The Fukuoka Farming Website George Stevens and his 'Synergy Seeds' |
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Confluence Nature Farm and Synergy Seeds
Located high on a ridge directly above the Klamath and Salmon River Confluence, the 60acre site is surrounded by an
old-growth forest of sugar pine, firs, madrone, pepperwood (bay), and oaks. Several seasonal creeks converge in a
riparian forest of alder, Oregon ash and willow; and lush understory plants include azalea, manzanita, ceanothus,
quinine bush, currant, honeysuckle, & yerba santa.
Woodland trails encircle the site and lead to spectacular view points and an enchanted meadow resplendent with
primordial moss, lichen and a voluminous spring fed pool.
We grow a wide diversity of food and seed crops for maximum self-sufficiency within a six acre deer-fenced clearing,
with gravity flow irrigation water from several sources. Employing a mix of innovative organic methods and
traditional cultivation we have seen a steady increase in production from what was once a severely degraded pasture,
suffering from compaction, overgrazing, erosion etc. We use no pesticides whatsoever and avoid importations of
commercial fertilizer materials that most organic growers take for granted. We build home-made compost and utilize
crop and forest residues for mulch. Wildlife abounds and we try to confuse and distract the birds, bears and all
from taking too much, while appreciating the balance of Nature.
We do not try to overproduce and export food from the site. The 2 mile road in is steep and a lot of maintenance is
required. The purpose of natural seed breeding and production is to select the best of the crop and we find plenty
of food to share from the margins. There's no ready market to rush off to, so the pace of this farm is remarkably
calm and focussed, with utmost attention to detail. It has become an invaluable educational resource for those
grappling with the concept of sustainability. A library and archive of organic books & literature is available for
study and research.
Opportunities abound for experiential (occasionally paying) work on organic farms in the surrounding area. The
diversity of native plants in this area is world-renowned and many habitats are represented for wildcrafting and
plant identification.
The communities of Orleans, Happy Camp and Hoopa, situated along the Wild & Scenic rivers here, are comprised of a
diverse mix of Native Americans, US Forest Service workers & families, and homesteaders such as ourselves. We are
almost equidistant (about 2hrs drive) from Arcata/ Eureka, Ashland Oregon, and victorian Weaverville, and
whitewater recreation is a major tourism draw. Marble Mountains Wilderness area, the Trinity alps, and Siskyou
Wildlands provide spectacular hiking. But the pristine little Salmon River is truly the main attraction when the
mercury climbs to over 100degrees on an average summer day. Thankfully the cool breezes flow from both the
Northcoast (only 25miles downriver) and the higher heights which often require a change of clothes several times
each day. Occasional summer thunderstorms intervene in otherwise endless weeks of California sun.
Needless to say the air is incredibly pure, and aside from our low intensity solar lighting not a single artificial
light is in view at dusk: only sparkling Siskyou starlight.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for self-motivated persons who seek a definitive experience in organic
agriculture. In my 25 years of farming I have hosted visitors from 50 countries, and have provided training for a
large number of interns. The unique circumstances here make it difficult to issue a one-size-fits-all program or
format for internships, and until we have more time available to flesh this out we will welcome organic volunteers
on a first come first served basis with the understanding that you provisionally commit to being here first for
two days, then two weeks and hopefully two months of participation on the farm. We expect an average of only 2
hours a day of farm work, with the understanding that you possess a strong motivation for personal sustenance:
chores such as firewood, food gathering & preparation, patroling the fence and water lines, etc.
Synergy Seeds
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This page was last updated on December 21, 2002
Copyright © 2002 Larry Haftl