Culinary Delights, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

America’s First Organic and Biodynamic Vineyard Rising from the Ashes

grapes

Frey Vineyards is a third-generation family-owned and operated winery located at the pristine headwaters of the Russian River in Redwood Valley, in Mendocino County, CA.

Jonathan and Katrina Frey met while apprenticing with the famed organic gardener, Alan Chadwick, in Covelo, CA in the 1970s.

When they returned to the family farm, they gathered up Jonathan’s brother, Matthew, and the rest of the enthusiastic younger siblings and established extensive vegetable gardens, vineyards, and fruit tree plantings. These continue to be planted and nurtured to this day. I recently interviewed Katrina Frey about the winery. Continue reading “America’s First Organic and Biodynamic Vineyard Rising from the Ashes”

Culinary Delights, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

Mt. Hood Organic Farms: Biodynamic Is In Their DNA

Peter's Mt AdamsNestled in the upper region of the Hood River Valley lies 55 acres of biodynamic apples and pears. Carefully tended by Brady and John Jacobson, Mt. Hood Organic Farms was first certified organic back in 1989. They were early pioneers being the first farm in Oregon to achieve that status.

Yearning to achieve a deeper meaning of organic, they began integrating the entire 200-acre property and its natural landscape and wildlife into their farming practices. It’s always been in their DNA, so it was natural to become a Demeter certified Biodynamic® farm which incorporates natural land stewardship. Continue reading “Mt. Hood Organic Farms: Biodynamic Is In Their DNA”

Culinary Delights, Environment, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

Can Biodynamic Baby Food Help Heal that Planet?

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Meghan and Keith Rowe aren’t your typical organic entrepreneurs. They both spent their early years living in Europe and became keenly aware of Biodynamic products and farming. Continue reading “Can Biodynamic Baby Food Help Heal that Planet?”

Culinary Delights, Environment, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

The Rich History & Bright Future of Biodynamic

demeter-green-125x200Last July I had the great pleasure of visiting Germany and Austria as an organic ambassador with the Foreign Ag Service. As I interloped between embassies and ministries, I was able to savor the hearty cuisine and imbibe the most precious wines and beers. What I came to discover during my culinary indulgences was that almost all of the organic faire was Biodynamic. I soon learned that this wasn’t just another organic certification but an entire philosophy, one that beholds the farm as a healthy, living, breathing organism. The very nugget of Biodynamic is that the farm can be a self-contained and self-sustaining entity, responsible for creating and maintaining its own individual health and vitality. Continue reading “The Rich History & Bright Future of Biodynamic”