What is sustainability? According to the USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program (SARE), sustainable agriculture is 1) economically viable, 2) socially supportive, and 3) ecologically sound. That can be said as well of sustainability in general. Sustainable thinking and sustainable action are those modes of thought and life which protect the health of the land, support local communities, and uphold the well-being of their practitioners. If any of these pieces are missing, that approach is not sustainable over the long term.

What are we harvesting? Since this is a Harvest Fair, held during the traditional harvest season, we are concerned with harvesting the bounty of the good Earth: fruits and vegetables, animal products, and fiber. But we are also concerned with harvesting ideas, ideas about how we can live a more balanced, healthy, and harmonious life with the Earth and our fellow creatures. This harvest is reaped, not with sickle or knife, but through exhibits, presentations, lectures, and above all, networking.

So thank you for coming! We hope you have a wonderful time at our sixth annual Mother Earth Harvest Fair at Spoutwood Farm, and may the things you harvest here help you to enjoy a healthy, balanced, and sustainable life.