Even during his long battle with cancer he was advising us to the very end. The planet lost one if its greatest allies. Alan York, one of the world’s most well respected soil, plant and biodynamic consultants passed on in February 2014. All I can say is this: Alan was our rock star, adored by a trillion lush green leaves, his roots of inspiration planted on farms all over the world, he made the ladybugs blush. Alan, our friend and mentor, lives on amongst that which he created harmony for… the rich beautiful soil.
John Chester, Apricot Lane Farms [5.01.2016]
The 4 principles:
1. Try to create as closely as possible a closed system in relation to nutrients
2. To create a landscape ecology i.e. biodiversity within the property (as opposed to monoculture)
3. The use of biodynamic preparations – 2 field sprays and 6 compost preparations (1 in the compost, and 5 outside the compost)
4. A holistic system – a focus on the inner action of all living things
Articles
Remembering a Guru of Green: Biodynamic Consultant Alan York
After more than 8 inches of snow fell just yesterday morning, I came in from helping to dig out our house to learn that Alan York, a California-based leader in the biodynamic viticulture movement in the United States and abroad, had died Feb. 3 at the age of 62.
I didn’t know Alan that well—there are many others better able to speak about his life and accomplishments—but he’s one of those people who makes such an impression that you’ll never forget them and you feel their loss keenly even if it’s been years since you’ve seen them or spoken to them.
I first met Alan in 2007 when I toured the Benziger Family Winery estate on Sonoma Mountain to learn more about biodynamic farming as part of a cover story on how West Coast wineries were moving to greener viticulture and winemaking practices. (He appears in the June 30, 2007, cover photo behind Mike Benziger in a boat on the winery’s water reclamation pond.) In 1997, the Benzigers had brought on Alan, who had worked with Jim Fetzer on McNab Ranch and Ceago Vinegarden, to help transform their property, which they felt had become depleted and scarred by conventional farming, into a vibrant ecosystem where the vines could truly express the personality of the place.
Standing in the vineyards on a perfect sunny day, Alan radiated an irrepressible energy and sense of joy as he pointed out the different plants growing amid the vineyards and gardens and the various insects and birds that had come back to the property since the Benzigers had stopped using artificial fertilizers and pesticides. He was a warm, enthusiastic teacher, able to explain the seemingly arcane concepts of biodynamics in ways that were colorful and clear, mixing practicality and common sense with spirituality. Not shy with his opinions, he leavened his intensity with wit and a winning smile. He had so much to say, my hand kept cramping while rapidly taking notes.
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Videos
Our goal with Biodynamic viticulture is to help us create wines that convey a unique sense of place, filled with character and honesty. This search for an honest wine is what fuels our Terroir Project. For this, we sought the help of Terroir Specialist Pedro Parra and Biodynamic expert Alan York, whose inquisitive nature and practicality balance their endless knowledge.
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Farming, Filming and Biodiversity: An Interview with John Chester
Filmmaker John Chester and his wife Molly took a leap of faith leaving city life behind to become farmers with the ambitious goal of bringing life back to a lifeless 200-acre piece of land. They relied heavily on the mentorship of Alan York, a pioneering leader in the biodynamic viticulture movement, who sadly passed away as the farm took shape. John documented their many failures and ultimate success in the film The Biggest Little Farm. Arty Mangan, Bioneers Restorative Food Systems Director, interviewed John about his travails and triumphs.
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