February 2011

Dear Friends of Biodynamics,

In recent weeks, we have watched the people of the Middle East birth a revolution for democracy. At the same time, a far more quiet and far-reaching revolution has been underway and is now spreading all across the globe. I am asking you today to support the Biodynamic Farming & Gardening Association so that together we can strengthen this growing Food Revolution.

With all the challenges facing the world's food systems — from poisonous pesticides, to disappearing family and local farms, to the deregulation of various genetically modified crops in the U.S. — it is time for nothing less than a complete paradigm shift in our thinking about food and farming. It is time for the biodynamic movement to make its unique contribution to the task of bringing sustainable, local, wholesome, and ethical food to our families and communities!

A new $15,000 matching gift from a generous donor will help us achieve our goal of creating more opportunities for online interaction and community building among people who care about biodynamics. During the past few years, as I've traveled the country attending events and talking with individuals, I've heard again and again that people would like to see the Biodynamic Association use our website to offer more resources and to build an effective networked community for biodynamic practitioners and enthusiasts.

What would you like to see? Some ideas are listed below, but we want to hear your input about what is most important to you or what other web resources you would like to see. Please complete our short survey to let us know your thoughts.

• Would you like to have a searchable online directory of biodynamic farms and farmers, as well as biodynamic food companies, educators, and consultants to hel you find the people, support, and food you need?
• Would you like to access the Biodynamics journal online?
• Would you benefit from receiving answers to your questions from experienced biodynamic farmers and educators through an online forum?
• Would you like to be part of more social networking opportunities for the biodynamic community, so that you can more readily find and cooperate wiht people with similar interests?

The Biodynamic Association needs to raise $30,000 in the coming months so that we can provide these services to our growing biodynamic community. Thanks to our $15,000 matching gift, every dollar you give will count toward our match. If you give $50, the Association receives $100 total; if you give $100, the Association receives $200; and so on.

Biodynamics offers a new spiritual impetus for the future of agriculture, a way to heal the earth, grow nourishing foods, and create new social and economic forms that bring justice and equity to the food system. Today, we have a unique opportunity, with your help, to significantly enhance our capacity to help people like you make connections to the information and resources you need. A new influx of young farmers approaches us, eager to learn more, and we seek to meet their enthusiasm with new programs (like the Biodynamic Initiative for the Next Generation and our developing Educational Program) and with online resources to help answer their questions. Together, we can create a vibrant, learning community — one that continues to grow the Food Revolution.

Moving forward together,



Robert Karp

P.S. We have been extremely heartened by the response to our strategic plan: 85% of members and friends who took our recent survey are positive or extremely positive about the Association's direction. (See an overview of responses here.) We appreciate all the comments and suggestions that have come from people like you who care. I know how motivated you are to help move biodynamics forward. Please give generously today to help us in these exciting efforts to grow and nourish the biodynamic community!



Any donation of $30 or more includes membership, if you are not already a member.

You may also donate or discuss a legacy gift by emailing info@biodynamics.com, calling (888) 516-7797, or mailing to:

Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association
25844 Butler Road
Junction City, OR 97448

Please make checks payable to: Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association.