EcoFarm Preconferences
January 19th and 20th
Building the Foundation for Applied Biodynamics
The Business of Sustainability: Growing Health, Wealth, and Ecological Integrity in Our Food System
Building the Foundation for Applied Biodynamics
Tuesday, January 19, 1:00 pm - 5:30 pm, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Movies
Wednesday, January 20, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
$135 includes lunch on Wednesday
Interested in going “beyond organics”? Learn about one of the most exciting trends in ecological agriculture. Based on a meticulous study of natural rhythms and specialized compost preparations, Biodynamic techniques help farmers and gardeners fine tune their management practices, using natural methods to create a robust and thriving on-farm ecology. Although now the focus of renewed interest, Biodynamics is one of the oldest forms of “alternative farming,” dating back to the 1920s. For decades, Biodynamic produce has been recognized globally for its superior shelf life and flavor. This has attracted the attention of growers, particularly in the California wine industry. Many vintners and farmers are now seeking to incorporate Biodynamic practices into their management strategies.
This pre-conference will cover the basic principles and methods behind the successful application of Biodynamics. Course participants will learn how to read the Biodynamic calendar, and will be given a hands-on demonstration of how to prepare fundamental Biodynamic compost preparations used to enhance soil fertility and pest resistance without synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This introductory overview of Biodynamics will be suited to professional farmers and home gardeners alike.
Presenter Gena Nonini received a B.S. in Agriculture Business Management from Cal Poly and an M.S. in Agribusiness from Arizona State University. Using the Biodynamic® method, she farms grapes, almonds, citrus, and row crops on a 100-acre farm in Fresno, CA. Ms. Nonini is president of the board of the Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics. She is also president of the board of the newly formed Biodynamic Trade Association, and has served on the California Raisin Marketing Board and the federal Raisin Advisory Committee.
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The Business of Sustainability: Growing Health, Wealth, and Ecological Integrity in Our Food System
Wednesday, January 20th, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
$45 includes breakfast and lunch
From the field to the plate, businesses along the food chain are shaking the roots of the American economic system, which typically encourages consolidation, cost-cutting, and shifting costs onto others such as marginalized workers or planetary health. Newer business models are popping up all over, from tiny fishing villages in Alaska to college towns in Florida and big cities in the Midwest. These new businesses are better for people, the planet, and our collective pocketbook. They embody the “triple bottom line,” in which measurements of business success are much more than how the profit and loss statements read. With a diversity of ownership structures, start-up financing, equity strategies, marketing techniques, etc., these businesses are showing the way for a new form of commerce that makes money while making good. Intended for both aspiring entrepreneurs and those already immersed in business, this preconference will have a variety of practical workshops and inspirational speakers for whatever stage of food and farming business you are in. Anyone and everyone is invited, but we especially encourage aspiring food and farming entrepreneurs, business owners, managers, academics and researchers, students, NGOs, funders, and government agency folks to attend. $45 includes lunch and a light breakfast. All attendees will receive a copy of the new Wallace Center book, Community Food Enterprise: Local Success in a Global Marketplace, which profiles 24 innovative food businesses from around the world. This is a $25 value for free!
Check the Announcements section on the CASFS home page for more information and contact Rebecca Thistlethwaite, , 831-459-5036 for information about scholarships.
Organized by the UCSC Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems. Co-sponsors include The Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association (ALBA), Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, California Center for Cooperative Development, California Food & Justice Coalition, Crossroads Resource Center, Food Trade Sustainability Leadership Association, Just Farms Consulting, La Montanita Coop, Ingrid Lundberg Family, Lundberg Family Farms, National Cooperative Grocers Association, New Leaf Community Markets, New Seasons Market, Roots of Change, Tim Schultze, Slow Money Alliance, Swanton Berry Farm, Veritable Vegetable, and Wallace Center at Winrock International
Ecological Landscaping NOW!
Wednesday, January 20th, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
$75 includes lunch
Join us as we gather on the beautiful shores of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to hear and explore the latest trends in the ever-expanding world of ecological landscaping. Hear from this field’s pioneers as well as the architects, landscapers, water resource managers and farmers who are shaping the future. Nationally recognized authors and activists will be on hand to answer your questions and inspire.
Conference Speakers: Rosalind Creasy, Owen Dell, Laura Allen, Alane Weber and Raphael Garcia
For More Information: Contact Golden Love: 831-471-9100 or visit the website.
