Seth Friedman

Seth Friedman's picture
Basic Info
Wild Gift Class Year: 
2005
Work Focus: 
Education
Sustainable Food & Agriculture
Water
Location: 
1035 SW 9th St, Unit H1
Gainesville  Florida  32601
United States
Current Occupation: 
PhD in Horitculture Science (Sustinable/Organic Vegetable Production)
The Wild Gift was an invaluable component of my career trajectory, as I received it during a formative time in my life when I was debating different career paths. It helped me to move in the direction of my dreams and towards a career path in sustainable agriculture education. With the help of the Wild Gift, I made my documentary film, and then went on to show it at different colleges/universities/conferences. The film has served to inspire others along a path to developing projects similar to the PEAS Farm. Without the Wild Gift, I surely wouldn't be where I am today, pursuing a PhD in Horticulture at the University of Florida. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Wild Gift.
Impacts of My Work: 
The documentary film inspired students and faculty at different colleges and universities around the nation to initiate community/educational sustainable farming programs
My Story: 

The mission of my Wild Gift project – PEAS Consulting – located in Missoula, Montana is to help establish community farm operations based on a successful community food initiative in Missoula between the U of Montana’s Program in Ecological Agriculture and Society (PEAS) and local nonprofit groups.  I produced a broadcast quality film of the PEAS operation that conveys its values and benefits.  I was armed with my training, the film, and a long term goal to help establish campus and/or community farms throughout the nation. I was responsible for the conception of a campus farm planned for James Madison University.  Most recently I was the farm manager at an educational/community farm associated with Montana State University. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Florida.  For my doctoral research, I am researching the effects of using biochar to improve soil quality and vegetable yields in organic systems.  In addition, biochar offers benefits with respect to climate change mitigation, waste management, and the generation of renewable energy.