WEAVING A GLOBAL FABRIC OF BIODYNAMIC CONNECTION

THEA MARIA CARLSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

My trip to India to attend the Organic World for efficiently cleaning out manure, and a shaded side Congress and visit biodynamic farms and projects area with netting reaching the ground to offer safe cover with biodynamic practitioners from around the from raptor predators. After the field visits, we met for globe in November 2017 was an entry point to many several days at Hertzberg, an ecological hotel and retreat new relationships and richer participation with the center, and I got to see the democratic process by which international biodynamic community for me and the Demeter International operates, including motions by Biodynamic Association (see my article in the Spring member countries to amend the standards which are 2018 issue of Biodynamics for more on that trip). Shortly the basis for Demeter/Biodynamic certification. I also after I returned, I received two invitations to travel contributed to several strategy sessions with a group of overseas: first, to be a keynote speaker at the New Zealand international leaders in biodynamic training and capacity Biodynamic Conference, and then to participate in a building to identify needs and priorities for Demeter training and capacity working group at the Demeter International in supporting the global community—and International Members Assembly. These two events especially countries where biodynamics is relatively happened to be scheduled a week apart in June, and so new—in developing and implementing training for those I ended up literally circling the globe, from California to who wish to practice biodynamic agriculture. Switzerland via Iceland, from Switzerland to New Zealand Traveling on from the first days of summer in via Hong Kong, and then from New Zealand back home. Europe to the first days of winter in New Zealand, I arrived In Switzerland, I joined with delegates from just in time for the full-day introduction to biodynamics Demeter certification pre-conference organizations around taught by Su Hoskin the world and other and Rachel Pomeroy guests to visit several (partner of the late key biodynamic- Peter Proctor). related farms and Hosted at Domaine projects throughout Thompson Vineyard, the country, including where Su had set the FiBL research up a gorgeous institute and the and functional DOK trials, where biodynamic work conventional, space, a group of 40 organic, and participants braved biodynamic intensely chilly agricultural weather to learn practices have been about the principles of compared side by biodynamics and get side on randomized hands-on building a controlled plots compost pile, making continuously for barrel compost, and the past forty years; stirring and spraying Sativa biodynamic preparations. seed initiative and the During the main farm, Demeter store, Su Hoskin’s beautiful biodynamic work shed, conference, I offered and education center co- Domaine Thompson Vineyard, New Zealand two presentations, located in Rheinau; and one on growing the exemplary family biodynamic farm Randenhof, with the biodynamic movement in North America, and a the most impressive pastured laying hen setup I’ve ever second on communicating biodynamics with depth and seen, featuring mobile coops with solar power, nesting breadth in modern times. I also met with the council of boxes filled with grain hulls to keep the eggs protected and the Biodynamics New Zealand and the organization’s clean, a perforated floor with a conveyor belt underneath new leader to share my experiences and offer advice

for their efforts to and 2014, but much reinvigorate and grow has shifted in my role their membership and with the BDA and our programming. work over the past five The round-the- years, and I was happy world journey, like my to return with more to time in India, was rich, contribute and share. full, and has brought This time, my schedule many new ideas and was filled with meetings inspirations back to my with international work in the US. collaborators—many As I write this, of whom I first met I am just returning Training and Capacity Working Group, in India, and some from yet another 2018 Demeter International Members Assembly last summer as well— international trip, this exploring the ever time to participate in the 2019 International Biodynamic unfolding ways that we can work together to build the Conference in Dornach, Switzerland. I have attended this global biodynamic impulse. It is an exciting time to be part conference on behalf of the BDA twice before, in 2013 of the international biodynamic community!

Thea Maria Carlson is Executive Director of the Biodynamic Association, bringing vitality and renewal to the food system through regenerative agriculture. Since 2011, Thea has played a key role in developing the Biodynamic Association’s programs and exploring new ways to manage and evolve the organization. Her previous experience includes diversified organic and biodynamic production farming; teaching gardening, nutrition, and beekeeping; designing, building, and managing urban community and educational gardens; and organizing strategic communications trainings for nonprofit leaders.

THANK YOU!!

You make the Biodynamic Association what it is! You enliven and enrich the entire biodynamic movement through your work and generosity. We set ambitious goals for our fundraising appeals this year... Together, 553 people contributed over $80,000! $28,058 through our Annual Appeal $41,160 through our Member Appeal + $11,000 in matching challenge gifts from 2 generous donors Our appeals fund our programmatic work: from developing our Farmer Training Programs, to enhancing our website and outreach materials, to ensuring that the 2019 Biodynamic Conference will continue to engage and inspire diverse audiences.