Spending a week along the California Coast was a nice change of pace for this West Texas farm boy. However, it wasn’t exactly a vacation of R&R that inspired my travel. Speaking at three different events from Costa Mesa to Los Angeles to Oxnard, my campaign to spread awareness on GMOs led me to the front lines of this battle to get labeling in this country.

Californians have a genuine opportunity to get this initiative off the ground over the next couple of months. Started today, February 18th, citizens have 60 days to gather more than 800,000 signatures. This petition will enable voters the right to vote for labeling GMOs in the coming November 2012 elections. Very important that the people of California takes this bull by the horns. This can and will send a rippling effect across the rest of the nation. Other states such as Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and Vermont are already initiating similar petitions and legislation.

I was fortunate enough to tour some incredibly diverse farms, tasting unique citrus fresh off the trees and strawberries straight off the plant. It was inspiring to be around so many genuine souls who are volunteering their time to get this project going. (Go to labelgmos.org for more information.) Groups in L.A., Costa Mesa, Oxnard, Ojai and many other areas are forming a grassroots effort to get enough signatures. Taking part of a panel on GMOs with nutritionists, a member of the Label GMOs, and a 1st generation organic farmer, it was encouraging to see so many people attend and want to know what they can do to steer clear from GMOs.

Awareness and education is key. Put that awareness must transform into action. We need labeling in this country. It’s not going to win the war against genetically-modified foods, but it’s certainly a primary battle that puts the likes of Monsanto back on their heels.

So come on, California. Do what you do best. Lead this country in passing critical legislation on a key issue. As of today, you have two months to help shed some light on our dark food system.

Eric Herm grew up on a cotton farm in Texas and now is a farmer himself. This background and a lot of reading and research give him a well-informed perspective on the state of farming and our culture in general today. We know that farming in the U.S. has declined considerably in the last fifty years or so, but in fact it has declined all over the world.

There are a number of factors contributing to the problem. It doesn’t take Herm long to bring up the subject of genetically modified frankenfood, which naturally leads to a discussion of Monsanto and other biotech agricultural corporations. If you have seen the movie “Food, Inc.” then you know how these monsters operate and how they get away with it. If you are a farmer, you will either join Monsanto or be legally harassed to death. (read more)

The next generation steps up to the mic, center stage, and peels back the layers of insanity in which we reside.

Jerry Rosman from Ananda Guillet on Vimeo.

This is an interview with Jerry Rosman, an Iowa farmer. He fed his pigs GM (genetically-modified) corn and realized that was the cause of his pigs going sterile. Although he realized the problem in 2001-2002, Rosman was forced to get out of farming due to economic reasons.

Late last winter, I was on the road traveling much of the time. My garden suffered the rest of the season because I missed the most critical aspect of the gardening process – getting seeds started on time. Intense heat in early summer took its toll, and I experienced my most frustrating year in the garden.

A new generation is born

That’s not happening this year. I’ve already germinated tomato, pepper and a few herb seeds. Some are more than a week old. January is a perfect time to get seeds going indoors, for those of us in warmer climates. I’m in Zone 7B, but even down here we never know what can happen with a late frost. We experienced a freeze on Easter weekend in 2007. Expect the unexpected.

I’m way ahead of the game this year…which is just how I like it. I usually start more seeds than I’ll actually plant. I allow for tragedies that may or may not involve cats’ preference for using the bathroom anywhere there is dirt, my one-year-old’s curiosity or whatever else may arise. I give extras to family members or sell a few to help pay for any gardening supplies I need.

I utilize small florescent lights and a heating pad. Those two elements help combine to create a much more favorable environment to help seeds germinate a little faster. Colder temperatures takes longer for seeds to get going, so I start my seeds indoors in a south-facing window. Healthy potting soil is key. I’ve had experiences with a soil fungus before in store-bought soil that was organic potting soil. I also use basalt (volcanic rock), which boosts seed germination rates.

Some people have a hard time germinating tomato seeds and give up after the first try. Don’t. Be patient. Sometimes, it may take up to two-weeks, depending on the conditions. The lights and heating pad speed up this process. Most of my tomato and pepper seeds germinated in less than one week. Others took up to two weeks. Different speeds for different seeds.

I’m able to get a jump on the season as I utilize the Wall O’ Water to insulate

Wall O' Water protects plants from frost

individual plants. They create a miniature greenhouse, protecting plants from frosts/freezes late in the season.

But everything begins with the seed. Yeah, it’s easy to buy plants at the local nursery…but working with seeds really excites me and helps create a much more intimate relationship with all the plants in my garden. So, get started now. Don’t let spring sneak up on you or your garden.

(This is the first of a series of gardening tips/suggestions to help people stay ahead of the game this year in growing some food for your household in 2012.)

Coming Soon to DG Networks International Radio & Television Broadcasting – January 22 Sunday Omnibus 3.00pm Pacific/6.00pm Eastern/11.00pm GMT In Discussion with Farmer, Author & Naturalist Eric Herm – Life & Works “Son of a Farmer Child of the Earth” Listen to this extended Sunday Omnibus program at www.glntv.tv/dgnetworks

We’re planting more than 160 million acres (roughly the size of Texas) of GM (genetically-modified) crops each year in America. In 2011, major commodity crops such as corn, cotton, canola and soybeans are now 90 percent genetically-modified. Those numbers are increasing while more than 50 countries across the globe have banned GMOs altogether or at least require labeling.

The State of California has the opportunity to be America’s genuine leader in this fight. They will potentially have the right for people to vote for labeling on the November, 2012 ballot. Californians need to continue to apply this pressure and gather signatures for this initiative. Please support the California Labeling Ballot. Click here to find out more.

This is a huge battle in the fight against GMOs. If California is able to push this through into law, it will help swing the momentum in a very positive direction in this country. It is a win-win for everyone…unless you work for Monsanto or other GM food corporations.