Next month, the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association will host an inaugural special event for farm apprentices.  The gathering will take place in conjunction with their biennial Biodynamic Conference, held this year in Madison, Wisconsin from November 14th through the 18th.

Topics of discussion during the pre-conference meeting will focus on the roles and education of young and beginning farmers, and provide an introduction to the North American Biodynamic Apprenticeship program (NABDAP).  Additionally, Gunther Hauk of Spikenard Honeybee Sanctuary will give a talk regarding “our collective responsibility toward the earth” as growers and stewards, to provide insight and inspiration for new members of the agricultural community and their mentors, and seasoned farmers as well.

The NABDAP pairs apprentices with mentor farms in the United States and Canada, where they engage in two years of onsite training as well as guided classroom study.  The program included 20 members in 2011, and hopes to grow in the coming years.

This year’s conference features more than 40 workshops covering many topics in biodynamic agriculture, such as CSA management, organic dairy farming, and beekeeping, with an emphasis on building a renewed relationship with the earth.  There will also be a young farmer social and ample opportunities for community members to network and gather as the growing season comes to a close.

Visit the Biodynamic Association’s website at https://www.biodynamics.com for more information or to register for this year’s conference.