- S
- B
- A
I am excited to attend Wageningen University and Research in Wageningen, Netherlands beginning in fall of 2021 in their Master of Organic Agriculture Program, and am asking for help with the tuition. Wageningen is the #1 agricultural university in the world. Studying at a university that is focused on agriculture and doing a thesis research project with exceptional professors will not only propel me forward but allow me to become a powerful advocate for the global organic food movement. The student body is made up of 40% international students, and being in the Netherlands, a country that exports more food than all others except the USA despite being the size of Maryland, will be an education like no other.
You may know Zephyros Farm and Garden from the Farmers markets in Telluride, Aspen, or Crested Butte where for over 17 years my wife and I have been selling food and flowers. Or maybe you know of us from a menu in a local restaurant, many of whom have been our supporters for years. Or maybe you have been to a dinner in our fields, a concert by our pond, or perhaps we did your wedding flowers or sold you cases of tomatoes. As an active member of the farming community, I have given six years as a Valley Organic Grower Association board member, a member of the local farmers market boards, and seven years on the Organic Farming and Research Foundation board. We have been farming for 25 years, the last 18 on the Western Slope of Colorado, certified organic from day one. Over the years we have raised a family, taught many people about farming, growing food, seed saving, flower design and the trials and tribulations of farming. The farm, like any has had struggles, and great successes.
As I look forward to the next chapter of my life, I want to learn how farming can be truly regenerative, how we can sequester the most carbon while feeding the most people. It excites me to bring the knowledge I gain back to my farm, and to help make organic agriculture the most productive system for people and the climate. I plan to focus on the best methods of production, carbon sequestration, and the economics that support these systems, which will benefit our entire community upon my return. I want to know what truly sustainable agriculture could look like on the Western Slope influenced by the current state of research, other agricultural systems from around the world, and a deeper understanding of where agriculture can take us at this crucial juncture in the lifespan of our species.
Farming makes it hard to generate enough income to provide for professional development like this. Which is where, if you feel moved, you can help. Small farms like ours are set up to compete with food subsidized by cheap fossil fuels, insurance, and a productive but destructive form of agriculture. This means slim profit margins. And while we have been able to pay ourselves, we have never had large salaries, or the ability to put money into retirement accounts or savings. However, our love of growing, farming, teaching and being on the land is not something you can quantify in dollars.
I am humbly asking my community to help make this dream a reality. This Master’s degree is a big financial reach, and I would be indebted to your generosity to help make this a reality. Agriculture is a passion and a life for me, and this education will allow me to give back to this field (literal and figuratively!) I love so much. I would be happy to discuss any question you might have at any time.
The expenses as determined by the university are a total $75000, but we are moving as a family not a single student so there are many expenses not considered by the university. I expect to pay for all those expenses. We have set up this go fund me to make donations easy but if you would prefer to send a check please make it out to Don Lareau and send to 11466 3725 Rd., Paonia, Co. 81428. If any sort of receipt is needed please let me know.
In the meantime, Zephyros Farm and Garden isn’t going anywhere. The farm will continue to operate in the trusty hands of our amazing crew all of whom have been with us for years. In fact, it will become more resilient than ever.
Thank you for considering helping in this endeavor.
Sincerely,
Don Lareau
You may know Zephyros Farm and Garden from the Farmers markets in Telluride, Aspen, or Crested Butte where for over 17 years my wife and I have been selling food and flowers. Or maybe you know of us from a menu in a local restaurant, many of whom have been our supporters for years. Or maybe you have been to a dinner in our fields, a concert by our pond, or perhaps we did your wedding flowers or sold you cases of tomatoes. As an active member of the farming community, I have given six years as a Valley Organic Grower Association board member, a member of the local farmers market boards, and seven years on the Organic Farming and Research Foundation board. We have been farming for 25 years, the last 18 on the Western Slope of Colorado, certified organic from day one. Over the years we have raised a family, taught many people about farming, growing food, seed saving, flower design and the trials and tribulations of farming. The farm, like any has had struggles, and great successes.
As I look forward to the next chapter of my life, I want to learn how farming can be truly regenerative, how we can sequester the most carbon while feeding the most people. It excites me to bring the knowledge I gain back to my farm, and to help make organic agriculture the most productive system for people and the climate. I plan to focus on the best methods of production, carbon sequestration, and the economics that support these systems, which will benefit our entire community upon my return. I want to know what truly sustainable agriculture could look like on the Western Slope influenced by the current state of research, other agricultural systems from around the world, and a deeper understanding of where agriculture can take us at this crucial juncture in the lifespan of our species.
Farming makes it hard to generate enough income to provide for professional development like this. Which is where, if you feel moved, you can help. Small farms like ours are set up to compete with food subsidized by cheap fossil fuels, insurance, and a productive but destructive form of agriculture. This means slim profit margins. And while we have been able to pay ourselves, we have never had large salaries, or the ability to put money into retirement accounts or savings. However, our love of growing, farming, teaching and being on the land is not something you can quantify in dollars.
I am humbly asking my community to help make this dream a reality. This Master’s degree is a big financial reach, and I would be indebted to your generosity to help make this a reality. Agriculture is a passion and a life for me, and this education will allow me to give back to this field (literal and figuratively!) I love so much. I would be happy to discuss any question you might have at any time.
The expenses as determined by the university are a total $75000, but we are moving as a family not a single student so there are many expenses not considered by the university. I expect to pay for all those expenses. We have set up this go fund me to make donations easy but if you would prefer to send a check please make it out to Don Lareau and send to 11466 3725 Rd., Paonia, Co. 81428. If any sort of receipt is needed please let me know.
In the meantime, Zephyros Farm and Garden isn’t going anywhere. The farm will continue to operate in the trusty hands of our amazing crew all of whom have been with us for years. In fact, it will become more resilient than ever.
Thank you for considering helping in this endeavor.
Sincerely,
Don Lareau