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Meet Andy and Hilda Byrd, Terra Madre 2008 delegates who are organic farmers not too far from Atlanta, Georgia. They see their farm as an opportunity to educate children, preserve disappearing heirlooms, and responsibly and sustainably steward the land.

by Andy Byrd

With me being in the wheelchair, attending Terra Madre provided some challenges with transportation, electrical conversion, and a few other obstacles, but thank you Slow Food for giving us the opportunity to be a small part of such a huge movement. It was great being around so many different individuals from different countries who have the same purpose: providing good traditional, healthy food for our people! We left Terra Madre 2008 knowing that we are doing the right thing on our farm by educating children of all ages about sustainable farming and being good stewards of the land. In 1997, my wife, Hilda, and I were led to land near our hometown. We ultimately bought 74 acres near Walnut Grove, GA. The farm was named Whippoorwill Hollow Organic Farm after the Whippoorwill birds that flourish on the property. A seed was planted.

Blueberry bushes and other fruit trees were already established on the farm so we began with a pick-your-own blueberry business. Today, we operate an on-farm store that sells produce and organic feed. We have Community Support Agriculture (CSA), sell produce at the Morningside and Decatur Farmers Market, and we market to Atlanta restaurants supporting local farmers in search of fresh, organic food.