FOPM 2024 Conference Experience

a brief report with photos

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more curious group of individuals than the Fellowship of Preparation Makers (FOPM).

While certifications provide the structural bones, it is here at the Fellowship that the heart of biodynamics beats in North America. For that reason, it’s a great thing that members of the Biodynamic Demeter Alliance (BDA), the Josephine Porter Institute (JPI) — and more — are participating in this event.

A special thank you goes to Luke Frey and the FOPM planning committee for coordinating all the details of an event like this at the home of Seabiscuit, of all places! This was no small feat, as farmers are notoriously individualistic and hard to keep on schedule. Our sound guy, Larry, was particularly accommodating and helped ensure we got what we needed.

The food was good, the venue was perfect, and when you’re left with the feeling that there was so much more we have left to do, that is a sign of a good gathering, and I hope it feeds into the future.

Dewane Morgan regaling Ben Nommay and Stewart Lundy

Garrett Long, Troon Vineyards and former JPI board member, sharing about Troon’s “vegetarian” 502 yarrow in birch (Maria Thun recipe)

Luke Frey, Frey Vineyards was a great coordinator and ensured a successful conference.

Lloyd Nelson, Biodynamic Source, speaking on the planetary aspects of special trees

Harald Hoven, telling a joke

Mike Biltonen, Know Your Roots, discussing chromatography

Dawn Rains, demonstrating her extensive array of Valerian chromas

Happy Birthday to Biodynamic Agriculture!

Fellowship of Preparation Makers FOPM 2024

JPI was well represented at the FOPM by current board members Mike Biltonen and Will Bratton, former JPI board members Garret Long and Bill McCrannie (and others before my time!) plus JPI staff Ben Nommay and Stewart Lundy.

There’s much more to share, including some field trips, but those are for another day. It was a pleasure to see everyone, and we look forward to next time!