land , land trusts with long-term leases , and expanding lease-to-own for farmers retiring and selling land are all viable options . What pathways can we create for small-scale farmers who want to grow sustainably and with organic practices ?
I get excited thinking about all the possibilities . Thankfully , in our community we have dedicated , supportive organizations invested in our farmers that I am so grateful for . Still , there are systemic challenges and a culture shift that will take all of us to transform . I write this as an invitation for dialogue to my fellow farmers and farm-loving community for our collective transformation . How can we create conditions for farmers to thrive ?
I believe we can and have to do a better job of making the farm community a space that represents the rich diversity of this county . Farming brings all types of people together : folks who enjoy knowing where their food comes from , building relationships with the farmer who grows their food , lessening their environmental footprint by buying local , or going to the local farmers market for the community and good music .
There is so much potential in our county ’ s community , and it ’ s time we share the resources equitably . I don ’ t have all the solutions — more questions than answers at this point — but I do have the passion to see a changed farming community and landscape . I take with me through my farm journey what I learned from my grandmother . Be brave , shine your
light , and keep striving for your dreams — against all odds .
* www . youngfarmers . org / wp-content / uploads / 2022 / 09 / NationalSurvey Report22-1 . pdf
Nia Nyamweya is the Founder & Farm Manager of Beauty Blooms Farm , whose mission is to celebrate cultural heritage through food . As a returning generation farmer , she enjoys reconnecting with her roots by growing Certified Naturally Grown food and flowers with a focus on African heritage crops . She has spent the last 10 years immersed in justice work and now extends her programming , facilitation , and organizing leadership to the food justice movement in Montgomery County . She stewards 10 acres of land in Damascus .
Wide-open fields in Montgomery County ’ s Agricultural Reserve are the ideal setting for imagination , exploration , growth , and achievement . With an emphasis on JOY !
Open June through October • Online sales year round Facebook . com / pleasantvalleyproduce
We offer families an innovative preschool through eighth-grade academic program , where students are engaged in rich curriculum that balances arts , sciences , technology , and outdoor education .
Selling our famous sweet corn picked fresh daily , locally raised beef and pork , other fresh local produce and goods . Bulk beef available for sale .
Pleasantvalleyfarmmd . com • 301-606-8854 22201 Laytonsville Rd • Laytonsville MD 20882 www . barnesvilleschool . org