History
Seven families own the Small Farmers Project. We formed our group and created our cooperative farm plan in 2008 as participants in a local non-profit, Huerto de la Familia, (The Family Garden) a partner of Heifer International. The organization provides low-income Latino families the opportunity and instruction to grow their own food in community gardens, and to create micro-businesses related to agricultural products.
The Small Farmers Project specializes in organic blackcap raspberries and both day-neutral and June-bearing varieties of strawberries. They sell strawberries to local food businesses and cafes, at our Eugene farm stand, and by u-pick. We sell our blackcap raspberries through Organically Grown Company. We plan to grow mixed vegetables and ethnic crops in the future.
Vision:
To stand for the economic growth of its members and families.
Mission:
• Being our own bosses in the production and marketing of organic fruits and vegetables.
• Working together on equal terms, creating opportunities for education, and training of individuals for the good of all.
• Helping our communities in educating them on the importance of growing and eating organic food, and sharing plants and foods.
• And planting the seed of awareness for us, the community and the preservation of the planet.
This video is about empowerment. It powerfully demonstrates the multiple benefits of being one’s own boss, working as a part of an organic farm business and planting the seed of awareness for the community about preservation of our land and planet.
Featured in the film:
- Sarah Cantril, Executive Director, Huerto de la Familia
- Young Kim, Executive Director, Fondy Food Center
- Fred Kirschenmann, Distinguished Fellow, Leopold Center
- Tom Lively, Senior Account Representative, Organically Grown Company
- Severine von Tscharner Fleming , Director, The Greenhorns
- Megan Kemple, Program Coordinator, Willamette Farm & Food Coalition
- Margarito, President, The Small Farmers’ Project
- Basilio, Secretary, The Small Farmers’ Project
