If you were to gather a group of Full Belly folks, any role, and ask them what they find satisfying about farming, you’d get a range of answers, but some common themes would emerge.
Harvesting and getting produce to you is ultimately why we’re here. We’re not just growing plants and raising animals for the sake of growing them; we’re growing them to feed and nourish people, like you! There is a purpose to the work and at the end of each day, we have a real, tangible result, a direct reflection of that day’s effort and that of the months it took to get that harvestable product. The nicely packed CSA boxes, flats of tomatoes, and boxes of melons isn’t the end goal; it’s your enjoyment of that produce that really matters, with an emphasis on “joy.” That’s why we do what we do.
We sell a decent amount of produce and flowers via the wholesale market and while it might have a sticker, label, or sign with our name, those customers are anonymous and we as the farm might be too. It’s certainly feeding people, and is an important part of this business, but doesn’t nourish our souls quite as much. That’s why we do the CSA and Farmers Markets. These are opportunities to connect directly with you, to form relationships, to tell the story of Full Belly Farm and to hear yours. As much as you want to know who is growing your food, we want to know who is eating and enjoying it.
I wanted to share some recent notes that I’ve gotten, the first of which inspired this week’s musings:
Enjoyed our first box and thank you for all your hard work. Growing good stuff shouldn’t be thankless work!
What do you do when you eat all the grapes, make a cucumber+tomato+feta salad and are largely left with onions and potatoes? Well you make tortilla espagnola (or tortilla de patate as the Spanish call it) and no it’s not the corn or flour tortilla we are used to. Roughly following this recipe: https://www.seriouseats.com/tortilla-espanola-spanish-potato-omelette-recipe
I made this deliciousness with 4 ingredients: potato, onion, eggs, olive oil. And we are still eating it! Makes a great meal with some tomato on the side.
Rana
I just wanted to say we have especially been enjoying the melons and tomatoes! The Jimmy Nardelos the week before last were a real treat! Thanks so much for the great produce!
Ingrid
What a beautiful spread! Fully Belly produce really lights up my home and I feel so happy eating it. Thank you!!
Lauren
While the summer hasn’t been as hot as usual, there’s no getting around that farming in the Capay Valley in the summer means long, hot, dusty days and in the whirlwind, it’s possible to forget the big picture. Your notes, comments at the farmers market, and other ways of sharing your enjoyment of the summer bounty help us to remember why! So next time you try something great, let your farmers know!
Elaine Swiedler, CSA Manager
