By Kestrel Burcham, JD, Policy Director
The organic and environmental conservation communities have lost one of our leaders and great advisors: Dr. Barry Flamm passed away recently at 92 years old. Barry was a wonderful friend and ally in Cornucopia’s work to protect organic integrity – and he knew firsthand the environmental benefits of growing food organically.
Barry was also one of the first people to really welcome me into the world of organic advocacy. We bonded over our shared love for horses and nature. Barry connected my passion for environmental conservation with the organic movement, and that got me invested in this work at a personal level.
Alongside his lifelong devotion to environmental advocacy, Barry served on the National Organic Standards Board and operated the first certified organic sweet cherry orchard in Montana.
Sometimes, the ecological benefits of organic farming are underappreciated by the larger marketplace, but Barry championed the science-based benefits of organic practices.
He understood the benefits of healthy soil too – not just to human health, but its impact on the global ecosystem. Dr. Flamm served on the NOSB Crops Committee when they called for prohibition of soilless production under the organic seal. Barry advocated to “keep the soil in organic” long after his term ended.
Dr. Flamm was a true asset to the Cornucopia board for four years. His breadth of experience and deep passion for improving and maintaining organic standards offered a needed perspective and leadership for the organization’s efforts at NOSB meetings and beyond.
He and I collaborated with Cornucopia’s allies at Wild Farm Alliance to protect sensitive native ecosystems from destruction. Barry always pushed organic agriculture to do better, following the science that promoted soil health, clean water, and conservation of natural resources.
We continue to be guided by his deep love for the natural world. The organic movement is sharper and brighter for his life’s efforts.
Read Dr. Flamm’s essay, written in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Organic Foods Production Act.
