SHARING BIODYNAMICS ACROSS THE U.S.
FUTURE HARVEST CASA CONFERENCE — COLLEGE PARK, MD (JAN. 17-19, 2019) There seems to be a lot of diversity in the Chesapeake region, which was pretty evident in my conversations with folks of varying ages, races, backgrounds, agricultural expertise, and home landscapes at the Future Harvest CASA (Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture) Conference. This was my first time attending a sustainable agriculture conference in this area, so I know very little about the real picture of agriculture in that region; however, through my conversations I met a large number of brand new farmers across the age spectrum. Attendees came from the flat shores of the Atlantic, the hills and peaks of the Appalachian Mountains, and many places in between. A number of people came to our exhibit table following Stewart Lundy’s presentation on integrating animals into the farm, which led to conversations about the basics of biodynamics and, when that resonated, how to get started. Having just started gardening with biodynamic principles last summer, I felt like I had some helpful tips and resources to offer these beginners in starting their non-stressful, lowpressure journeys with biodynamics.
— Anna McAvoy-Emrick
NOFA NEW YORK WINTER CONFERENCE — SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY (JAN. 19-20, 2019) On a snowy weekend in Saratoga Springs, I was part of the number in attendance at the annual NOFA New York Winter Conference. After a year of living in the Hudson Valley, this was my first trip to this conference, and it was a pleasure to be an active part of this community gathering. At my station behind the Biodynamic Association’s booth in the vendor hall, I shared and learned about themes of sustainability, community renewal, health, and spirit held in the activity of farming. As I found an unclaimed spot on the floor for Hugh Williams’ talk on “Biodynamic Fruit,” the darkened room was full of people, curiosity, and mirth that spilled out the doors and into the hall. This warmth flowed further—walking through the halls, sitting in on talks, and sharing meals, I was greeted by familiar faces and made welcome by new ones. Questions, stories, and connections wove together into a rich experience of place that is the Northeast farming community. — Raphael Guzman
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Biodynamics
SPRING 2019
