Celebrate the newest crop of beginning biodynamic farmers graduating from the Biodynamic Association's Farmer Training Program and hear from a graduate who is now mentoring, a current program participant, and a longtime mentor about the landscape of becoming a farmer today.
Since 2009, over 100 aspiring biodynamic farmers have participated in our North American Biodynamic Apprenticeship Program (NABDAP), learning side-by-side with exemplary biodynamic mentor farmers across the continent. We have celebrated the graduation of 37 new biodynamic farmers, and 12 more are on track to graduate this year. Just as each farm individuality needs to grow and evolve over time, so does our work to train the next generation of farmers. Building on the strengths and accomplishments of NABDAP, we have introduced two new intensive one-year programs that will provide more flexibility, as well as a solid and broad foundation in all of the essentials of biodynamic farming for everyone who participates. Individuals will have the option to participate in just the first year, or both. For both programs, we are inviting established farmers who want training in biodynamics to participate as well continuing to offer apprenticeship opportunities on exemplary mentor farms. The Biodynamic Farmer Foundation Year offers aspiring biodynamic farmers the opportunity to build a solid foundation in the principles and practices of biodynamic agriculture. Individual support from an experienced mentor farmer and a cohesive, integrated, and interactive learning curriculum bring biodynamics to life. The Biodynamic Farmer Development Year, which will begin in 2019, will develop and deepen the skills needed for biodynamic farm management for those who graduate from the foundation year. This program will allow for specialization in specific farm management and production areas.
This event is free and open to the public. Donations gladly accepted.
