VAP is back!

What’s VAP, you ask? Here on the farm, we refer to shelf-stable products made from our crops as VAP, or Value Added Production. This is the magic that happens in the kitchen at Terroir in a Jar when our berries, tomatoes, peppers, and other produce take on a new life as jam, shrub, cocktail mix, or hot sauce. You can sample and enjoy the flavors of Common Roots Farm year round thanks to our expanding line of bottled farm products.

We are grateful to all our customers who have given these items a try. We love feedback and have even changed some of our recipes to reflect what our customers have shared with us. A great way to support the farm, these items are back on our shelves and available for purchase here.

If you choose to pick up your order, feel free to walk the farm and see where it all happens! If visiting in person isn't an option, we can always ship directly to you or whomever you might want to surprise.

Though our savory sauces and tomato-based products are not ready yet, we have the following items for sale now: strawberry vanilla jam, strawberry sunrise marmalade, strawberry raspberry jam, strawberry vanilla shrub, strawberry tarragon shrub, and strawberry syrup. Click here to purchase our VAP today!

“Window with Flowers” by Shane Tarkington

Community Art Market coming soon!

by Janie Whiteford, Board President

On Saturday, September 24th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Common Roots Farm is pleased to host our first Community Art Market featuring artists living with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Artists from throughout the Bay Area, whose work is featured at the Helpers Artisan Boutique in San Francisco, will have their paintings, jewelry, crafts and more on display and available for purchase.

Please consider getting a jump on your holiday gift giving or just come out to support these artists and enjoy some relaxing time on the farm. We know you will be as impressed as we have been to see the many beautiful and creative works that will be on display. Shane Tarkington, an artist living with autism, has an amazing body of work and will be displaying his original creations as part of the Community Art Market. More of Shane’s work can be seen here.

In addition to the many artists who will be featured at this event, Common Roots Farm will be open for self-guided tours and offering fresh flower bouquet making sessions at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Farm produce and bottled farm products will be on sale, too.

Please consider coming out to support Helpers Community in its vital work to improve the lives of people living with developmental disabilities throughout the Bay Area. Hope to see you on September 24th!

“You can't cuddle broccoli!”

by Heidi Cartan, Executive Director

Over a year ago, when we were considering whether to add Babydoll sheep to our farm, I had a discussion with my teenage son. Matthew and I were walking the farm when I asked him if he thought we should get sheep. He paused for just a moment and then replied, “Mom, you can't cuddle broccoli.”

Matthew proving his point	Joanna and sheep greet a farm visitor

 

Today, Common Roots has three wonderful Babydoll sheep, two dogs, and over 40 laying hens. Our “Golden Girls” are retired from egg production but remain willing to be held and petted by visitors of all ages and abilities. We are grateful to our animal care volunteers who help keep our animals fed, watered and cared for every day. These animals have all brought so much enjoyment to our farm, adding to the experience for farm participants.

We are especially grateful to Joanna and Bella Manoff who take the lead on sheep care and have taught our sheep to walk on leash. Visiting with those living with intellectual/developmental disabilities, our sheep offer a uniquely fun opportunity for everyone to interact with these gentle animals.

Matthew was right about broccoli: Farmer Nina grows a delicious variety indeed, but it's no substitute for the chance to interact with, care for and learn from our wonderful farm animals.