Matt & Angela’s Story:
We both grew up gardening, which we have continued into our adult lives. Over time we’ve learned a great deal about the problems with – and vulnerabilities of – the industrial food production system. This created a desire to be responsible for growing at least some of our own food. We joined a CSA about two years ago, and were impressed with what they were able to do with only five acres.

When we started looking for a house to buy, we focused on finding a place with enough land, sun, and good soil to grow some food. When gas prices spiked, it really drove the point home for us. If we hadn’t been lucky enough to find our place – an old house on wonderful land – we probably wouldn’t be able to contemplate beginning to farm. We feel very fortunate, and look forward to this journey. Our biggest challenge will be that we must both continue to work full time at our jobs to get the farm off the ground. But we look forward to the time when we can make much – or all – of our living from our land.

Plan for 2010 and beyond:
Starting on May 12, 2010, we will start selling at the Farmers Market in Fort Bragg (in front of City Hall, Wednesdays 3:00 – 6:00 pm); if we find we are able to grow enough, we will add a second market (Mendocino), which is only about 13 miles away. We are also hoping to develop a business relationship with a few local restaurants and/or B&Bs;, perhaps growing specific crops for them. Since it is our first year, we’ll grow a limited number of vegetables, herbs, and a couple of varieties of cut flowers. We hope to expand the selection for next year. We’re currently selling eggs to co-workers, and may expand our laying flock to sell the excess at the Farmer’s Market. This year we’re also in the process of adding couple of hives of bees, mostly for pollination and a home supply of honey.
We’ve planted 20 fruit trees, and are trying out several varieties of berries to see which do best in our area. When those perennial crops start producing well, we will add them to our market selection, hopefully planting more in coming years.