Twin Oaks is an intentional community that has grow most of it own food for forty years. Not only do they exemplify that best of organic agriculture, they are also a model of ecological and equitable social relations. There are no hired hands at Twin Oaks. Everyone is an equal partner. They could appoint someone to be the presidential gardener and still have plenty of gardeners to keep their community fed. And they are only a couple hours from the capital!
With 66 years of farming experience, along with character and wisdom. they have a truly organic farm.
Joel Salatin has written many books about farming and travels extensively to talk about pature-based farming. He does more than anybody I know of to promote locally grown foods and support of the small family farm in America. He has been my inspiration for my own small farm.
Brian is passionate and dedicated to organic farming, which he has been doing within 100 miles of the DC region for 14 out of the last 15 years. Brian successfully managed a CSA and an organic seed business in the region, and is a perfect choice for the White House position due to that familiarity. Brian knows where to turn in the neighborhood for resources and partnerships, and has managed 2 successful SARE grants to build the capacity of the Southeast to produce our own seeds. Furthermore, he knows how to succeed while working within bureaucratic constraints. He works well with people of all ages, and has successfully managed teams of ten+ people. Brian also loves working with children, and would relish the opportunity to show non farm people how they can grow food on whatever land that they have available. Additionally, Brian has attended over 30 sustainable agriculture conferences since 2000, and has been a speaker at the majority of them. He has also taught many stand classes specifically about seed production, teaching organic seed production techniques to over 200 individuals. As an organic seed grower and breeder, he knows that classical breeding of grains and vegetables can be used to increase production and regional adaptability. As White House Farmer, Brian would use the platform to show that more progress can be made through classical and hybridized breeding than with genetically modified crops, along with a higher level of consumer and environmental safety. Beyond being an experienced organic farmer, Brian is an Independent Organization of Organic Inspectors (IOIA) trained inspector for compliance with the National Organic Program, and has been conducting inspections for such certification professionally. As White House farmer, I believe Brian would commit to transition the chemically managed 5 acre white house lawn to an organically certified operation as quickly as possible. In addition to experience raising vegetables, fruits, herbs, grains, flowers, and seeds, He is also a student of integrating crops and livestock into a sustainable “permaculture” food system. As White House farmer, Brian would immediately asses the feasibility of integrating a self sustaining system of healthy animals and plants with the intention of meeting the needs of the White House chef, flower decorator, and local area food banks.
Charlie has been a highly successful market gardener in both Phoenix, Arizona and Hanover/Richmond, Virginia. His dedication to sustainable agriculture, natural/beyond organic methods, community involvement, and sound business practices make him a perfect candidate. He has also grown for over 25 fine restaurants in both Phoenix and Richmond, working one-on-one with award-winning chefs to provide the highest quality products (Chris Bianco of Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix would happily serve as a reference). His fervent support for President-elect Obama inspires his perspective on the country’s green future. Additionally, his farm is only 1 1/2 hours from the White House allowing it to continue to serve the community here while he provides a beautiful, abundant and thoroughly productive garden on the White House grounds.