The Future of Biodynamic (Organic) Agriculture: Is crowdfunding the way forward? (An invitation from the Harvard Club of the Netherlands)
Piet van IJzendoorn, founder & CEO of the organic farm “Zonnehoeve” www.zonnehoeve.net &
Jan Diek van Mansvelt. former Professor of Alternative and Organic Agriculture, Wagenin-gen University; former President-General of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture.
Location: Priempad 6, 3896 LJ, Zeewolde (just 30km from Amsterdam)
Date: Saturday September 20, 2014
Time: 12:30 to 16:00
Agenda, children welcome at this event
12:30, Arrivals and lunch: A taste of the homemade breads, vegetables from the garden, assorted sliced cold meat, raw cow milk, etc.
13:30, General introduction and Question&Answer session by Jan Diek van Mansvelt
14:30, Presentation and guided tour around the farm by Piet van IJzendoorn
A Bakery workshop (for children and adults) can be added to the program on request.
The starting point for the presentations are the principles and practices of Biodynamic Agriculture, according to the ideas of Rudolf Steiner, as a special form of Organic Farming. Piet van IJzendoorn will focus on the day-to-day business of his farm, experiences with the recent crowdfunding action for the new dairy factory, and share with us his ideas and vision about the future of the farm.
Biodynamic agriculture: A method of organic farming originally developed by Rudolf Steiner that employs what proponents describe as “a holistic understanding of agricultural processes”. One of the first sustainable agriculture movements, emphasizing spiritual and mystical perspectives. Proponents of biodynamic agriculture, including Steiner, have characterized it as “spiritual science” as part of the larger anthroposophy movement. There are certification agencies for biodynamic products, most of which are members of the international bio-dynamics standards group Demeter International.
The Farm: At “Zonnehoeve” you can familiarize yourself with: Arable farming, horticulture, dairy farming, stud farm and riding school, nature conservation, web-shop, vegetable garden, wood processing, social care farm. The kids may enjoy the children’s farm with sheep, goat, geese, chickens and all kinds of birds.
Registration (and information) at harvardnlevents@gmail.com, not later than September 6th with your name, and name(s) of your guest(s). And express your interest in the bakery workshop.
Costs: Members of the Harvard Club (dues paid 2014) pay € 30pp and non-members and guests pay €35pp. Children up to 4years free, up to 16years pay €15pp. For the Bakery workshop an extra payment of € 5,= for adults and children is needed (minimum number 10p).
Payment, not later than September 13th at TRIODOS Bank at NL66 TRIO 0198 487622, Harvard Club of the Netherlands.
Questions: please call Rob van Haarlem at 06 3832 1970 for any questions.