Elderberries To Nourish People and the Land

For Anna Geyer, the journey toward sustainability begins with awareness that human health is tied to the health of the land. Anna and her husband, Dave, raise row crops, hay and grass-fed beef. But Anna also produces table food and offers land-based classes, lodging and retreats on the farm.

Anna has also made space for perennial agriculture, which she describes as an opportunity to shift our relationship with the environment. In addition to raising hazelnuts and chestnuts, Anna has added 3,000 elderberry bushes to their land since 2022. She is eager to share what she’s learned about elderberry production, processing and packaging. She’ll also discuss how she’s working toward long-term ecological health with a transition toward perennials.