About agrarian commons

Garden Variety Harvests is a founding member of the SW Virginia Agrarian Commons. The Agrarian Commons centers land in community for agriculture.

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Agrarian Trust envisions community-held land for regenerative food production, land equity, and access for next generation farmers.

Agrarian Trust is realizing this vision through the creation of local Agrarian Commons land-holding entities across the country. This model is a necessary and innovative approach to address the realities of farmland owner demographics, wealth disparity, and farm viability. The Commons aims to center all who are excluded and marginalized from equity and access in land, food, and community.

Each local Agrarian Commons holds multiple farms to: (1) support ecological, restorative diversified, food-production, (2) convey long term secure lease tenure with equity to farmers and ranchers, (3) share in stewardship and care of soil, ecosystem, and farm and (4) support farm, ranch, and local agrarian viability.

WHY THIS WORK IS NEEDED

Agriculture is at a point of crisis, in which people have lost connection to soil, each other, food, and community. We are in the midst of 400 million acres of U.S. farmland changing hands as a generation of farmers and ranchers retire. For every farmer under 25, there are five above 75. Between 2012 and 2017, 37 mid-size farms closed every day. 
Land values, appreciating at over 400 percent in 15 years in some areas, are disconnected from agriculture, soil building, and carbon sequestration. Land is also rapidly consolidating, with 41 percent of U.S. farmland held by the largest 8% of farms, 98% of farmland owned by white people, and a majority of farmland owned by non-farmers. What happens to that land when it reaches the market is crucial to the future.  

wORKING TOGETHER TO CREATE THE AGRARIAN COMMONS  VISION

CONTRIBUTE: Donate to SWVA Agrarian Commons

AGRARIAN TRUST PRINCIPLES

Commons • Transparency • Equity for Farmers • Dignity • Opportunity • Affordability • Land Protected in Perpetuity • Restorative Justice • Diversity • Food Security

WHY AN AGRARIAN VISION FOR GVH

Garden Variety Harvests seeks to build community around food production by serving our friends and neighbors wholesome and nutritious products grown on land and with methods which put ecology first. The farm we envision invites the community onto the farm for gardening education, fresh air and delicious food!