In the 2007 season, the Energy Farm Program has been working to manifest a portion of the Relocalization vision as it pertains to a local food and biofuel system. The farm is a natural place to establish any local economic system because it produces items of tangible value for the community. Thus, we talk a lot about CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), a means of encouraging “prosumers” to not only invest in the products of an organic farm, but also to support practices that build healthy soil, provide examples to the youth, and strengthen bonds between friends and neighbors.

In a U.S. food system that as been built largely around export, we have a lot of work to do to demonstrate the steps in fostering and expanding a successful local food and biofuel system. We know that the reliable production of local food is a vital step to promote energy security. By building healthy soil and reducing a community’s dependence on imported food, fiber, and energy, farms will play a central role in cultivating both well-being and independence.

In light of these observations, the Willits Energy Farm at Brookside Elementary has been pulling in the largest harvests of the season. Bushels of tomatoes and potatoes, cabbage, sweet peppers, and onions are all sending CSA members home with heaps of food. The heads of Peredovik sunflowers are bowing low with the weight of their oil-rich seeds.

This month the Energy Farm was featured as part of a local farm tour in Willits. Guests were invited to enjoy the beauty of mid September and view our demonstrations as we discussed Energy Farm Concepts and the importance of local food. In this first year the farm was easily able to support nine members, and we using opportunities like the local farm tour to sell 15-20 shares for the 2008 season. In preparation for next season, 600 square feet of garlic is set to go in this week, and 700 more starts will be transplanted by the last week of September to round out the over-winter preparations. Cover crops of fava beans and vetch, winter grains, and clover will help to naturally add nitrogen and organic matter to the soil while protecting against erosion and damage from hard winter rain.

Chris demonstrating a treadle thresher

Jason & Chris demonstrating a winnower