This week We Dig Plants welcomes esteemed guest Mark Smallwood, who is the Executive Director of the prestigious Rodale Institute. Tune in for an extremely important and pertinent episode on issues from genetics to the 2012 Farm Bill. Did you know that according to the Farming Systems Trial, the longest-running side-by-side U.S. study comparing conventional chemical agriculture with organic methods, organic yields match conventional and outperform them in years of drought and environmental distress? Rodale has helped prove that and it gets better! Learn about Rodale Institute’s collaboration with the Farmer-Veterans Coalition that, through the GI Bill, is helping unemployed veterans learn new skills and position them for jobs in agriculture as well as Mark's vision for an agriculture-supported-community. This episode is sponsored by Fairway Market.

Hurricane Irene destroyed many farms in New York and Seth Jacobs of Slack Hallow Farm calls into this week's episode of The Farm Report with Erin Fairbanks to discuss the challenges farmers are faced with in the aftermath. Find out why tragedy for one farmer could bode well for another and how those affected by the storm are recovering. From livestock loss to chemical contamination, natural disasters do not take kindly to our small farmers. Right now is an ESPECIALLY good time to support your local farmers and visit the farmers market. To donate to those affected, visit GrowNYC.org. This episode was sponsored by NOFA's Locavore Challenge..

This week on Growing Good, host Alessandra Maria Iavarone gives listeners some advice for avoiding toxic cleaning supplies and some tips for making your own products at home! Learn about how organic white vinegar, cirtus solvent and micro-fiber cloths can all help you keep clean while staying safe and environmentally friendly. Find out other home tips including how to mask kitchen odors, remove carpet stains, polish wood and more! Hear as Alessandra offers alternatives to common products like moth balls, disinfectants, This program was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.

"The cost of commercial chemical based products can be really high - and there's also long term health concerns for your family."

--Alessandra Maria Iavarone on Growing Good