Wednesday, July 14, 2021, from 4:00 pm to 5:50 pm PST / 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm EST
Join us as we explore the holistic approach and practical examples of how operating a Certified B Corp organization aligns with the principles and practices of biodynamics in agriculture. We will discuss how Fetzer Vineyards commits to merging the "triple bottom line" into a single, unifying framework focused on impact alongside profit, and how we strive to create wines that are accessible and inclusive for every stakeholder, from the farmer to the consumer to the environment.
For questions about registration, email registrar@biodynamics.com or call 262-649-9212 x2
This webinar will be recorded, and all registered participants will receive a link to the video recording.
For more details on system requirements and how to participate, please see our webinar info page.
Presenters:
Jess Baum Director of Regenerative Development & Sustainability
Fetzer Vineyards
For Jess Baum, sustainability in business is more than a lofty a concept; it’s an urgent call to think strategically and act responsibly toward a more environmentally and socially just future. As Director of Regenerative Development and Sustainability at Fetzer Vineyards, Jess leads a broad scope of sustainability initiatives on behalf of the U.S.’ largest B Corp winery. Working cross-functionally across the organization, Jess is charged with steering Fetzer Vineyards’ sustainability strategy and planning; researching, developing and managing the winery’s efforts to reduce energy, water consumption, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; and inspiring employee engagement in the principles and practices of regenerative development. "We are building a movement at Fetzer Vineyards. We are working alongside other B Corps to create a paradigm shift to use business as a force for good to heal systemic issues like the climate crisis and social inequity that are caused by traditional capitalism,” said Jess. “When we focus our energy on utilizing the power of business for good, the root cause of the problems we face can ultimately become one of our most powerful solutions." Jess brings to Fetzer Vineyards a wealth of experience in both the B Corp arena and corporate sustainability. Prior to joining the winery, she was Director of Sustainability for Snooze, a 42-unit restaurant group headquartered in Denver, Colorado. There, Jess revamped the company’s sustainability program to increase engagement among its 2,000 employees and was pivotal in communicating ambitious public-facing commitments around carbon neutrality. Earlier, Jess worked at the New Hampshire headquarters of W.S. Badger Company, a family-owned B Corp and maker of natural and organic personal care products. As Sustainability Manager, Jess oversaw significant regenerative development accomplishments, including maintaining a 97% landfill diversion rate from a 72% baseline, managing a large-scale solar project, creating a supplier survey inclusive of soil management, and conducting a Scope 3 GHG assessment. During her tenure, Badger was named a B Corp “Best for the World” honoree and placed in the top 10% of all B Corps each year. Throughout her career, Jess has gained hands-on experience in organic farming and soil ecology at various farms in California and Hawaii, and she co-authored and published a peer-reviewed paper on soil ecology education. Jess holds a master of science in environmental studies from Antioch University New England and earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Kenyon College. Behind her impressive sustainability credentials lies a deep-seated passion for putting people and planet first—one that dovetails with Fetzer Vineyards’ commitment toward a regenerative and inclusive tomorrow. "The climate crisis is a human crisis and must be addressed through holistic solutions that consider both social and environmental implications,” said Jess. “As we make changes to promote climate healing, we also must focus on deconstructing systems that oppress individuals to ensure a just future for all."
Joseph Brinkley Director of Vineyard Operations
Fetzer Vineyards
Joseph Brinkley, who holds a degree in Economics from Virginia Commonwealth University, was working for the Federal Reserve in Richmond, Virginia when he realized he would rather get his hands dirty than work in an office. He went back to school, the second time attending Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Horticulture in 2003. Following graduation, Joseph worked with a number of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms while complementing his education with workshops at Virginia’s Josephine Porter Institute, an internationally acclaimed educational facility that advances education and research in Biodynamics. “I was enjoying learning the details of farming land, including best practices for compost and soil management—and gaining insight to anything that contributed to the overall health of the farm,” Joseph remarks. When the opportunity arose to travel to Napa Valley for a three-month harvest internship at Grgich Hills Estate in 2006, Joseph jumped at the chance to apply his growing knowledge of Biodynamic vegetable farming to vineyards. California came calling again in 2008, when Grgich Hills Estate lured him back to Napa Valley with a full-time position, which he held for three years. Joseph later consulted for a variety of celebrated wineries including Spottswoode Estate and Roederer Estate before working for Rios Farm Management and joining Fetzer Vineyards, a top-12 U.S. wine marketer. Today, Joseph’s contributions and expertise, including his extensive knowledge of regenerative and Biodynamic farming, contribute to ongoing excellence at Fetzer Vineyards. The Fetzer Vineyards California collection includes Bonterra Organic Vineyards, the nation’s leading wine from organically farmed grapes, and a trio of biodynamically farmed wines from single estates Joseph manages, among other wines. “Fetzer Vineyards has been farming organically for more than thirty years and biodynamically for more than fifteen, and it’s an honor to steward this next chapter,” says Joseph.
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