Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to George Gund. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
George, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I was born in San Francisco and spent a lot of time in the rural west. I have always had an interest in where the food we eat comes from and how it gets to us. I found myself between the urban and rural worlds and for many years did not know how to navigate that. I now see it gives me the ability to speak to both sets of interests and find common goals.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Just over three years ago I started a company called Blue Marble Acres, with the intention of making viable rural land available to people in an urban environment. I purchased a dairy in Marin county, California, within 10 miles of two small cities, and within an hours drive to over 5 million people. While progress has been slow, we are working to bring more and more people from urban environments to get a better understanding of how farms and farming work, decrease the distance that food travels, and restoring native habitats. We have work to provide better opportunities to people working in Agriculture as laborers, offing land and assistance so they can grow for themselves and the market.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I would say being open and flexible to changes of plans due to unforeseen consequences, having an appreciation for the hard work involved in land renewal, and being patient and aware that doing this kind of work is a long process, where progress is sometimes hard to measure in the short term.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
We are always looking for people who enjoy being outdoors and working toward the goal of better food security. I have found that growing one’s own crops not only results in better heatlh due to the improved quality of food, but also from being a part of the process, doing the work, and literally watching the results spring from the ground or branch. We offer opportunities not only to work or volunteer with us, but to set up one’s own business, be it growing flowers or food, or helping improve soil health and natural habitat. We can be reached online at www.bluemarbleacres.earth or in person at the farmstand at 6901 Red Hill Road in Petaluma from March to November, and hopefully year round starting next year.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.bluemarbleacres.earth
- Instagram: @bluemarbleacres_marin
Image Credits
Adrian Fontaine George Gund Sara Romero
