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Dear Friends, Supporters, and Community Members,
New Lands Farm is not your typcial farm! Here's why...
- We grow in two cities on a variety of urban and rural land
- We have over 115 farming families participating
- We produce a diverse group of crops (if you don't know where to buy bitter gourds, look no further!)
- We help new American families be able to feed themselves healthy, fresh food and sell extra organic produce in their local communities
...and we're excited to introduce you to some of the amazing community and food that is growing here this year!
In a few short years, New Lands has been rapidly growing in acerage, farmers, customers and impact in our communities. In 2012, we will be growing on six community garden sites, an urban training farm and our two rural farms totaling seven acres of crop production. Nearly 40 farmers will be marketing products to local ethnic stores, restaurants, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) members and farmers market customers. Our 115 families now represent 10 different countries of origin: Bhutan, Burma, Burundi, Congo, Rwanda, Kenya, Vietnam, Ukraine, Moldova and Poland. We will likely easily exceed last year's record, in which both farm sites produced over 6,000 pounds of produce.
We want to thank all of you who have donated funds and volunteered time to make our mission an increasing reality. We welcome and truly appreciate your continued support. It helps us get more people growing food, more trainings scheduled and more customers reached. We are in particular need of volunteers at our West Springfield farm - for a day or the season. Contact Shemariah for more information.
These periodic newsletters will serve as a way to keep you updated on farm successes, challenges and happenings. We will use this space to provide more detail about our farmers, farm events and stories. Please tune into our website (www.newlandsfarm.org) and facebook page for more frequent photos, announcements and market updates.
Look forward to seeing you on the farm or at the markets!
Shemariah, Ashley, New Lands farmers and crew |
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New Lands Farm mission:
To empower new Americans through agricultural projects that honor their food traditions, provide supplemental income and food security, and contribute meaningfully to their new community and the local food system.
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Our brand new CSA has begun!
This season, New Lands Farm Worcester is introducing a brand new CSA. Our members made their first pick-up of fresh strawberries, mustard greens and veggies on June 12th. Members will continue to pick-up at the farm weekly through October 8th. Shares will be full of typical American crops of the season plus a variety of ethnic crops familiar to our farmers. Expect to see multiple varieties of eggplant, hot peppers, tomatoes, melon, onions, herbs, cauliflower, cabbage, collards, kale, sweet potatoes and more!
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a great way for people to get involved in the local food movement. It works by selling shares of the farm, in exchange for boxes of fresh, organic produce received each week. This advance payment allows farmers to kick-start their production and provides shareholders with healthy, local produce all season long. We are full for this season... but if our pilot goes well expect more shares available next year at both our Worcester and West Springfield farms!
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Meet Your Farmer, Valeria
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Valeria came to Worcester, MA from Burundi four years ago. Since coming to the US, Valeria has learned English and takes classes at LSS. When she is not caring for her two children, she works hard at the farm and evenings at FedEx.
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What did you farm in Burundi?
In Burundi, I grew most of the same things that I grow here: eggplant, onion, cabbage, carrots, peppers, beans, corn, and more. I didn't go to the market to sell, but if people came to me and I needed money, I would sell vegetables to them.
Who taught you how to grow food?
I have always farmed. At home, I helped land owners plant rows of trees, and in exchange they gave me seeds and land to grow on.
Where do you buy food for your family?
I bring home vegetables from the farm to cook for my children, and I shop at Compare Foods on Main Street.
What have you learned from this program?
I have learned how to grow tomatoes. In my home country, I didn't like to plant them because they would become diseased and didn't grow. Here, they grow well!
Valeria's crops have been hugely successful so far. Living Earth's Natural Food Store in Worcester has eagerly bought bunches and bunches of her hearty swiss chard and collards! Join us on Saturdays at the Farmer's market if you would like to try it for yourself!
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| Featured Recipe: Ema Datshi
This dish is distinctly Bhutanese and extremely spicy! Use fewer chilis to cut the heat.
Ingredients
250g of chilis (green and of medium hotness)
1 onion chopped
2 tomatoes
250g Danish Feta cheese
5 cloves of garlic, finely crushed
3 leaves of coriander
2 tspoon vegetable oil
Cut chilis longitudinally. Put these chillies and chopped onions in a pot with 2 cups of water and 2 teaspoon vegetable oil. Boil in medium heat for about 10 minutes. Add tomato and garlic and boil for another 2 mins. Add cheese and let it remain for 2-3 mins. Finally add coriander and turn off the heat. Stir. Remain covered for 2 mins. Serve with a generous portion of red rice or polished white rice, along with some other dish.
Makes 3 servings
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Upcoming Events
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For more info on where to buy New Lands produce, visit:
Where We're Selling
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Rainbow Swiss Chard
ready for CSA!
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Featured Recipe: Cucumber with onion and cheese
The Bhutanese serve soothing side dishes like this one to temper pepper laden entrees like Ema Datshi.
Ingredients
-1/2 seedless cucumber, cut into 1 inch [2.5cm]
-1 medium red onion, peeled and quartered
-1/2 cup crumbled farmer cheese
-1 medium fresh green chili pepper, seeded and diced
-Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Chop the cucumber coarsely. Add the onion and chop finely. Combine in a bowl with the remaining ingredients. Makes 4 servings.
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