The Kwendalo Institute is delighted to be co-hosting international biodynamic agriculture expert Dr Georg Meissner for a workshop entitled, The Evolution of Agriculture, including biodynamic perspectives on 13th and 14th October 2022 at The Harmony Centre, Kwendalo.
The Essentials
Dates: 13 & 14 October 2022
Location: The Harmony Centre, Kwendalo (Cnr N2 & Rietvlei Road, opposite Buco), Plettenberg Bay
Price: R400 – (including refreshments and light lunch over the two-day programme)
Additional sessions/activities:
- Viticulture Session: R300 –
- Whale Cruise: R350 – (bring cash on Saturday)
Registration (RSVP 9 October): Jo Anne: [email protected] . EFT details provided on registration.
Maximum 30 participants.
The Workshop
In partnership with Plett’s local biodynamic expert Avice Hindmarch, we are excited to welcome Dr. Meissner for a full two-day programme which will consist of presentations and practical activities both on Kwendalo and other local farms in the area. Dr. Meissner works as an associated scientist and lecturer for biodynamic viticulture at the Geisenheim University and is considered one of the leading experts in biodynamic viticulture inside and outside of Germany. He regularly takes on an advisory role for farms in conversion to biodynamic cultivation and regularly engages with biodynamic education and training programmes.
The Programme
Thursday 13 October 2022
8.00 Tea and coffee
8.30 – 10.30 Introductions of Dr Georg Meissner and participants.
Observational Farm Walk including Barrel Compost (Cow Pat Pit).
10.30 – 11.00 Morning Tea / Refreshments
11.00 – 12.00 Presentation by Dr Meissner, Contribution of Biodynamic Agriculture to Evolution of Agriculture coming from the future with insights into the life science behind biodynamic fertility and achieving cycles of high quality yields.
12.30 Light Lunch
Travel to The Crags.
14.30 – 17.00 Two Options
Option 1: Farm Athena (Askop Road, The Crags)
Growing indigenous herbs for essential oil production and working with permaculture design for small-scale food production with Avice Hindmarch and Amos Nyirenda. The farm has been practicing biodynamic production for 3 years.
Option 2: Viticulture Farm Observation and interactive discussions (Limited to 15 people, commercial fruit farmers only. Additional R300pp)
Addressing the vital questions around viticulture, as well as fruit/nut farming, in the Garden Route effected by our unique climate conditions and soil types.
- 14.30 Bramon Wine Farm with Danny van Deventer
- 15.30 Newstead Wine Farm with Doug Lund
- Followed by wine tasting with snacks
Friday 14 October 2022
8.00 Meet and Greet with Avice Hindmarch
8.30 – 10.30
- Rising thoughts and sharing from Day One
- Dr Meissner presents on the Three Archetypal Biodynamic Preparations, (501, 500 and compost preparations), their efficacy and influence on life processes in soils, plants, animals and man.
10:30 – 11:00 Morning Tea / Refreshments
Travel to Summerfield, Broome Road, The Crags (left off Redford Road)
11.30 – 12.30
- Storage and caring preparations
- Tree paste and inoculation of preparations into the compost heap
- Local complementary network and availability of products to assist with conversion to biodynamic practice.
12.30 Lunch at Summerfield
14.00 – 16.00
- Visit to Joe and Reinette Klerk in The Crags
- The Klerk’s farm a mix of vegetables, almonds and olives.
- Dr Meissner will talk on economics, PGS and marketing, and where to from here
16.00 -17:00 Alec Poynton
- Interactive talk with soil scientist, Alec Poynton, along with a discussion on other available products to support organic agriculture.
Saturday 15 October 2022
09.00
- Optional whale/shark watching excursion with Ocean Blue Adventures
- Limited to 15 people, weather dependant
- Additional discounted rate of R350pp
If you have any queries or would like additional information, please contact Jo Anne on [email protected] or Kwendalo on [email protected], 044 004 0366 or 063 669 8006.
Featured image source: Idyllic Places
