North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Ethan G <ethanagri4@gmail.com>]

Dear CRFG,

I am a Jewish permaculture and peace activist now in Berkeley and Santa
Cruz, with a special interest in preserving Palestinian fruit tree culture and
orchards. I am beginning to start a new Foundation with a focus on identifying,
protecting and propagating these trees, especially in the West Bank.

There has been a lot of international effort focused on sustaining the native
Olive culture of Palestine, but much less emphasis on the much rarer apricots,
pomegranates, walnuts, figs, and more. I am very interested in consulting
and collaborating with CFRG growers and experts who may be interested
in helping as I embark on this mission, focused on the West Bank's
non-olive fruit trees.

I am a graduate of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies in Israel, and I
have practiced permaculture and biodynamic vegetable growing in the US, but
one thing I have not yet learned is grafting fruit trees.

Therefore, this summer, I am most keen to meet California fruit growers, especially
in the Santa Cruz, SF Bay or North Coast areas who can help me learn some grafting
techniques, and other relevant fruit tree knowledge.

Due in part to the Mediterranean climate similarities of inner Palestine, much of Israel,
and many parts of California, I am hopeful that there will be opportunities for substantial
cooperation in research and propagation efforts between people in these bioregions.

Thank you and I look forward to responses from individual CFRG members.

Sincerely,
Ethan Genauer