South Central Farm began in 1994 as a community-run operation feeding hundreds of families in the neighborhood of South Los Angeles, U.S.A. Surrounded by warehouses and industry, this lush oasis hosts a diversity of plants, including fruit trees, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and even exotic flora. In 2006, the 14-acre farm was relocated to Bakersfield, 120 miles north of Los Angeles, and expanded to 80 acres. All the produce grown is organic and the farm uses only sustainable, environmentally-friendly farming methods.

The original South Central Farmers came from different indigenous groups in Mesoamerica. Their traditional beliefs in farming involved caring for the land and retaining agricultural methods that do not use synthetic fertilizers or chemical pesticides. “People in our communities have been doing organic farming for 10,000 years,” Mr. Tezozomoc, the Vice President of South Central Farm said. “It's just that it's re-branded now as organic. These are the traditions that we've been carrying for thousands of years. So for us, why wouldn't we do organic, is the question.”

The South Central Farmers grow their traditional plants from their heirloom seeds and have created one of the most diverse gardens in the United States. As a community garden, the farm provides local residents an opportunity to grow their own food. Many constructive changes took place in the neighborhood as a result of this project. For example, according to the Newton Street crime statistics, local criminal acts were reduced by 70% and Mr. Tezozomoc thinks that, “The reason is that people had a stake in the wellbeing of the community, that the land, as an integral part of the people's community, was cared for. Because the land cared for the people, the people cared for the land. There was no division between them. The garden was glue that glued people and invested people together, in a way that none of the other social institutions do currently.” Therefore, this kind of group activity can improve people’s quality of life immensely in terms of reducing alienation and family trans-generational disconnections. “When we have healthy human beings, we have healthy communities, and we’ll have a healthy planet,” Mr. Tezozomoc commented.

The reason for relocating the successful urban farm in 2006 was that the land was sold to a wealthy developer. Thus the local farmers organized a self-governing group, in the hope of retaining their community garden and bringing environmental awareness to the world. Celebrities such as actress Daryl Hannah and environmentalist Julia Butterfly Hill joined in their efforts and gave full support to this social cause. Award-winning filmmaker Scott Hamilton was inspired to direct a documentary on the moving struggle of the local farmers trying to save their community garden. The film, titled The Garden, earned a 2008 Oscar nomination for the Best Documentary and garnered much attention for the noble endeavor .

Thank you letter from the South Central Farmers’ Health and Education Fund for Master’s US$10,000 contribution

Hearing of South Central Farmers’ work in organic, vegan agriculture, Supreme Master Ching Hai contributed US$10,000 in October, Golden Year 6 (2009), to support their noble venture. Mr. Tezozomoc said in response: “I want to thank the Supreme Master Ching Hai. I am very proud to be recognized. It means very much to us. I want to thank Her, Her wisdom, and Her generosity. We will continue to advocate for our fellow human beings and everything on the planet so that we can have better lives.”

We thank all the farmers and volunteers of South Central Farm for their dedicated efforts in promoting organic vegan agriculture. May more community gardens sprout in all urban areas to provide a verdant paradise for local citizens.

To watch Supreme Master TV’s coverage and interview on the South Central Farmers’ project, please visit: http://video.Godsdirectcontact.net/magazine/VEG1259s.php

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