how we got here
2016-2017: THE SEED
In 2016, leaders of the Fayette County Farmland Protection Board, recognizing agriculture as an area for sustainable economic activity and an important component of the region’s cultural identity, stepped forward and acquired the old Whitlock Farm (now New Roots Community Farm) to protect it from development. Located just a few miles from the Historic Town of Fayetteville, the 80-acre farm contains nutrient-rich soil, wetlands, and forest habitats in need of conservation. Upon acquiring the land, the County worked with community stakeholders to develop a vision for the farm that would support the local community and build a sustainable, equitable agrarian economy.
2018-2019: TAKING ROOT
Throughout 2018-19, New Roots Community Farm began to take shape. After negotiations were completed and funding was raised, Susanna, our Farm Manager, was hired to develop the property and lay the groundwork for the project to flourish. The early days were spent building new infrastructure and tearing down old structures. In summer of 2019, the Production Apprentice program was started and the organization began their efforts to contribute to developing a new generation of farmers. Then, in fall of 2019, the Food Access Americorps program was launched and with that, the growing New Roots team was ready to begin production.
2020: BREAKING BUDS
In early 2020, New Roots Community Farm developed its first production plan and partnered with Turnrow Appalachian Farm Collective to support the online marketplace for farmers and customers amidst the global pandemic. In the early days of the COVID, it quickly became apparent how critical farming and food is during a time of crisis. In their first two production years, the crew grew over 50,000 pounds of vegetables, aggregated and distributed West Virginia goods from all over the state, hosted and attended food access markets, donated to local food banks, and had a full community garden. Additionally, through a partnership formed with the Agrarian Trust, New Roots helped incorporate the WV Agrarian Commons. The WV Agrarian Commons will become a model for an equitable land access program that will support connecting new farmers with land in our area. Acquisition of New Roots Community Farm into the WV Agrarian Commons will further protect this land, ensuring that it remains in agricultural use for community benefit for generations to come.
2021: FULL BLOOM
2021 was a turning point for the project. With an amazing team in place, New Roots Community Farm continued the momentum of their longterm farming practices, increasing WV grown and made product sales through Turnrow, and bridging the gap between communities for better food access. As New Roots Community Farm entered their second full year of production, they continued to raise the bar on their goals. In 2021, they built two more high tunnels, expanded their field production, and increased the growing intensity of their permanent beds while strategizing proactive ways to better the sales of the food system so that all can have access to fresh and healthy food.