Save the Date!
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November 15-18, 2012
Monona Terrace, Madison, Wisconsin
We're working to create an exciting array of workshops, keynote speakers, and community-building activities. Stay tuned for more details.
Connect with the biodynamic community. Consider being a conference sponsor, vendor, or advertiser. Click here (pdf) for details.
We hope to see you there!
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Are you wondering how you can learn more about biodynamics, or do you know someone who is?
Check out our new
12 Ways page for suggestions and links
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Welcome to Our New Biodynamic Research Program Coordinator
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Sarah Weber on a recent visit
to Siberia
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We are excited to introduce you to Sarah Weber, our new Biodynamic Research Program Coordinator. Starting later this month, Sarah will work with the Biodynamic Research Working Group to help launch the Association's research program and facilitate a planning process for a long-term collaborative research project.
Based in Squamish, Cascadia, Sarah conducted a biodynamic apprenticeship at C-Dar Lodge Farm, has long taken part in preparation making, and organized and helped teach biodynamic courses. She completed her M.Sc. in Forestry and B.Sc. in Natural Resources Conservation at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Sarah has spent numerous years walking the woods conducting fieldwork for wildlife surveys, forest ecology, silviculture, and as a backcountry park ranger. More recently, she has worked as a social scientist for an environmental consulting company. She is inspired by gardening and adventuring in the outdoors with her husband and their black dog by foot, bike, boat, and skis.
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New Books for Spring Inspiration!
A new, very practical book by Pierre Masson offers detailed insights into biodynamic growing. This is a useful resource for both new and already practicing biodynamic farmers and gardeners.
First the film, now the book! Beekeeper Thea Maria Carlson gives it a great review, calls it "a call to action as well as an inspiration, appealing to our hearts and minds." Read her full review here. Both the film and the book are now in stock.
While supplies last!
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GMOs: What's Happening
Lawsuit Against Monsanto Dismissed
On February 27, a federal judge dismissed the landmark lawsuit against Monsanto brought by organic and Biodynamic farmers, seed growers, and organizations (including Biodynamic certifier Demeter USA). According to the judge, the plaintiffs' allegations were "unsubstantiated" and overstated the threat posed by Monsanto's enforcement of its GMO patent rights. No decision has been made yet about an appeal.
Just Label It! Petition Nearing 1 Million Signatures
Most Americans agree that GMOs should be labeled. The Just Label It! campaign is getting close to its goal of 1 million signatures on its petition to the FDA. We are proud to be part of this broad-based coalition, and we encourage you to visit their site, watch the video, and help them spread the word.
State Labeling Efforts
Californians are continuing their efforts to gather the 800,000 signatures needed by April 22 to get a bill to label GMOs on the 2012 ballot. Visit the Label GMOs site to find out more, including, if you live in California, how you can help.
Another state effort to require GMO labeling comes from the Vermont legislature, which is considering a bill called the "VT Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act." This legislation would prohibit the use of language such as "natural" or "naturally grown" on GMO products. You can read the full bill here.
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Cows with Horns
Why do many biodynamic farmers find it important that cows are allowed to keep their horns? What is problematic about the practice of de-horning? Why is the Swiss parliament considering this issue?
As this video explains, Rudolf Steiner gave insight to this issue many decades ago. |
Join the Farm-Based Educators Inspired by Anthroposophy
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3rd Annual FBEIBA Retreat, November 2011
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Are you involved in educating children and youth on the farm?
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Opportunities
The following is a sample of opportunities posted on our website. For a full and current list of opportunities available, or to submit a post, please visit our forums.
Herdsperson position: Thanksgiving Farm in Sillivan County, NY, owned and operated by the Center for Discovery.
Two interns sought: Waverly Farms in Burkeville, VA, seeking interns to help expand second-year CSA.
Farmland for lease: 16 acres in Media, PA under preservation easement with the Natural Lands Trust.
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Upcoming Events
This is a sample of upcoming events on our website calendar. Click the link to see details for these and other events in 2012, or to submit an event. |
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Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association [email protected] www.biodynamics.com (262) 649-9212 |
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