Areas of Focus
Wood, Water, Grain
A forester, farmer, and distiller might not cross paths in the normal course of their work, but they have much in common.
Since 2012 Dendrifund has partnered with Brown-Forman, the Brown family, and community members to strengthen connections across wood, water and grain value chains for greater sustainability.
We commit to cultivating common ground for common solutions, continuing this work the Dendrifund way to address sustainability issues related to three natural resources most important for the distillation and aging of whiskey.
Wood(lands)
When managing for white oak, the full forest ecosystem is improved. White oak is the primary material used in making whiskey barrels, imparting 100% of its color and ~60% of the flavor, and serves as a hallmark of forest ecosystem health.
The White Oak Initiative (www.whiteoakinitiative.org) is Dendrifund’s signature program in this area. As a co-founder, Dendrifund will continue to support the transition of this initiative from a planning phase to an implementation phase.
Water(sheds)
Where nature is present, water quality and quantity are improved. Limestone-filtered water is a whiskey signature, exemplifying nature’s importance as a natural filter. Regenerative forest and field practices also positively impact water and provide common ground with the potential to unite communities.
Water is arguably Dendrifund’s largest body of work—advanced through its woodland and grain field signature programs. Dendrifund will continue to create conversations and communications that link wood, water, and grain ecosystems together more directly and that drive forums for joint action related to nature-positive strategies.
Grain(fields)
When fields are under live cover year-round, soil and water quality is improved. Corn, rye, wheat, and barley are the dominant grains used in whiskey. When grown in regenerative rotation bare acres can be significantly reduced and soil and water quality improved.
The Initiative to Bring Rye Back to Kentucky is Dendrifund’s signature program in this area. Dendrifund will continue to support this and other commercial cover crop initiatives that make growing corn and other grains locally more sustainable.
The Dendrifund Way
The Dendrifund Way is how we align industry, nature, and society - bringing stakeholders together to cultivate common ground to renew wood, water, and grain ecosystems.
News
Help Us:
Convene by coming to the table with new networks, resources, and ideas.
Seed by getting involved with exciting and innovative initiatives from the ground up.
Incubate by taking action and ownership to help sustain the future.
