by Rebecca Briggs

Communications Director, Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association

Our deep appreciation goes to all our members who completed the 2008 survey. This information will help guide the Association in the coming months and years as we chart our course through this critical time. These results shed more light on exactly what services, projects, and overall goals members desire from us, while the demographic information highlighted who we serve and, in some cases, who we should serve.

A stark example of the latter is represented by the age range of Association members. A majority of our membership is over fifty years of age. We recognize from this information that we are not currently reaching younger farmers and gardeners to the extent necessary for biodynamic agriculture to have a lasting impact in this country. This clear, and somewhat startling, statistic demands that we focus our energies not just on reaching out to younger farmers and gardeners, but also on remaining relevant to them. This has consequently become a major element of our communications and outreach planning for 2009 and 2010. We also eagerly seek input and advice from any members interested in these efforts.

Another interesting demographic discovery is that that over two-thirds of our members identify themselves as gardeners. Of course, some respondents identified themselves as both farmers and gardeners, but this does suggest that we must give adequate consideration to both. The Biodynamics journal, in particular, strives to find this balance, and we encourage any interested individuals to contact us with submissions or suggestions.

One quite positive note is that we have a relatively high member retention rate for a non-profit organization. Members identified the Biodynamics journal as a key membership benefit. Our high retention level also suggests, however, that we can further increase our ability to pursue and fund projects by reaching out to new members, particularly younger farmers and gardeners.

And there certainly appears to be much we can do to help individuals and regional groups. The survey results suggest that members see a significant role for the Association in setting up regional events, identifying and funding speakers, and providing printed resource and informational materials. Regional needs differ, of course — from already well-organized groups that could benefit from more public relations support, to smaller or newer groups that could use more foundational help. As we plan for the coming years, we will be considering how the Association can help support local community efforts from the central office and how we can tailor our initiatives to fit the needs of individual regions.

We are excited and hopeful as we consider the many directions in which we can go­ — and the potential impact biodynamic methods can have. The possibilities suggested by our members, and considered internally amongst ourselves, are ambitious and diverse. With the continued guidance of our remarkably committed and thoughtful members, our dedicated board members. and our new executive director, we will consider carefully how best to focus our efforts among the many needs and possibilities identified.

Thank you for your support, your input, and all that you do to support the growth of biodynamic agriculture in the world.

If you would like to comment further, provide advice for a youth outreach effort, or suggest submissions for the journal, please email journal@biodynamics.com.