2 minute read
From the Board President
Listening to ways to better serve our local farmers’ needs
By Alana Lucia, BriarPatch Board President
Whenever things seem chaotic, my motto is “garden harder.” Bending, stretching, getting my hands in the soil, all gratifying to the body and spirit. Also, the fruits of my labor are quite literal as well. This time of year, there is usually a nice abundance of something I planted that did better than all the rest and with this abundance I am able to share with friends and neighbors.
Similarly, at BriarPatch, as we expand into a new community, we are sharing the fruits of our labors with our neighbors. The Board has been having a wonderful time getting to know the Auburn community better. Auburn no longer feels like a neighboring town, but an extension of a larger community. With an expanded definition of local, we are getting to know the different regions with which we are interacting. The successes and challenges of the farmers in this region are of particular interest to the Board. Listening to ways that we can better serve their needs, so that they, in turn, can serve ours is part of the symbiotic relationship we all feel quite passionate about. Over the summer we were able to hear from different farmers within our watershed at one of our Board meetings. We listened to them talk about the risks and challenges involved in investing in land that they are leasing. We received appreciation for supporting the Forever Farms program which holds agricultural land in perpetuity for the farmer. David Benson, our Produce Department Manager, the disruptions in supply chains and effects of climate change that we are now experiencing, I am also comforted by having our food grown closer to home. We benefit by having these hard-working individuals working their magic here in these rugged foothills. While I love beautiful food, no matter where it comes from, I have a special appreciation for our local food supply and all of the individuals and
always receives kudos for working with local farms to organize who is bringing in what during the different growing seasons.
With the way agriculture has grown into more of a “world market,” along with organizations who support it. It is especially delightful to give thanks for my food, and to think of the faces of the families who provided it for us and to wish them well with the offering.
