On Saturday, Sept. 19, La Familia, a local organic farming cooperative, will host a grand opening and the whole community is invited to join the celebration. There will be a tour of the small farm that is growing tomatoes, tomatillos, peas, peppers, and other organic produce as well as a tasting of various Latino dishes prepared with food fresh from the field.
In 2013, La Familia, started out with a small group of community members who wanted to increase healthy eating in the Latino and broader community in New Richland and the surrounding area. They turned to the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) with the goal of starting an Agricultural Cooperative. LEDC helped Co-Op members develop a business model, provided them training in organic farming and provided financing to get them started. Many Co-Op members and their families had agricultural experience, which gave them a head start in the process. They named the Co-Op, La Familia (The Family) to celebrate the traditional role family play in growing and preparing food for their families.
“We started the Cooperative with the goal of growing healthy foods and teaching community members about the benefits of eating local organic produce,” said Luis Gaona, one of six Co-Op members. “We are grateful to LEDC for giving us the opportunity to get started.”The grand opening will be held from 2-7 p.m. at 14419 240th Ave, New Richland, MN (the golf course road).
La Familia is currently selling their crops at the Shared Ground Co-Op in St. Paul, MN and in neighboring cities.
For more information, please call 507-461 4963 or 507 213 3657.