Building a community farm

CountryDreaming · #1 04/18/13, 03:37 PM

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please forgive me, this post might be a bit long winded. Hope you don't mind while I think out loud. As in loud keyboard while I type. Anyways here it goes.

I have been inspired...

and its all your fault!

Well, almost. I wouldn't have even looked at other farming videos with out this forum. I would like to start by offering my thanks to all the contributors here at homesteadingtoday.com. I've barely scratched the surface here, but I have learned a lot. Thanks for being willing to share. To spend some of your increasingly valuable time enlightening the rest of us who have only dreamed about being a homesteader / farmer. It might not seem like it, but you are helping a lot of others. Including me.

Before I get to far, here is my reference to inspiration. Some 5 years worth of digital gold and a few minutes on how to change the world.

Extreme Composting
Any Ideas for Rotational Grazing
Allan Savory, Fighting Desertification & Reversing Climate Change

And here is what happened next. I commute to work. On my way home I decided to stop by the super market and pick up a few things. As I got out of my car I was approached by a family. A man his wife and their daughter. They were asking if I could help them out. They were looking for a place to stay. He said he still had a Job and a few bucks in his pocket but they were looking for a room. They just looked sad. It has to cost a man a lot of his dignity and pride to walk around a super market parking lot asking for help. And I had none to give them. My wallet was bare of all but credit cards. My heart says I should have taken them home with me. However, having done that before I know how uncomfortable it made my wife, especially when I have to leave for 14 hours at a time to go to work. Now we also have a small child. I wished them luck and we parted ways.

Doesn't seem like much. Maybe 40 seconds of interaction. But it was one of those experiences that sticks with you. For some crazy reason you can't get it out of your head. I started my walk around the store and was determined by the time I got home that I would at the very least find out what resources my city had to help such people so I could point them in the right direction. I did find that we have some homeless shelters and soup kitchens in town. However there is a problem with that thinking.

I was asking myself who else I could give the problem to. In polite terms that’s called avoiding responsibility. When too many people do that we end up with the stuff you see on the news instead of a place I'd like to live. So in typical fashion for me, I sat and thought over the problem again and again and again and.... until I happened upon this idea.

Why not build a community farm? Not a typical CSA in the general sense. But instead a community supported non profit farm & ranch dedicated to growing food for the local soup kitchens, and the tables of families who need some help. Don't just give away food but get people involved. Trade time on the farm for produce and get them to buy into building a community with their commitment.

How could people get involved? Things as simple as asking families in the area to save their food waste so we can compost them and improve the soil. Things as dedicated as subscribing to buy our products so we can use the profits to build infrastructure. Eventually put some housing on the ground so we can offer families a place to stay and something meaningful for them to do.

That last little bit is important. If you're getting a hand out you haven't worked for sure you're grateful and it helps you in the short term, but you've also gained a debt. If you offer people debt for to long you build dependency. I'm not willing to do that. But if you work for your supper part time then you stop being a leach and start being and owner. Owners take care of the things they've helped to build. Leaches suck your blood till they are full and leave. If I'm not building a community who buys into this project, forget it.

Now, how can I build such a thing? I have some serious obstacles. Chief among them. I don't have any land. I live in tract home with a back yard 60 by 30 feet and 10 x 58 of that is a covered concrete patio. Now you better believe I am going to garden the heck out of that as time and money allow. However as I said you've inspired me. Why create a tiny garden when there are people like Forerunner to compete with? And I better work smart like Agmantoo or I wont be around long. Another challenge is that I have zero farming / ranching experience. And next on the list is I drive a Honda civic due to my 70 mile commute. Hauling home compost material will be interesting. And after those are overcome I will have a serious marketing challenge as I try to mold some public opinion. Financing should be interesting too. But that just means I have to be creative.

On a positive note I live on the south end of Bakersfield California. That’s the bottom of Kern county. On the map just north of the 99 & 5 freeway split. I am quite literally surrounded by resources. Almost anything it seems is grown or raised here. If I can't get this idea off the ground in this place, then it isn't possible.

Here are my thoughts on the subject.

A. Land. Possible sources. I want to talk to the county tax assessors office and ask them if they have any county owned land sitting vacant not producing. For the county tax office I would associate not producing as creating no tax revenue. I want to ask them if they would be willing to give me a decent length lease on some of their property for the cost of the associated taxes. That would provide a space to work. Another thought would be to partner with some real estate agents and get them to find such places for me. Offer the same thing. I'll pay the taxes if I can use the place, and you can write off the cost of the rent you don't get on your taxes. Double win for somebody who's land is just sitting there.

B. No Experience. If I can get this message in front of enough of the local populace I am hoping I can attract a board of advisers. I figure the first few years will be land improvement. Collecting massive amounts of organic matter and composting it. Also putting enough animals on the property and using intensive grazing to improve the land. I can probably figure those things out with the help of this website and some good books. But Gardening on a mass scale to feed a few hundred families each year is going to take more knowledge than I have in my head (Yet). So I'll need some guidance.

C. People I should go talk to:
County Extension Agent
County Tax Assessors Office
City Commerce Group
All people selling at the local farmers market
The local homeless shelters

D. Equipment. Ask people who have it to let me borrow it when needed. Since I'm creating something for the county perhaps I can use the county / local city equipment? Community financing / mini kick starter campaign to raise money for a small tractor? Ask for sponsorship from an equipment manufacturer? Until then its shovel, pitchfork, and post driver.

E. Money. Always something we wish we had more of. I can form a non profit corporation and ask for donations. In case calling hypocrite comes to mind, contemplate that I am asking the community to help me get a ball rolling to help the community. That’s self investment, not a hand out in my book. If they were giving it to me to just help me I could see an issue. I can begin raising the animals I want to use for land improvement and selling them. Using any profits to reinvest in the project.

What do I get personally out of this? A lot. Aside from the chance to do some good around here. I have the chance to start getting my hands dirty. While its difficult to own a cow in suburbia I'm not far enough from pasture to let that be an excuse. And while its a literally tons of work, it should build some character and a story or two. I can show my son a good example as he grows up. I can grow some tasty food. And if I happen to stop some of Kern County from turning to desert in the process, awesome.

At the moment this is just an idea bouncing around pinball style in the space between my ears. What I would love to hear are your thoughts. What else should I consider? Does anything like this already exist? What resources can I tap? Who else should I talk to? How can I make this real?

Many thanks,
Josh

rambler · #2 04/18/13, 04:11 PM

It is very easy to have a non-profit farm!

You have a good heart.

This sort of thing happens in towns where a person who is a bigshot can work through the local city administrators and make a big name for themselves, along the way.

It would be very very difficult for a common man to get any help from govt.

My local town, a big shot built a /green/ mini golf course. They decided to put in a garden on the back of it, kinda what you describe.

The land used was old clay soil, piled up after a temporary levee was taken down. This dirt was declaired polluted, and stockpiled on this corner by the river.

Several years later, this big shot took it over.

They put in the garden, and it failed. So they got a company to put in a watering system - $50,000 worth of irrigation, because the little graden was too dry.

Well that didn't work, so the next year they talked a contstuction co to donate $50,000 of topsoil and multch and haul it in for free, so there was 12 inches of good topsoil on top of the contaminated barren dry clay pile.

Now the big shot holds seminars and is in the paper, how this wonderful low-cost garden is so much better and healthier than regular farming, and can show people how it really should be done.....

The construction co and the irrigation co did their stuff for free, because they got publicity and got a lot closer to the liciencing folks in the city administrators office....

The water they use for constant irrigation is free from the city, the water plant is right next door and they can just run a pipe without a meter. Big shot, connections, etc.

So the food shelf gets a few bagfuls of free produce every week for the last half of the summer, and the big shot can beat her chest about how wonderful she is, and the town can boost how wonderfully green and progressive they are.

It is one heck of a love fest!

I guess to me, the $100,000 of free stuff to turn a contaminated pile of clay into an organic farm, along with the endless free water and labor kinda turns me off to the whole thing......

I sure hope it goes better for you. Sorry for my poor view of such efforts....

--->Paul

Maura · #3 04/18/13, 04:27 PM

That was done here in the thumb about 25 years ago. I think it lasted five years. It was started by a former nun who was able to work through the Catholic community to get volunteers. She did house some people who were on the fringe. Volunteers did the farming. There were problems that were resolved. The farm was meant to send food to the city's soup kitchens. Great idea. Then, the kitchens decided they only wanted canned food, not fresh. Too many people did not know how to prepare fresh, and canned was just easier. The farm fizzled and was sold.

I think you should talk to people who are already involved in community gardens. Call the community colleges and the city (may have garden plots on vacant lots already). Try to use existing resources instead of reinventing the wheel. If there is already some type of community gardening in existence, they will either welcome a fresh person with fresh ideas, or they will freeze you out.

Find out what already exists to feed the street people and poor. There may be a coalition of churches that take turns making lunches and handing them out. If there is, you could donate the garden produce to this organization, ensuring people are getting a carrot, a tomato, etc. in their lunch.

For volunteers, you may be able to interest half way houses and other places where people stay for a length of time and may benefit from the work both mentally and spiritually.

snowcap · #4 04/18/13, 04:28 PM

Better to "plant a row for the hungry".

Forerunner · #5 04/18/13, 05:04 PM

I agree with Paul in that Josh has the heart.

The time will come when there will be people who appreciate this sort of effort, and will contribute to it that they might survive alongside the host/initiator.

There are isolated instances where this is working now, I am certain, but in the mean time..... learn, and take small steps in the direction you want to go.

TheMartianChick · #6 04/18/13, 05:59 PM

My agency operates a youth farming/entrepreneurial initiative in the inner-city. The program has been around for about 15 years or so. The program was originally designed to be like a farmstand where kids ordered fruits and veggies and operated their own stand at local markets. It grew to include teaching about nutrition and how to grow vegetables in the ground and in raised beds. Last year, the program added another dimension by allowing people in the neighborhood to "farm" their own raised bed in exchange for hours served in the "youth" garden. It worked out really well and we found that we need to order more components to build more beds.

There is a small low-income housing complex (30 units) nearby and one of the tenants has been really helpful with assisting those with no gardening experience. We usually have a Master Gardener from Cornell Cooperative Extension on our staff part time during normal summer office hours, but not in the evenings when most of the residents are able to tend their plants.

Your local extension office can be particularly helpful in getting something like this off the ground. There are also many small grants available from private foundations($2,000 or less) and some seed companies give away seeds to programs like this. (Seeds of Change does it, but you will need to partner with a nonprofit agency in order to request them.) There is also a strong push for bringing fresh food to qualified food deserts.

Best of luck with a worthwhile endeavor!

Fire-Man · #7 04/18/13, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CountryDreaming

I commute to work. On my way home I decided to stop by the super market and pick up a few things. As I got out of my car I was approached by a family. A man his wife and their daughter. They were asking if I could help them out. They were looking for a place to stay. He said he still had a Job and a few bucks in his pocket but they were looking for a room. They just looked sad. It has to cost a man a lot of his dignity and pride to walk around a super market parking lot asking for help.

I always want to help people that need help and are willing to help theirself. Some do, some do not.

I had almost the same thing happen to me at WalMarts, but the man had 2 kids---really Sad---they were clean but their clothes looked bad. I gave him $5 to help. I was Bored so I was looking for something to do. I sit back and watched this Family from a distance. Several people handed them money. I even seen 2 hand them a bag with I guess groceries. As it was getting late I seen them start walking---I figured I would go give them a ride somewhere, by the time I got out the parking lot they had walked across the street. I was setting there waiting to get across and they unlocked the door on a nice looking BMW with tall tires and high dollar rims. Got in it and Left. I was ----ed so I followed them at a distance and they went into a real nice development, turned onto a nice concrete driveway to a Nice Home. As I passed by I seen the Wife taking the keys and opened the door. About 2 weeks later a family across the street had a yardsale, I was still bothered by this----I ask the man if he knew the Guy, he said he did but did not have anything to do with him. He said let me tell you about this Guy and what he Does----He and his Wife have good jobs but they spend alot----He said this Guy loads up his "Dressed" up family and goes to WalMarts, Kmarts Etc, Etc and begs for hands out----He said he ran up on the Guy at one of the stores "Doing his Side Job" and Talked to him. The Guy said he can make more money in a 2 or 3 hours doing that than he can at his Job all day and Told this Guy he should Try it.

Thought I would throw this in----Not everyone you See doing this is For Real!

amandaleigh · #8 04/19/13, 10:00 AM

You may want to look into programs that are currently in place at your local food bank. The main food bank in my area has a produce to the people program that many farms donate to (either set aside a field for volunteers to pick for the food bank or donate items that are excess or not quite pretty enough for the stores or markets). They also allow individuals or groups to donate from their gardens, something that a number of schools and churches do (kids get to learn about plants/nature and how to be a helpful member of the community). they have a wide distribution network and do not require those who pick up the products to provide any documentation other than to sign a statement that they are in need and are going to use the items for personal consumption.
If you did start a community farm or community gardening group, you may find that it is best to donate to existing channels of distribution. You could keep info on you about the programs to give to anyone that you see who is in need, so that they know where to go. This would allow you to focus your time and efforts on food production, not the logistical nightmare of distribution, food safety certification, ect.

LostMontanan · #9 04/19/13, 10:22 AM

Hey Josh, thats a solid idea yer forming there... We are moving in a similar direction up here in Oregon and my only piece of advice is just start. Literally start with something, anything, and pieces start coming together. My dad always said "there is nothing hard work and determination cant solve" Boy was he right... As I type this in our first "season" as a small farm business, we have already achieved our written down 5 year projections... Just this morning I received an email from a person in MT who would like to purchase our full CSA share, if I will give it to a family in need in our community. Things are happening quickly, and without much effort on my part now, the farm is a living breathing entity with a direction that is constantly being refined as we progress...

I wish you all the best. Enjoy the simplicity in the hard work to get started, and then watch as your dream starts to come together!

Keep us posted...

geo in mi · #10 04/19/13, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amandaleigh

You may want to look into programs that are currently in place at your local food bank. The main food bank in my area has a produce to the people program that many farms donate to (either set aside a field for volunteers to pick for the food bank or donate items that are excess or not quite pretty enough for the stores or markets). They also allow individuals or groups to donate from their gardens, something that a number of schools and churches do (kids get to learn about plants/nature and how to be a helpful member of the community). they have a wide distribution network and do not require those who pick up the products to provide any documentation other than to sign a statement that they are in need and are going to use the items for personal consumption.
If you did start a community farm or community gardening group, you may find that it is best to donate to existing channels of distribution. You could keep info on you about the programs to give to anyone that you see who is in need, so that they know where to go. This would allow you to focus your time and efforts on food production, not the logistical nightmare of distribution, food safety certification, ect.

I agree....................... you start with a very noble ambition, but you could easily burn out with the overwhelming details that could shut it down. Surely in your community there is already an organization or food bank to which you can volunteer and learn the ropes.

geo

Big Dave · #11 04/20/13, 10:42 AM

Dancing Rabbit farm? Is that still around? They are in Mo. Another one that comes to mind is the PHARM in NM. Do not know if either is still around.

joebill · #12 04/20/13, 09:53 PM

I'll give you a suggestion as to where to start, all right. Start by asking county officials what the incidence of childhood malnutrition is. You will find that other than druggies and drunks who scarcely rememmber that they have children, it is ZERO! I have been through it several times. Your interest and passion mark you as a fine man, but your cause is a lost one.

I knew one man who had the right idea. Every place that had broken ground, regardless of the project, he went and sowed it with turnip seed, then publicised it in local papers and flyers. payed for it out of his own pocket. Nobody thought it was worth the efffort to harvest the greens or the turnips except the organic food folks.

I used to travel a lot on my sales route. Sometimes I'd run into people in real trouble on the road. When I gave them food, it meant something, but the others just wanted money. If you want to make a difference, raise turnips or else raise money and give it to the salvation army. They know how to seperate the sheep from the goats. God Bless you for caring, but don't be an idiot. The bad guys are just as good at their jobs as you are at yours, and more aggressive.......Joe

Vosey · #13 04/20/13, 10:18 PM

I see childhood malnutrition all the time in my work. Usually because the parents are using meth, opiates etc..

But I think the OP has a fantastic idea that I know many others are dreaming about doing across the country and the time is really ripe for this. Yes, there are many scammers out there, and those who just want to pick up their food box with canned food. But there are also a lot of low income and needy people who would like fresh foods and would prefer to pay back their indebtedness. Maybe that is more of what I see being in a rural area and working with the medically uninsured and their values are different than in urban areas. Connecting with like-minded people is what will make this work CountryDreaming!

CountryDreaming · #14 04/21/13, 05:51 PM

Hi Everyone. Thanks for your thoughts.

I agree that there are some people who would rather not take the time to help weed a garden or turn a compost pile. But not being willing to do a simple thing that just needs doing would be a great way to shake off the fakes.

I agree about not trying to reinvent the wheel. I would absolutely prefer to distribute through currently established organizations. And I also get what LostMontanan says. Just start. I know that I have a tendency to fall into the trap of over thinking things. So I will start tomorrow morning by making some appointments with local officials and shelter directors to see how I can mesh my desires with their needs.

God tends to take a plan and morph it to be little in resemblance to the original idea. So we'll see where things take me. I'll let you know how it goes.