to be successful.
Please support NCAP with a donation and become a member in the movement for pesticide reform.
Strength in Numbers
To donate, click the button or contact Shelly Connor at (541) 344-5044 ext. 17.
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September 2012
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Letter from the Director
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Healthy Harvest
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Field Day Sept. 27th
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Keep Canola Out!
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Tell EPA: Pollinators Matter
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Many Ways to Give
Take The Pledge!
Hundreds of people have taken our pesticide-free pledge! Show your commitment by adding your voice too. It's easy, and it just might win you a pesticide-free zone sign for your yard!
Take the Pledge
Get Involved!
NCAP needs your help to protect the environment. Whatever your specific interests are, you can join us as a volunteer or an intern and gain advocacy experience through one of our many projects.
Opportunities
35 Years of
Pesticide Reform
NCAP turns 35 this year! To celebrate, we're honoring the people who have been involved with our organization over the decades. If you're one of them, please let us know by sharing your stories:
NCAP's 35th Anniversary
Business Sponsors
New and Renewing Business League Members
A big thank you to Business League members who joined or renewed in September!
Sperry Tree Care
Down To Earth
Cozmic
Tabard Corporation
Click here to view the full business league roster.
Do you have a business? Join the growing list of businesses that are standing up for a healthy environment!
Visit the Business League webpage to learn more about becoming an NCAP Business League member.
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