Live Earth Farm Leaves No Community Behind

As far as community farms are concerned, Live Earth Farm, a CSA and educational nonprofit at the north end of Green Valley Road, may be a huge force in their industry.

But even with their growth, Jason Wade, a staff member of the Watsonville fixture, states that the focus of the farm remains in tact. 

“The philosophy to connect people with the food," Wade said. "The idea being that so many people have been raised on the culture of you going to the grocery store where you get the meat in the package and the produce. There is a disconnect between the earth, and the food, and the people. So Live Earth really wants to say bring that connect back.”

Live Earth has a unique way of keeping that connection solid through their CSA program, which stands for Community Supported Agriculture. During two seasons of the year, the farm offers reasonably priced memberships giving giving locals access to some of the freshest produce around.

Making the most of 100 acres can be an intimidating task but creators Thomas Broz and his wife Constance seemed to have a handle on it. Starting the concept in 1995 as a community-type garden amongst their neighbors and friends, the CSA was launched a year later as an effective way to get the produce out to the public. 

The membership has grown from about 20 members to around 900 and has spread much farther than ever imagined.

“We’re [now] into the Santa Clara valley," Wade said. "We’re all through Monterey, which is the furthest south we go on the coast.” 

Wade also names the west side of Santa Cruz, San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley and Felton as the homes of members. A continuous expansion is also occurring through Gilroy up to Sam Carlos.

Though business is growing, the farm is trying to expand in other ways outside of subscriptions through farmer’s markets, restaurants and school lunch programs. The farm is also looking to tap their produce into "food deserts", also known as neighborhood corner stores where people normally would find processed food.

They've started raising their own eggs, which go for $7 a dozen to CSA members and $7.50 at farmers markets. There also are value-added products available, like jam and honey.

Other functions of the farm include education classes for schools, self tours around the land, and an increasing number this year of community farm days, making this a year round facility. 

“We also have a number of large celebrations, [including] summer solstice, and in the fall there is another celebration. That’s a chance for members to come out," Wade said.

Though the subscription fee may have been a barrier between Live Earth and some of the community who are from a low-income background, there has been a gradual shift with the farm. They are in the process of acquiring the proper paperwork to accept electronic food stamps, and they accepted payment plans for members who need it. For more information on Live Earth Farm, please visit www.liveearthfarm.net.