Farm-to-Table Food Caucus Successfully Launched
By Kate Thornberry, December 3, 2012, 6:33pm, On the Range
Thursday last at Boggy Creek Farm the Texas Farm-to-Table Food Caucus held its very first fundraiser and launch party.
Hosted by Democratic Representative Eddie Rodriguez and Republican Representative Lois Kolkhorst, the lavish gathering under the centuries-old live oaks featured the work of many of Austin's top chefs and celebrity bartenders. Guest chefs included Mat Clouser of Swift’s Attic, Bryce Gilmore of Barley Swine, Shawn Cirkiel of parkside/olive & june, Andrew Wiseheart of Contigo, and professional forager and hunt guide Tink Pinkard. Cocktails crafted with locally made spirits, locally brewed ales, and Texas wines completed the soiree.
The record mild temperatures were an added benefit, as the event had to be held out of doors due to the massive attendance. An air of excitement and optimism invigorated the crowd, as for the first time in many a long year, a true bipartisan enthusiasm reigned, as both liberals from urban centers and conservatives from rural areas agreed that the Legislature must work to remove barriers to the local food movement.
The reach across the aisle was cemented earlier this year as the Cottage Food Law was enacted that has made it legal for individuals to cook certain foods in their homes for sale, such as cakes, jellies, and jams. The Farm-to-Table Causus aspires to to educate members of the Texas House of Representatives on issues relating to the growing, harvesting and consumption of Texas foods. The Caucus will primarily focus on issues relating to Texas family farms, ranches and coastal fishing operations, as well as the distribution and consumption of these goods.
Let us all hope that the spectacle of Texas lawmakers working together, across party lines, for the good of the people proves inspirational to Washington!
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