Community Roots is founded upon the need for:
  • Local, sustainable models of food production
  • Creating and strengthening community cooperation
  • Utilizing valuable resources within our urban environment
Contrary to common thought, agriculture is not exclusive to rural areas. In fact, using intensive growing techniques, commercial scale vegetable production is possible in urban contexts. Whether by using a single, large urban plot or by piecing together a collection of smaller plots, urban farmers can grow enough produce on under one acre to supply their close community with a great deal of food and themselves with a healthy income. Along with the development of small business and the availability of healthy, local produce, the community benefits through new vigorous interaction and cooperation. It is with these ideals in mind that Community Roots has been created.

Community Roots is based in south Boulder in the Martin Acres neighborhood. With a collection of backyard plots totaling less than one-half acre, we strive to produce enough food to operate a successful community supported agriculture organization that supports our neighborhood and ourselves, and creates motivation towards other local urban agricultural efforts.

The operating principles of this project are very simple: landowners (homeowners, businesses, schools, public lands, churches) offer space for vegetable production. The grower (Community Roots) will develop this land into an intensive, productive micro-farm. Harvested produce will be shared between the landowner and the grower. The grower is free to market their share of the produce, which could be done a number of ways including: farmer's markets, CSA (community supported agriculture), roadside stands, direct marketing to local restaurants, neighborhood cooperatives, etc… In very basic terms, this is a form of modern day sharecropping!

As desire grows for healthy, locally produced food, and heightened community interaction, we will naturally find ways to utilize our underused natural resources. Community Roots believes that these values are inherent and alive and we're ready for Boulder to stand behind them. So keep your eyes open for your next neighborhood micro-farm, maybe you can even start your own! Please come to the market, buy local urban produce, get involved….let's turn boulder into an urban garden and see what kind of city we can grow.
 

COMMUNITY ROOTS, 30 S. 31st St., Boulder, CO, 80305, 303-499-0866, kippnash@hotmail.com