Continuing my quest to better understand the cycle of Farm to (sustainable) Table I was referred to Fortunate Farms up along the Mendocino Coast.
“Fortunate Farm is an intergenerational family farm that grows heirloom vegetables, berries and flowers in the small town of Caspar in Mendocino County. We farm with sincere care for the land and are committed to improving and protecting its beautiful, rock-free sandy loam soil. The farm’s 40 acres are made up of pastures, creeks, forest and a large spring-fed irrigation pond.”
So with a thermos of black coffee, a bag of cookies, and my fluffy Benji by my side, up we went.
The OM Shack Airbnb
Benji made himself right at home
Meeting gowan
I am not an easy writer so I'm afraid I wont' be able to do her justice in my description. She is astounding. Her farm operation is the perfect example of sustainable cycle with room for experimentation as she feels so inclined. Fortunate Farms partnering with North Coast Brewing Co, allows her to create valuable compost from the brewery's leftover grains, then in turn selling the seasonal crops directly back to the Brewery's restaurant.
"This relationship not only feeds our plants but also diverts thousands of pounds of valuable nutrients from municipal waste systems. "
We talked for hours about where farming is going vs where is needs to go. How to get there? How does modern science play into how the general public view "organic." What is the root of the issue in driving the buyers to view sustainable agriculture as a necessity rather than a luxury?
"I don't mean to alarm you, but there is the most adorable tiny frog just here."
Don't worry Benji, we shall return...
