Jack Hedin in the Media
Opinion Pieces
The New York Times
My Forbidden Fruits (and Vegetables)
Date: March 1, 2008
Summary: Jack highlights the "planting restrictions" in the U.S. Farm Bill that penalize grain farmers for diversifying into organic fruit and vegetable production, arguing for a more flexible and healthy food system.
Date: November 25, 2010
Summary: Following catastrophic flooding at Featherstone Farm, Jack writes about the lived reality of extreme weather and why farmers are the frontline witnesses to the urgent need for climate action.
Minnesota Star Tribune
More frequent, intense rains imperil 'local foods' sector
Date: August 8, 2012
Summary: Jack discusses the specific challenges that increasingly volatile Midwest weather patterns pose to the long-term viability of regional, sustainable agriculture.
Broadcast & Multimedia Mentions
The Washington Post
With cuts, farmers fear labor shortage
Author: Jorge Ribas (Feature Interview)
Date: July 24, 2025
Summary: A recent video feature where Jack discusses the critical importance of the Farm Labor Stabilization Pilot program and the essential role of seasonal H-2A workers in keeping local food on tables.
KCRW / NPR (Good Food)
Forbidden Fruits and Vegetables
Host: Evan Kleiman
Date: May 10, 2014
Summary: An interview following Jack's NYT piece where he discusses how federal policy inadvertently creates barriers for young farmers who want to grow organic produce.
MPR News (Minnesota Public Radio)
Farm Bill is Mixed News for Organic Growers
Author: Sea Stachura
Date: May 27, 2008
Summary: A deep dive into the financial penalties Featherstone Farm faced for renting land from commodity growers, serving as a case study for national agricultural reform