It was only a matter of time before Brandywine tomatoes were given the
same paddle-and-podium treatment as Richard Prince. On September 23
Sotheby’s will hold “The Art of Farming,” a live auction featuring
produce grown from heirloom seeds on 40 of the most progressive farms in
the Northeast, including Beekman 1802 and Consider Bardwell. Not that
Sotheby’s is exploiting the emerging food market. In fact, this auction
is for charity—meals, farm visits, and other events will also be
auctioned—and proceeds will benefit Sylvia Center at Katchkie Farm, an
education outreach program, and GrowNYC’s New Farmer Development
Project, which helps immigrants establish farms in New York State. That
same day Sotheby’s will host a series of discussions on sustainability
and food culture, followed by a multicourse meal with culinary
contributions from, among others, Jean-Georges Vongerichten and
Dominique Ansel, pastry chef at Daniel. It seems the best way to save
good food is simply to eat it.