In September 2020 we launched the Capital Campaign to begin building out the North Richmond Farm Project. Our initial goal was to raise the $400,000 we would need to purchase the land the farm is on and to have the funds necessary to mount a capital campaign. In September 2021 we were so excited to announce that the transfer of the land deed from Contra Costa County to Urban Tilth. Our plan is to keep moving forward on building a permanent hub for the regionally local food system at the North Richmond Farm and begin the process of transitioning the land into Community Ownership with democratic governance. Thank you to the donors and funders who helped us achieve our first milestone- raising seed money to jumpstart the New North Richmond Farm.

Our first construction project is to make the farm accessible to pedestrians and bikers by updating over a mile of Fred Jackson Way transforming it into safe, accessible green space. In our first phase, we’ll also refresh the utilities on the farm to accommodate our growth.

During Phase III, the new Main Barn, the first major building on site, will be built. The Main Barn will be home to the Farm Store which will provide fresh local affordable or free produce to residents 7 days a week, as well as an interior wash and pack to support expanded fruit and vegetable preparation, packing and distribution and offer a community room for resident-organized meetings and events.

By building a large community commercial kitchen, the North Richmond Farm will not only open a Cooperative Cafe run by residents but be able to provide local food entrepreneurs kitchen space and enable Urban Tilth to launch a program to teach youth to start and run small food businesses.

Our final phase will create the History Walk and Ohline Reflection Garden to immerse residents in the rich history of Richmond and the communities who live here. We’ll also expand our native plant garden, build a permanent office space for Urban Tilth, and put the finishing touches and signage on the Farm.