Ask Hilde

Hilde has been exploring food and farm issues from many angles for close to a decade. She has a Bachelors degree in Environmental Studies and Anthropology from Bowdoin College and a Masters degree in Agricultural Science and Policy from Tufts' Friedman School of Nutrition. Her many years as both a student and teacher mean she¹s pretty picky about the facts and checking them twice. Hilde invites you to put her farm know-how and research skills to the test with your most nagging of questions. Not all questions can be highlighted, but all will be answered. So go ahead, Ask Hilde.

• What’s the best way to get more farm fresh food into my child’s school cafeteria?
• June 2009

• How do I get involved in the dairy crisis at the grassroots level?
• May 2009

• How can we fix the food safety system without hurting family farmers?
• April 2009

• How exactly are GE crops regulated? And how can I be sure that I am protected?
• March 2009

• Dairy farmers are struggling for survival right now - why?
• February 2009

• Is there a reason why Farm Aid doesn’t grant more to individual farmers?
• January 2009

• How is the credit crisis affecting farmers and agriculture in America?
• December 2008

• What does the change in administration mean for family farmers?
• November 2008

• Where do John McCain and Barack Obama stand on agricultural issues?
• October 2008

• Does Farm Aid know of any programs that help young people start their own farm?
• September 2008

• Just how does Farm Aid decide where to host the show each year?
• August 2008

• Laura looks back on three years answering your questions
• July 2008

• I try to buy local and from family farmers whenever possible. Why is it so hard to find meat from area farmers?
• June 2008

• How do you decide who is and isn’t a family farmer? How many family farmers are there in the United States?
• May 2008

• I see raw milk from time to time at my local grocery, some folks say it’s good –others say its dangerous- what’s the deal?
• April 2008

• I seem to be spending more and more at the grocery store these days. Is it true that corn prices and ethanol are making my food cost more?
• March 2008

• I feel like I used to see a lot more in the news about GMOs. I haven’t managed to keep up to date and now I’m not really even sure what’s out there. Could you give me a little update on GMOs?
• February 2008

• What’s going on with the Farm Bill? Didn’t it pass recently? Is there anything good for family farmers in it?
• January 2008

• What do farmers do in the winter?
• December 2007

• What are you serving for Thanksgiving?
• November 2007

• How did Farm Aid replace the typical concert foods at Farm Aid 2007 and what were the criteria?
• October 2007

• What do Farm Aid folks do during the winter?
• September 2007

• Can you suggest some ways to drink locally or seasonally?
• August 2007

• Is it legal and humane to keep chickens in the city?
• July 2007

• Is it possible to compost in the city?
• June 2007

• Should everyone who wants to lessen their impact on the environment consider giving up meat?
• May 2007

• Can you suggest farm related activities for kids to do?
• April 2007

• Am I supporting family farmers when I purchase a product labeled organic?
• March 2007

• Can you help me simplify my food shopping in a way that still supports my values?
• February 2007

• What New Year's resolutions can I make that will support family farmers?
• January 2007

• How does Farm Aid help family farmers, where does the money go?
• December 2006

• How can I find a family farm turkey for Thanksgiving?
• November 2006

• Is it possible to shop locally on a budget?
• October 2006

• Why can't I get any of this "delicious food from family farmers" at the Farm Aid concert?
• September 2006

• Do you have any advice for developing classroom activities involving good food?
• August 2006

• Who are the farmers in the United States?
• July 2006

• What kind of work is Farm Aid doing with biodiesel?
• June 2006

• When will tomatoes be available in farmers markets?
• May 2006

• Are factory farm birds safer than outdoor birds?
• April 2006

• Could you tell me a little about the food in New Orleans today? Can you even get local foods in the city?
• March 2006

• What is biodynamic farming?
• February 2006

• Why do different companies promote different kinds of pasteurization for milk?
• January 2006

• How can I eat seasonally year-round if nothing is growing in my area?
• December 2005

• With all of the devastating elements that farmers have to face, who can help them when a disaster comes?
• November 2005

• Why is it so hard to find fresh, locally grown produce in my area of Staten Island, NY?
• October 2005

• What is a "family farm food system"?
• June 2005

• How can I find a farm near me?
• May 2005

• What does April on the farm mean in different states?
• April 2005

• Who are the corporate players in the meat industry?
• March 2005

• What questions can I ask my grocer?
• February 2005

• An Introduction to Ask Laura
• January 2005

• What is grass roots organizing?
• August 2005

• Where does school food come from?
• July 2005