Our first planning meeting was a success. With over 30 people in attendance and over half of them volunteering to help take us to the next level, phase 2, and beyond.
I have to admit I was a bit nervous launching my first public address to the community. But once we got rolling I was relaxed and enjoying the enthusiastic response to the presentation.
We will post a video of the meeting soon, so stay tuned!
We will be sending emials to those of you who have signed up to help out. We will be assigning specific tasks for you, scheduling a working meeting to clarify and discuss plans to carryout these tasks.
For phase 2 plans and volunteer opportunities see the ”Planning” category sidebar.
Ruth encountered this group in Illinois. Their mission sounds inspiring;
The Talking Farm’s mission is to operate a sustainable urban agricultural enterprise that provides fresh and locally-grown food, job training and environmental education, and related research.
This is a short (9 min) documentary that chronicles the regular practices and annual plant sale of a community garden in Austin, TX. It is inspiring and heart-warming. And we have contacted the Sunshine Community Garden and asked for a better quality version of the film so we could show it to those interested in The Oviedo Farm. They have graciously offered to send us a copy on DVD and wished us good luck in our endeavors!
The Oviedo Farm project will need funds to operate. Especially at the scale we eventually want to grow into – providing a community resource to the citizens of Oviedo. Sources of financial support could include;
Festivals – We will hold harvest time celebrations that will be open to the public twice per year. Through the sale of raffle tickets, bake sales and the collection of donations the public will have an opportunity to support The Oviedo Farm.
Volunteering – We welcome volunteers of all ages and capabilities from within the community and surrounding communities. Volunteer share days with UCF and the like.
Donations – We will look to the business community for their support of the farm.
Charity – The Oviedo Farm will make donations to local charities in return.
Grants – We will seek the aid of available grant money.
If you have ideas for others, please let us know. Also, if you wish to donate (equipment, time, or money), please contact us!
The Oviedo Farm is more than a community garden. It should (eventually) be able to provide a variety of Products and Services to the local community including;
Production – We will grow heirloom varieties that grow well in central FL. By laws will include guides for growing sustainably. This means using only the best quality natural fertilizers and compost materials available. It also means using well and rain water for irrigation.
Job Training – Programs will include: Youth Programs for Summer and After School. Volunteer Programs to support community service goals. Skills Training Programs to promote job opportunities.
Education – Adult Classes – organic gardening, composting, food preservation and more. Youth Classes – tying into public school curriculum on natural life cycles, nutrition & health, and environmental science.
Agricultural Therapy – Engaging the elderly or the special needs members of our community using raised bed frames.
Here are some objectives for The Oviedo Farm project to tackle in the very first year. What do you think? Are these realistic? Or too easy? And can you think of other objectives we should accomplish? Please comment and let us know!
Establish Needs & Interests of the Community – Present idea to OEDC board meeting to see if the vision is supported by the community. Meet with community members to share vision and find out what the community would like to see The Oviedo Farm be for them.
Form a Committee – Select a core staff of dedicated and experienced people to help with the development of the farm.
Find Land – Locate and secure through donation or lease.
Incorporate – Become incorporated as an LLC and attain 501 (C) (3) status. Possibly through an umbrella organization – The Simple Living Institute.
Pilot Program – Launch a pilot program in August of 2010 from which to expand on.
Our first planning meeting was a success. With over 30 people in attendance and over half of them volunteering to help take us to the next level, phase 2, and beyond.
