2009 Sustainable NC Awards

2009 Sustainable North Carolina Awards & Sustainable Solutions Expo

William Dow

Description:
Bill Dow was the first certified organic farmer in NC and has farmed Ayrshire Farm, west of Pittsboro, for more than 23 years. He left Medicine to pursue good health through growing healthy food.

Executive Summary:

Bill Dow, born in Ohio, raised in Missisippi, began farming in NC in 1981. Prior to that he studied and practiced Medicine at Vanderbilt Univ. During that time, he helped start the Student Health Coalition which spawned Agricultural Maketing Projects in NC, GA, ARK, ALA and TN as well as SOCM (Save Our Cumberland Mts). He has three seasons of production which he cultivates in 5 acres. Bill sells produce, herbs, fruit and flowers at the Carrboro Farmers Market and to fine restaurants in Chapel Hill, Durham and Pittsboro. He also is a member of the Mid-Chatham Farmers Alliance CSA. Past activities included helping develop the Sustainable Ag Program at Chatham Co Community College, NC State Conservation Council, Solar Greenhouse Employment Project. During winter months, Bill is an avid scholar of Scottish history, and teaches a course in genealogy.

What specific results have been achieved?

Bill runs Ayrshire Farm, a successful sustainable organic farm; Bill significantly contributed to establishing the Carrboro Farmers Market, the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA), a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operation, the Chatham County Community College Sustainable Agriculture program. Many of today's young, successful farmers have apprenticed with Bill.

In what ways are the efforts of this organization/individual unique and innovative?

When Bill first started farming in North Carolina, he was roundly discouraged by local agricultural folks who assured him that "organic" couldn't be done in North Carolina. That he proved them wrong and has maintained a successful farm set an example for other farmers. North Carolina is now one of the leading states in the country for the number of organic farms.

How has the broader community been impacted?

Bill was one of the co-founders of the Carrboro Farmers Market, now recognized as one of the best in the country, and a co-founder of Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA) which advocates for small and organic farms in North and South Caroli. He has opened his farm to farm tours, seminars on sustainable agriculture, and each year hires young people interested in learning about farming. He teaches them well by example and sharing responsibility.

Kathy Fowler wrote on 10/31/2009 :
"We are fortunate to know Bill as a friend and fellow farmer. He is willing to share his time and advice whenever asked. He has extensive experience in organic and sustainable agriculture. He is not only an asset to Chatham County but to the science of agronomy. "

john wells wrote on 10/31/2009 :
"Two years ago I met Bill Dow of Ayrshire Farm and have enjoyed getting to know him as well as learning to "work on the farm". Bill has a vast knowledge of Organic farming techniques which he openly shares. He absolutely believes in the work he is doing and is constantly striving to produce a better product which shows in the tremendous quality of the fruits and veggies he produces. Bill's quiet leadership in the field of organic farming is only one of many reasons he should receive this award. "

Paula Browder wrote on 10/30/2009 :
"Bill has been a friend, supporter, and leveling influence for me for almost thirty year. He is a clear example of one who"talks the talk and walks the walk." He lives his values and is willing to help other learn about the gifts of the earth and practice stewardship of the land. For years he has given young people the experience of learning these skills and opportunity to be in touch with food production and the value of hard work. In our own family one child learned the connection between steady and honest labor and the rewards of hard work. This lesson has carried him forward into a very responsible career where hard and honest work are essential. For another child he contributed to her love of growing vegetables and using what is in season, locally, to feed her family. For my me and my husband he helped us connect to the community in a productive and meaningful way through the Solar Energy Workshops. For me, he provided a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and the encouragement to deal with extremely difficult work on the behalf of children and accept the fact that I could do the work. He also gave me the opportunity to release stress at the end of a day by occasionally, affording me the opportunity to pull weeds, pick blueberries, and shovelimanure! What more could one ask from a teacher and a friend? I highly recommend him for this award. "

Candy Rogers wrote on 10/29/2009 :
"I am a very satisfied consumer of Bill"s organic veggies & herbs for many years. the eye appeal of his truly fresh, organic produce is a treat in itself, but the taste takes "first place"! I have seen first-hand the time, work, & dedication Bill puts into his organic production. He works well with Mother Nature to the benefit & enjoyment of many folks, and enthusiastically shares his garden. I think he is deserving of a special "pat on the back" for sure. "

Matt Janssen wrote on 10/28/2009 :
"If you’re enjoying good food out in the Triangle, chances are, part of what you just ate Bill and his “gang” grew. If you’re at the back door of those places hoping to sell the fruit of some of your own hard work, don’t worry, they are quite used to it thanks in no small part to Bill. If you’re enjoying a casual stroll through one of the country finest farmer’s markets, say hello to Bill and thank him for his help with the market by-laws that help keep it such. If you’re on the steps of CFSA looking to forge your own path into organic farming with a few questions, or you are an old hand ready to transition into organics, you can thank Bill for his part in its creation. Over the last three decades, Bill has helped lay the groundwork for a thriving local food economy. Thanks Bill! "

Bill Browder wrote on 10/28/2009 :
"I have known Bill since 1981. He lives by strong conviction of bing a responsible human bing in all aspects of life. He understands the connectdness of people, creatures and nature. Bill is always a teacher and coach for humanity, especially young people interested in farming. I have know Bill primarily through a church connectionn and I have both admiration and respect for his principles related to being proactive in taking care of the planet, good health for all but especially the poor and nedy among us, and demonstrating the importance of a strong work ethic. Bill is a wise man, a caring person and a good friend. I highly recommend him for the award "

Libbie Hall wrote on 10/28/2009 :
"I worked with Farmer Bill for many years as a chef/manager in Carrboro/Chapel Hill.He helped educate me on sustainable farming, using produce in season at its peak and buying locally. All of this I still practice and preach. Bill richly deserves this award. "

Libbie Hall wrote on 10/28/2009 :
"I worked with Bill for many years as a restaurant chef in Carrboro/Chapel Hill. "

martha dalton wrote on 10/27/2009 :
"I have worked off and on at Bill's farm for about 4 years and am amazed at the amount of produce he can grow on such a small south facing, terraced, sloping spot of acreage (5 acres)! The variety and quantity of his produce is astounding as is the size of his lettuces, peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes! Bill is very easy to work with and his farm is a beautiful place to catch your breath and enjoy nature in this hectic, bustling, present day world. Bill uses mostly manual methods, no pesticides and works with Mother Nature to bring healthy food to his customers. What a great gift, indeed!! Martha D. "

Pamela Costenbader wrote on 10/27/2009 :
"I am starting my 6th year working for Bill Dow at Ayshire Farm. His farm is not only a beautiful source of local, sustainable food but for many has been a source of learning concerning safe, sustainable food production as well as community development and personal growth. Bill is a warm, caring and honorable gentleman. He is always so quick to thank his workers and to share his vast knowledge of both farming and life. Person to person contact is of great importance to him and contributes greatly to his sucess marketing to the local chef's. It is and has been an honor to work at his little piece of paradise in Chatham Co., NC, and to be able to share his knowledge and great character. He is a great mentor in both the garden and life. He deseves this award! "

Gwen Higgins wrote on 10/27/2009 :
"Bill was a great source of wonderful produce when I was a chef for two decades. He has always been generous with his knowledge and time and his farm. I have visited his beautiful farm numerous times to show friends an family what can be done on a small piece of land. He is very deserving of this award. "

gwn Higgins wrote on 10/27/2009 :
"As a chef for 20 years I was so happy to have a dependable organic farmer who was willing to grow whatever thought I would needs He has always been generous of his time, knowledge and farm in allowing me to show friends and family what can be done on a smallish peice of property. "

Dee Reid wrote on 10/27/2009 :
"When it comes to sustainable farming in our region, all roads (or rows) lead back to Bill Dow's far-reaching and pioneering influences. He was instrumental in starting the Carrboro Farmers Market, giving local farmers a real place to sell their produce and he's modeled how to succee at niche marketing to restauarants. Now the Carrboro market and our slow-food eateries are among the best in the country. He's mentored countless new small-scale farmers as interns, and influenced many others, including chefs and food policy activists, through his practical and dedicated approaches to growing and marketing real food the right way. North Carolina is now a leader in sustainable farming and food nationwide, and Bill Dow is one of the innovative leaders behind the scenes who got it all started. "

Connie McAdams wrote on 10/27/2009 :
"One of my first memories of Bill is related to building a solar window box for my house in a workshop Bill was leading back in the early 80's. Bill has a unique talent for applying his knowledge and concern about health (individual, community, global) and agriculture in a quiet lifestyle that is an example for us all. "

Paul Konove wrote on 10/27/2009 :
"With a wealth of experience in community organizing, Bill Dow has remained in the background while enabling many communities, organizations, and individuals in the fields of medicine, agriculture and energy to make significant progressive contributions. Now is the time for him to be recognized for his lifes work. "

Susanna Branyon wrote on 10/26/2009 :
"I worked for Bill one summer when I was a graduate student in Literature..quite a leap of faith for him! But I learned so much that summer, and not just about organic farming. Bill gave me a new lens for thinking about what sustains us in a richer, more holistic, and ulimately more practical way. He lent me a copy of Wendell Berry's poems that summer...now it's on the syllabus for my students at NCSU. I hope I can pass on a little of what I learned! "

Fred Pugh wrote on 10/26/2009 :
"Bill's been a friend for years,we've had many philosophical arguments about meat vs. produce, but he's always held his ground. We're pleased that he's being considered for this award. The BOTTOM LINE is that Bill isn't just theorizing what he's read...HE'S DOING IT! "

Debbie Roos wrote on 10/26/2009 :
"Bill is recognized across the state as one of North Carolina's founding fathers of organic agriculture. He has been a positive role model for our area's up and coming farmers for many years and is always seeking new opportunities to educate both farmers and consumers about our local food system, from farm to fork. Bill was one of the first farmers to forge strong relationships with the Triangle's top chefs and opened the door for other local farmers to sell directly to restaurants. He is one of the reasons the Triangle area is nationally recognized as a great place for "foodies". As an Agricultural Extension Agent, I have relied often on Bill over the years as a sounding board for program ideas and direction. It is an honor and a privilege to work with him. "

leah cook wrote on 10/26/2009 :
"I think Bill is very deserving of this award. As previously mentioned, he is a pioneer of organic and sustainable agriculture in NC. He is a fantastic grower. His produce is always beautiful! To boot - he is a great guy! Leah Cook Wild Hare Farm President Carrboro Farmers Market "

gary phillips wrote on 10/14/2009 :
"Bill Dow is a practical visionary farmer who has always shared generously his philosophy, time and wisdom with the community around him. He is one of my heroes. "

About This Nominee>

Nomination Category:
Individual

William Dow
William Dow
602 Friendly Pooch Lane
Pittsboro, NC 27312
919-548-4196

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