Uncategorized | Backyard Roots

Alemany Farm is San San Francisco’s largest urban farm. Tucked into the hills to the west of Interstate 280 on Alemany Boulevard, you might drive by it every day and never know that it’s there. 3.5 acres, all organic and run almost completely by volunteers, it’s organized by a collective of about 9 core members whose mission is to teach city folks about growing food sustainably without pesticides. Last year they grew over 25,000 pounds of food and they gave it all away for free. Most of it goes to low income neighbors at the Free Farm Stand at 23rd and Treat in the Mission every Sunday from 12-3pm, the rest goes to volunteers and neighbors.

Alemany Farm relies on volunteers to keep the farm going. You don’t have to sign up, just show up on any of their weekly workdays. It’s a great place to come learn; you get to work with the nicest people who send you home with a bag of delicious, organic vegetables. Check out the video I made and then go get your hands dirty!

Learn more here: AlemanyFarm.org

Urban Adamah is and educational farm and community center located in the heart of Berkeley. “Adamah” means “earth” in Hebrew. The idea to combine leadership training, organic farming, and progressive Jewish living was launched a decade ago by Adam Berman in Connecticut. Five years ago he brought the program to Berkeley. It’s now an independent nonprofit that offers fellowships, programs and camps, workshops and public programs.

I happened to stop by the one acre permaculture farm a month ago after driving by it for years. By chance it was their harvest and free farm stand day. Farm manager Willow Rosenthal (above) helped volunteers gather vegetables and greens. Everything was washed, weighed and logged. At 11am the stand opened. 90% of the produce grown at the farm is shared with neighbors who otherwise don’t have access to fresh produce. Carrots, garlic, greens, and radishes were harvested while I was there along with donations from local businesses like bread, milk, and eggs. Since opening, the farm has shared over 25,000 lbs of produce. There are over 100 raised beds, two greenhouses, a chicken coop, goats, bees, aquaponics and more. Stop by the farm at 1050 Parker Street but see it soon. They’ve recently purchased a permanent home 2.2 acre home in Northwest Berkeley and they’ll be moving in December. Check their website: http://urbanadamah.org There are all kinds of workshops and programs from learning aquaponics to making heritage corn into tortillas.