Ecuador bound to explore biodynamic farming...

In just four days I depart for Quito and work my way south through Loja, then down toward the Andean Highlands of Ecuador...to a remote farm just outside of Vilcabamba. It is a rustic setting where there is no electricity or internet (though there are compost toilets...woo hoo!) and one has to hike in to get to the property. It is for people who want to learn... and become self sufficient in biodynamic gardening/farming skills, who love the outdoors, who wish to expand their consciousness and take greater responsibility in stewarding the Earth. This feels good to me. It's not that I have grand plans to become a farmer but I do have an interest in finding out more about this process. It is becoming increasingly important to farm this way...to keep the land (soil) healthy, productive and sustainable. It is the opposite of our current style of monoculture farming which uses imported artificial chemical fertilizers and removes the nutrients in the soil forever. Biodynamic farming involves rotating crops which are complementary and indigenous to the particular area or region, taking into consideration local climate, soil, animals, and plants. It is all about the interrelationship between these elements. It utilizes composting or animal manure for fertilization rather than importing external artificial fertilizers. It is a holistic form of organic farming which can help to sustain our environment. There is a part of me that is becoming interested in urban farming....something I would like to explore further. But for now it's off to work and learn at a farm in Ecuador! I am here, in this moment, on a beautiful Sunday evening in Marin County...preparing for the journey ahead.