This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Looking for a new crop to support his own small farm, Greg Quinn uncovered a century-old law banning healthful black currants in New York State and set about overturning the ban. This talk highlights how one individual, armed only with a box of pastries, can be triumphant in the face of entrenched politicians and questionable agricultural policy.
Known as WNYW’s “Garden Guy,” Quinn’s passion for nature, gardening and cooking has guided his life’s work. From teaching at the New York Botanical Garden for over 25 years to his on-air role on WNY WTV to his 8 children’s books, Quinn has dedicated his life to the garden. Quinn’s specific interest in the benefits of black currants sparked his motivation to find a way to cultivate them. Working with leading experts in the field, Quinn met his first challenge: lifting New York State’s commercial cultivation ban on the crop. With this success, Quinn brought the first potentially-viable new crop to the farmers of New York in more than a half century. His company manufactures and sells the first domestically produced, nationally available currant products in the U.S. under the brand CurrantC™ All Natural. | currantc.com
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)