The U.S. AgricultureDepartment says organic farming is one of the fastest growing segments of thenation's farm economy. The governmentsays organic growers rely on ecologically-based practices in cultivating fruitsand vegetables and they virtually exclude the use of synthetic chemicals. VOA's Mike O'Sullivan reports from MuirBeach, California, where one farm combines organic methods with meditativetechniques from Asia. 

The ancient teachings of Zen Buddhism andthe art of organic gardening are the inspiration behind the Green GulchFarm Zen Center, outside San Francisco.

Wendy Johnson, Organic and Buddhist farmer

Wendy Johnson, 60, spent 25 years working here, seeking enlightenment through hard work and meditation.

"Everybodyhas some sense of the garden or farming as being meditative," she says."Sometimes we ask ourselves, is this a safe haven from the world? Or,is it a field of action? And I think it's, of course, both."

Johnson has written a book on her experiences called Gardening at the Dragon's Gate.

"We'renot talking about gardening really slowly and enjoying each breath andthen planting a seedling and then leaning back and looking at the sky,"she says.  "Some people may love to do that in their garden. Workingrhythmically and full-on, but having a sense and relaxation that comesat the end of the day from doing work you love and doing it well."

Atthe Green Gulch Center, she says farmers here coax leeks, kale andcabbage from the ground, nurturing the soil and surroundingenvironment. She also takes time for some self nurturing, with quietreflection and meditation.

Sara Tashker, 29, manages the farm. A former political activist, she says she now finds fulfillment throughresponsible farming.

"So, to take responsibility of my footprinton the Earth and where I'm eating, and where my garbage goes, seemed tobe more meaningful for me than trying something on a grander scale,"she says.

Wendy Johnson says that growing organic crops is a way to grow spiritually and cultivate your own character.
 
"I never say I manage the garden. The garden really manages me," she says. "That's for sure."