Ben Garland

I love all that plants can do for us — food, medicine, alcohol, shelter, fragrance, energy, dyes, etc. This has led me to attain an MS in Crop Science and certifications in international agriculture, permaculture design, and herbal medicine.

For 4.5 years I worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service where I helped farmers plan conservation projects such as irrigation upgrades, cover crops, rotational grazing, composting, wildlife habitat, etc. I also increased the office's organic program participation by over 600% and planned more conservation on organic farms than any other agent in the state.

In July 2014 I decided to give up the comfort of a secure federal job because I felt like I could somehow make a more meaningful contribution to the world. I'm now in an 8-month herbalism program at the California School of Herbal Studies which ends in November 2015. I am continually fascinated by all of the ways that plants can contribute to our health and well-being.

———

BS Horticulture, UGA

MS Crop Science, NCSU