What exactly are we trying to accomplish with this effort. Here's the thought process and logic behind the who, what, why of our venture...

Why start a farm?

By starting our own farm, we can guarantee a source of high-quality, well-priced produce for years to come. In our partnerships with experienced farmers over the past 14 months, we have already been able to grow organic crops to our exact specifications at a quality and price significantly better than the conventional marketplace. To build on this success, we are assembling the team and resources necessary to grow 85% of the company’s produce requirements within a two year period.

Why now?

A major issue is facing the US food industry now and in the future. Over the past decade the cost of produce has risen steadily while its quality and nutrition have diminished. This trend is largely due to a heavy reliance on petroleum based products that conventional farms use for machinery, chemical crop applications, and transportation. After years of incessant focus on short-term profitability, “factory farming” now faces a terminal problem. The nation’s farmland is being depleted of its resources due to mono-cropping and soil erosion, which is directly undermining the quality and nutritional value of our foods. Yields per acre are also diminishing as soil quality deteriorates, and the problem will only worsen unless fundamental changes occur to current farming methods. Consequently, those businesses who do not find an alternative to the conventional supply chain will be subject to inflationary pricing and supply issues.  We see biodynamic farming as a proven alternative, and the Bay Area offers all the necessary resources for our company to produce or direct source nearly all of its vegetable, fruit and berry needs.

Why biodynamic?

For centuries biodynamic farming has been a proven method for delivering superior crops throughout Europe, Australia and New Zealand. This practice employs composting, crop rotation and resource management to create a balanced ecosystem that enhances the life forces necessary for healthy plant and animal growth. Soil quality and microbial life are cultivated to guard against drought, disease and pest damage, while producing higher crop yields and nutritional values without a need for costly chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. When factoring in the exclusion of petroleum and chemical inputs, Biodynamic farming becomes a superior environmental and economical alternative to the current “factory farming” system.

What are the efficiencies of this farming method?

A biodynamic farm creates a highly productive, sustainable farming environment that minimalizes the need of outside inputs. This system is accomplished by carefully managing the farm’s natural resources to eliminate the use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. Additionally, proper soil and crop management lowers irrigation requirements and guards against crop damage caused by disease, infestation or drought. Since Rudolf Steiner initiated the scientific analysis nearly 80 years ago, biodynamic farming has been proven to produce consistently higher yields of premium quality crops at a lower cost of inputs, whether on a 300 acre farm or a 100 square foot plot.

What current trends favor this project?

The Bay Area represents the forefront of the culinary world demanding the highest quality, nutritious foods available on the marketplace. Customers are willing to pay premium prices for such quality; however, supplies are limited. Our company intends to meet this demand.

What partners, specialists or advisers are identified to assist in the project?

Over one year ago, we started a partnership with an experienced biodynamic farmer, John Maeck, to explore farming opportunities throughout the Bay Area. We are currently growing crops in Salinas, San Pablo and Sonoma. John provides the project with numerous specialists and advisers who offer expertise in crop, soil and resource management. Together, we are assembling a proven team prepared to launch and manage the project.

How will we mitigate any potential risks?

As a practice, biodynamic farming uses attentive observation and management to maximize the potential output of a farm's resources. This method understands the inherent risks of farming and creates a balanced ecological system that helps mitigate the potential damage caused by infestation, disease, drought, or other harmful occurrences. Eighty years of data comparing biodynamic farming to other methods supports this claim.

Additionally, we are carefully assembling and managing the resources, infrastructure and expertise required for the project. Our plans include Demeter biodynamic certification that requires routine inspection and consultation from other certified biodynamic farmers. This relationship will provide personal oversight to help ensure our farm meets the agricultural and environmental values and practices necessary for success. Additionally, this certification will offer customers the assurance that they are eating organic foods of the highest standard available.

What are the costs benefits of a biodynamic farm?

Similar to conventional farms, a biodynamic farm requires labor, land, soil amendments, water, tools, supplies, seed stock and plants, which vary in quantity depending on the farm’s chosen output. However, biodynamic farming fundamentally relies on the conservation of these resources through proactive management in order to minimize any need for outside inputs. The optimal scenario is a self-sufficient, sustainable system where a farm is able to supply most – if not all – the foods, nutrients and life necessities its plants and animals require. When practiced effectively, yields are optimized while costs of inputs are minimalized. It is a primary goal of this project to prove that biodynamic farming not only offers superior quality and nutrition when compared to conventional farming methods, but also offers superior economic results.

Thus far, our Salinas property is able to produce organic heirloom vegetables at a cost savings of 10% to 25% when compared to our conventional vendors. These savings can be attributed to the elimination of middlemen mark-ups and added transportation costs, and we see these efficiencies continuing to pay off as we expand our farming program.