Martien Lankester

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Martien Lankester is Executive Director at Avalon Foundation, an organisation that since 1991 has developed and implemented projects in the field of sustainable/organic farming and agri-environmental programs in over 30 countries. These programs are always set up in cooperation with local partners, with the aim to combine food security with sustainable land use. Martien is also a member of the Advisory Council of care farm Gerbrandastate.

Professional Background
Martien Lankester was trained as a medical doctor and public health specialist, and has been involved in sustainable food for more than 45 years. Next to his medical practice he set up in 1977 a (still existing) organic farm to underline the need for sustainable food production. The broad multiple benefits of organic farming, the relation between agriculture and nature/biodiversity/ecosystems and the true cost of food production are important themes in his work. In the early nineties he established besides Avalon in Fryslan also the foundation Soune Groun (Healthy Soil). Later he also chaired the Supervisory Board of IUCN Netherlands Committee for six years.

Personal Motto
“The sustainable farmer is the doctor of the future who can heal the earth.”