Sarah:
My first experience on an organic farm was on a field trip to Hidden Villa in elementary school. I’ve always been an eater and somewhere in my earlier years I managed to develop a sincere appreciation for the creativity and fun of cooking. While in college at UC Davis I read a book called Hope’s Edge by Frances Moore Lappe. It introduced me to food on a global scale. Soon after, I switched my major to International Agricultural Development and dove headfirst into what is now my passion.
At UCD I was able to work alongside my peers at the Student Farm and Ecological Garden. There, I gained my first hands on experience growing food. I think I fell in love with farming at first sight. I loved the fact that you could just BE dirty and it meant you’d (hopefully) accomplished something. I loved the infinite variables that led to a successful harvest, the complexity of crop rotations, and the endless fresh new flavors.
Since those “early” days, I have had the opportunity to learn and work on farms in Costa Rica, Chile, Oregon, and Washington. In Portland I have worked with the Sauvie Island Center, Metro’s Waste Reduction Education Program, Oregon Tilth, OSU Extension, and Zenger farm, working with the public about sustainable gardening, farming, and living. Currently, I work on various local food related projects around town, tend our homestead, and grow our business.
Conner:
My interest in agriculture started with childhood cherry tomato wars. During my time at UC Davis, working towards a B.A. in International Relations, I gravitated towards a lifestyle that brought me closer to the land, my food…and a special farmer friend. Things were looking up. A creative livelihood combined with a healthy lifestyle felt like something to work towards. In the years since, I’ve enjoyed honing my growing skills in the Pacific Northwest, where we’ve managed a variety of organic operations. Sarah and I (still that special friend) thrive in developing a small farm business together, and are happiest when savoring a home grown meal.
