Farm Studio envisions the integration of human, ecological and economic health. Our programs harness the wisdom and inspiration in artful farming and ecologically-inspired art to grow ideas, practices, and living systems that nurture local sovereignty, meaningful livelihoods, and thriving bio-cultural diversity.
Farm Studio seeks to address several urgent, existential needs in our society today:
The degradation of our ecosystems including massive loss of biodiversity fueled by large, conventional, profit-centric farming and agribusiness.
The failure of our university system to steward young people into work lives that are both meaningful and financially sustainable.
A crisis of belonging driven by human estrangement from the rest of the living world.
The loss of generational farming and land-based learning, which build confidence and competence through hands-on experience and mentoring.
Increasing temperatures and extreme weather events due to climate change.
The disappearance of good farmland and the exorbitantly high cost of local land, despite an expectation that food is cheap.
Farm Studio is launching an apprenticeship that leverages the full depth of biodynamic, regenerative farming and artisanal expertise in Sonoma County, California. Our mentors guide people seeking to turn their personal wonder and gifts into an earth-based livelihood that provides personal meaning, sufficient income, and ecosystem benefits. Apprentices work alongside biodynamic and regenerative farmers and local plant artisans, learning to cultivate vegetables, herbs, and flowers using methods that benefit ecosystems. Ultimately, each apprentice will pursue one of four areas of focus: growing, healing, nourishing, or artistry, and ideate a collaborative future business. Farm Studio apprentices will be engaged in real, vital work as part of existing businesses rooted in local community. Their education will be a process of living, not just a passive preparation for future living.
