Locally grown takes to the airwaves

A farmer’s market, a you-pick blueberry patch, an urban garden and a local organic grocer are featured on the latest episode of “Backyard Wonders,” a Louisiana ecology and nature program produced by the Southeastern Channel at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond. The show, which debuts tonight, was produced in response to the economic downturn and the rise in interest in local food, says Producer/Director Josh Kapusinski. “We thought this was a real need,” he says. The episode’s seven segments demonstrate different facets of growing or producing local foods in the Florida Parishes and the Northshore. They were chosen from an extensive list of possibilities. “We had a plethora of different options,” Kapusinski says. “This is a huge topic.” The episode aims to educate viewers about the difference between organic and local, tips on backyard gardens, and where to find local produce, says Southeastern Channel Station Manager Rick Setoon. “I anticipate there will be a lot of interest in this topic,” he says. “We want to make our viewers aware of resources in the region.” In the last four years, the Southeastern Channel has won six Emmys and landed 18 Emmy nominations. For more information and for viewing times, click here. — Maggie Richardson