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Billiam van Roestenberg (born 1965) is an American political activist and organic farmer. Van Roestenberg was a member of the first same-sex couple to be married in New York State, one of many weddings conducted February 2004 in New Paltz, New York. He ran for Ulster County Legislature in 2005 on the Democratic ticket. He is a community farm activist, maintaining one of the few organic apple orchards in New York State, which was nominated for the "Top Ten Apple Picking Farms in America". ==Liberty View Farm== Billiam van Roestenberg left New York City in 1999 to become an organic farmer. He purchased an orchard with of Cortland and Empire apples in Clintondale, New York. Within a few years he and his farm, Liberty View Farm, became known for cultural activism and agricultural innovations. Liberty View Farm is named for its view of the Shawangunk Ridge and for "liberty" from pesticides and conventional farming practices. The organically grown vegetables, herbs, edible flowers, bee hives, goats for milk and cheese and 100 chickens, many of which are rare heirloom breeds, are maintained by van Roestenberg, his partner, Rene, and a team of interns, apprentices, volunteers and staff. The orchard is one of a few organic ones in the Northeast. The farm's "Lease a Tree" program allows seasonal "ownership" of an apple tree and its produce. The "Charter a Chicken" program offers access to eggs and visitation with the renter's "pet". The farm works with local agencies, schools, and groups in order to provide internships and employment for people with various disabilities. Through the VESID program, disabled workers are given the opportunity to learn about agriculture, small business, marketing, and other aspects of farming. There are educational programs for local students to learn about sustainability, and there are classes addressing topics such as the honeybee crisis.〔 The farm has been used as a venue for benefits and to promote local art, events and businesses. Liberty View Farm provides apples to soup kitchens and schools, with 50 trees donated yearly to the hungry. His newsletter and blog, "Cultivating Community and Farmers" and "The Frugal Farmer", highlight events of agricultural and political import and encourage community involvement. The farm was named among "America's Top Ten Apple Picking Farms" by ''Travel & Leisure Magazine American Express'' in 2009. The apples grown at Liberty View Farm are certified naturally grown. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Billiam van Roestenberg」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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