We headed to the BE LOVE Farm in Vacaville which is east of San Francisco. The Farm is an organic farm owned by the family which owns all the Cafe Gratitudes in SF, Santa Rosa and a few other locations. We went to help them out on the farm, get a tour of how they operate and learn about their communal environment on how they run their farm and restaurants. They are an amazing couple and the story of how the restaurants got started is incredible. If interested you should Google Cafe Gratitude and check it out. They have a unique management style and everything is based on the community. They also hold seminars on many different topics related to relationship building and life lessons. Part of the year they spend on their farm in Maui called Laulima. It is a well known organic farm near Hana.
Although they are extremely successful they live on their farm in a yurt, have an outdoor kitchen and a compost toilet. They do have a swimming pool and outdoor sauna. But they live simply! I love their outdoor kitchen. She cooks every meal and all the farm workers eat with the family. We got to spend the day with them and enjoy a deliciously prepared vegetarian meal consisting of bean and vegetable burritos with a mulberry infused salad. For dessert we had almond and mandarin ice cream. In exchange we gave them six hours of work thinning their peach trees and cleaning out their chicken coop.
We learned all about their grey water system using worms and their grafting methods to help propagate chestnut trees. He is setting up his farm with these trees not only to harvest the nuts but to use them for shading of his garden crops in anticipation of increased temperatures in the coming years.
Their farm is located several miles out of town under the base of some spectacular hillsides but not too far from civilization. They have a perfect distance to drive to get their crops to their restaurants in the City. The house and 26 acres next door to them is for sale. A perfect spot to start your own organic farm. Anyone want to go in on it with us?????
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