PLENTY Spring 2020 Plenty Spring 2020-WEB | Page 38

Talk is cheap, so where can we begin to take productive action? For me, it started with listen- ing to myself, listening to the work of brilliant soil and plant scientists such as Elaine Ingham and John Kempf, and cultivating the awareness and peace necessary to listen to the cues of nature and life. In today’s world a lot of smart people are work- ing with the idea of sustainability as a course of action—which is fine. Our more indigenous human family present today and in the past lived by this principle. We have mostly forgotten its ways, and luckily we are now remembering. But is sustainabil- ity the best approach for redefining the way we live? I would say that it is not. Someone once asked me if I would prefer to be in a sustainable relationship or a regenerative, healing, relationship. Instantly I an- swered that a regenerative relationship feels much better. Healing is difficult work, but as you reach new plateaus, it becomes apparent that the journey is worth the work. So I say, let us abandon thoughts of mere sustainability and strive for a regenerative approach to fixing the issues left for us to fix… and let us start with our food system. I cannot tell you where to begin—you must discover that for yourself. However, I can recom- mend meditation, engaging with your local commu- nity, and if you are lucky enough, supporting your local regenerative farmer. For your local farmer is a brave soul, standing on the firm support of a living soil, bracing against the wind of easy cheap food, and living with a knowing that if we humans want to survive another century on this earth we all must return to the land and redefine our relationship with each other and the food we consume. So I ask you again, if heaven were a place on Earth, what would it look like? Join your local CSA and perhaps you will catch a glimpse of what our future can hold for us all. Ryan Kalivretenos is a first generation regenerative farmer currently living and farming in Montgomery County. He draws on his experiences from life, meditation, and study to guide the many decisions that arise during the growing sea- son. Ryan believes that agriculture is a primary force in the development of a society and that we should be intentional in our practices to reflect the change we wish to see. 38 plenty I Spring sowing 2020 CSA Farms Farm fresh from our growers Amaranth Acres Dickerson, MD Enjoy a combination of or- ganically grown, ethnic Indian vegetables along with greens, regular summer vegetables and herbs. Pickup locations include the farm, Germantown and Rockville. [email protected] [email protected] Avianmead Organics Brookeville, MD Joan and Jerry Riser 301.924.2960 Common Root Farm Derwood, MD Common Root Farm offers a diversified CSA and Farm Card for 2020. They grow, harvest, and curate a selection of delicious vegetables ensuring seasonal eating at its best! The farm is certified organic and uses regenerative practices, including low-till, crop rotation, and using permanent beds to bolster soil life which leads to more nutritious vegetables and soil improvement. Pick-up available on-farm and delivery upon request. Erica and Ryan [email protected] 301.639.8316 Dodo FarmS Brookeville, MD Dodo Farms offers a wide variety of Certified Naturally Grown produce and guarantees that customers will receive fairly priced, fresh and naturally grown produce, free of GMO seeds, pesticides, chemicals and fertilizers from May until November. Pickup options in- clude Takoma Park, Fulton, MD, NIH in Bethesda and College Park. Sign up by email. Olaniyi Balogun [email protected] House in the Woods Farm Frederick County, MD Pickups on the farm, just on the edge of the Ag Reserve. Heir- loom vegetables are a specialty. Visit the farm for member har- vest days. Ilene and Phil Freedman [email protected] 301.607.4048 Norman’s Farm Market Chevy Chase, MD Eris Norman [email protected] 301.674.9929 One Acre Farm Boyds, MD Now in its 12th season, One Acre Farm is a certified naturally grown farm serving locations in Montgomery County and Capitol Hill. The farm produces a diverse mix of vegetables for CSA share- holders as well as raises funds to deliver produce to the Manna Food Center. ​Tours available throughout the season. Michael Protas [email protected] Pheasant Hill Farm Mount Airy, MD Marjorie Satterlee 410.215.7173 Query Mill Hill Farm Darnestown, MD Growing organically (not- certified) produce, emphasizing American heirlooms and the best Asian and European varieties. Mark Israel 301.926.8602