Dear Friends:

Farming and agriculture are one of the backbones of this country, and indeed, Thomas Jefferson viewed independent farmers as the backbone of our democracy.  Over the last century, with the mass exodus from rural areas to cities, farming as a way of life has been in decline.  Currently, less than 2% of America’s population are farmers, and their average age is 57.

Recent years have seen an overwhelming interest in where our food comes from and how it is produced.  As consumers have become more aware of the issues, they have become much more savvy, and with the corner supermarket no longer good enough, consumers are looking at alternative and local sources, from farmers’ markets, CSAs (community supported agriculture), urban agriculture and community gardens.  Not surprisingly, there is a new generation of young people who are part of this movement to serve their country good food, who are seeking out farming as a way of life once again, who care about the earth, and who are producing artisanal products.  These, my friends, are The Greenhorns.

Please join Severine von Tscharner Fleming and me for a sneak preview of her upcoming documentary on the young farmers bucking the system and tide in creating a new movement to reclaim, restore, retrofit and respect this great country of ours.  Severine explores their lives, motivations, spirit, practices, and needs, and is using the film to build the case for those considering a career in agriculture, as well as the case for policy changes to ease their way.  It’s a very hopeful and inspiring look at a movement for a better future and a better America.

Severine von Tscharner Fleming is a farmer, activist and organizer based in NY’s Hudson Valley.  Her film has grown into a grassroots nonprofit organization that recruits, promotes and supports the growing tribe of new agrarians, providing tools and resources for beginning farmers.  Severine attended Pomona College and University of California at Berkeley where she graduated with a B.S. in Conservation/AgroEcology. She co- founded the Pomona Organic Farm and founded UC Berkeley’s Society for Agriculture and Food Ecology. She is a proud co-founder and board member of the National Young Farmers Coalition

Catering for this event will be provided by a talented, self-taught, young cook, my dear friend Vance Brooking.  Raised in New Zealand, he can catch, grow and cook just about anything.  (Those Kiwis are a scrappy and resourceful lot.)  He has a keen appreciation for all things comestible, and a palate like no one else.  This is his first time cooking for 403, and he is excited to be a part of a presentation related to farming.

MONDAY, MARCH 7 from 7 - 11PM

We ask that guests commit to the evening and be prompt.

ENTRY INCLUDES LIGHT DINNER AND WINE (vegan options available)

$50 VIA PAYPAL, $60 AT THE DOOR

Please respond to 403rsvp – at – gmail – dot – com.  An invoice and the address well be emailed.  Please note that the fee is transferable, but non-refundable should your plans change. 

403 is a cultural salon and community celebrating the exchange of ideas, discussion and action through presentations on the arts, culture and humanitarian concerns.