The SCLT ’ s Farm-to-Market Center aims to increase the viability of urban farms .
“ All the farmers I work with are immigrants with pretty diverse backgrounds and ages , but because they don ’ t come from a conventional farming background , they don ’ t have the capital to buy a greenhouse , install pumps or buy the land ,” says SCLT ’ s Jake Stanton . “ We ’ re taking care of the capital and giving them the space to create a farm . A lot won ’ t have the volume or connections to sell wholesale , so we aggregate them together and open up these markets that wouldn ’ t be available to them .”
In March , it seemed hardly likely that the building would be ready for its June ribbon-cutting . The exterior , a deep charcoal gray , was nearly finished , but the interior was a warren of framed , blank walls extruding electrical conduits . Jazandra Barros , community partnerships manager , leads a tour around bales of insulation and piles of construction detritus , explaining how each space will knit SCLT ’ s mission to the practicalities of growing and distributing food .
“ We ’ re trying to build the community ,” Barros says . “ How do we weave these threads together ?”
The Yangs believe that tomatoes are an excellent place to start . Their informal survey of farm stand customers last year indicated they would be a bestseller . And by the time the Yangs are picking the first fruits , SCLT ’ s Farm-to-Market Center at 404 Broad St . will be up and running , strengthening that connection between urban farmers and consumers .
“ It ’ s very hard work , but in September , you get your reward . And if we grow enough , we ’ ll have a little bit of a profit ,” Phillip says . “ You have a big dream . Hopefully you get there .” �
Ellen Liberman is an award-winning journalist who has commented on politics and reported on government affairs for more than two decades .
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