Community Supported Agriculture is a growing trend as community members are looking to support their local farmers and become better connected to their community and where their food comes from. At its core Community Supported Agriculture is a connection between a nearby farmer and the people who eat the food the farmer produces, but one local community member has reversed this model and is helping to support a community of farmers with their land.
With the support of Christian and Rosemary Ezidiegwu, Emmanuel Ndeze Shabihango and other members of the Congo, Buriundi, and Rowanda refugee communities in the central New York area have found success returning to their roots by farming. They started farming four years ago with land from the Ezidiegwu family and through doing so have brought unique new products to our area. The farm produces products commonly grown in Africa like sorghum, which is used to make flour, porridge, and juices. Also grown on the land is a unique type of corn that is similar to a cross between Indian and Sweet corn. Besides the uniqueness of some of the produce that is grown here all of these products are produced organically with the same practices that were used on their home farms in Africa before resettlement. All of the produce are hand planted, weeded, and picked.
In a truly communal fashion these ten acres of donated land are farmed by eighteen different people and the food is shared between twelve families supplementing the diets of about sixty adults and children. “This food is important to our families”, explains Emmanuel. When budgets get tight the food from their farm serves as an important source of nutrition. The success of the farm reaches much further than the families directly involved. The excess food grown here is shared with other refugee communities in need of food from Buffalo and Rochester to as far away as Michigan. Emmanuel predicts that over 250 people have shared in the harvest off the land.
The Ezidiegwu's are proud of the support then can provide to Emmanuel and the other refugees in our area and say that the refugees have done such an amazing job over the years especially given the fact that mechanized farm equipment is beyond their reach, and they've had to do it all manually. Their farming skills are quite impressive, which explains why each year they have been able to produce way more food than they know what to do with. They have gradually eased into selling some of the produce at the local regional farmer's market. The refugees are hardworking and we believe that they are capable of contributing so much more to the pool of organic farm produce available in central New York. However, this can only happen if others are kind enough to offer the much needed assistance with mechanized farm equipment, additional agricultural farm land and access to local green houses.
It is truly inspiring to see the impact that can be had when people work together and support one another. Emmanuel is always welcoming to visitors to the farm. If you are interested in visiting or learning more about the project visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/Songambele-Cooperative-Farm/938723126191993
2015 Mini Grant Program
Are you a business owner in Madison County? Check out Partnership for Community Development's Mini-Grant program... Applications are due September 25th! The purpose of this program is to foster greater economic development and activity in the Hamilton area by encouraging and enabling our community's small businesses to undertake new and innovative projects. There are nine grants available at $500 each.
For more information click here & for application click here
Self-Drive Agriculture Energy & Enterprise Tour
On Friday, September 18, 2015 see several local venues & Learn about new energy technologies and how they are shaping our future in the Mohawk Valley Region! Click here for more information and to register.
SolarizeCNY
Upcoming Community Meetings
Think Solar is too expensive and complicated? Solarize CNY can help. Attend an upcoming workshop to learn about how solar energy works and how you can take advantage of our bulk discount, tax credits and grants to make solar easier and more affordable than ever.
Upcoming Solarize Meetings
Wednesday, September 16, 12-1pm, Colgate University Alana Cultural Center
Thursday, September 24, 7-8:30pm, Ridgeville Farms, Canastota
All workshops are free and open to the public. Refreshments served.
Food Preservation Series
Nelson Farms
Fall Fruits September 26 l 9am-11am: As summer winds down, lets not forget to gather some apples, pears, plums, and grapes to enjoy in the cold months ahead by adding them to your winter cooking repertoire. Be prepared to taste these fruits in whole new ways and go home with a few new tricks up your sleeve, some good recipes and something wonderful to share with your friends and family. Click here to register.
Community Barn Dance
Cazenovia, NY
The Cazenovia Preservation Foundation, which works towards its mission of protecting historic, agricultural and natural resources in and around Cazenovia for the benefit of the community will be hosting a Community Barn Dance. Join them on September 18th from 7:30- 10:30pm at the 1878 barn, 5561 Rathbun Road in Cazenovia. Johnny and the Jump Ups will play a contra set with Peter Blue calling. Beginners welcome - come enjoy a special night with friends and no partner needed and dances are taught! Tickets $7 at the door. Snacks and raffle with admission.
Madison County Hop Fest
Oneida, NY
Big Toys for Big Girls and Boys
On Saturday and Sunday, September 19 & 20 join Critz Farm at 3232 Rippleton Road- State Route 13 South, Cazenovia, New York for another great weekend of the Fall Harvest Celebration! All the usual fun and weekly activities, plus lots of new farm equipment on display courtesy of Empire Tractor of Cazenovia. Kids of all ages can climb up in the driver's seat of the equipment to feel what it is like! Take a "drive", toot the horns, check out the big tires! Great photo op!
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