Glen Ellen bio-pot farmer to be saluted at salmon soiree

Erich Pearson, the biodynamic cannabis farmer who operates Sparc Farm in Glen Ellen, will be feted by the Golden State Salmon Association at the group’s annual salmon dinner on Nov. 16.

The group chose Pearson as its 2019 honoree due to the way such biodynamic farming practices – which parallel many organic farming methods – can help local watersheds remain “sustainable and clean,” GSSA officials said in a press release.

The salmon-fishing-eating advocacy group has previously chosen honorees outside the salmon industry, often saluting local farmers whose sustainability has benefited the watershed.

“We are thrilled to honor Erich this year and he rightfully joins other Sonoma water stewards including Sam Sebastiani, Mike Benziger, Phil Coturri, the Mulas family and Grant Davis,” said GSSA president John McManus in the release. “Additionally proceeds (from the dinner) will help us continue to fight salmon battles including government water and environmental rollbacks and ocean health while keeping salmon fishing families on the water and salmon on Californians’ plates.”

This year’s dinner will feature California wild King salmon, followed by an auction, from which all proceeds go to GSSA’s work to restore California’s most important salmon runs.

The Nov. 16 event begins at 5 p.m. at Viansa Winery, 25200 Arnold Drive. Individual tickets are $125; sponsored table of 10 is $1,250. Check out goldenstatesalmonassociation.org.