A Pioneering Urban Farm Community Sheds Light on Affordable Housing in Santa Clara
Grand opening on September 20, 2023
By Nina Singh-Hudson
Hoodline
September 18, 2023
Excerpt:
In a groundbreaking initiative to tackle the affordable housing crisis in the Silicon Valley, Agrihood stands proud as California’s largest urban farm and housing community – a pioneering blend of sustainable agriculture and accessible living.
At the grand opening on September 20, various experts and influencers, including Mayor Lisa Gillmor of the City of Santa Clara and CEOs from Housing Trust Silicon Valley and Enterprise Community Partners, will come together to celebrate this remarkable achievement, funded by the 2016 Measure A Affordable Housing Bond.
Agrihood’s urban farm is a revolutionary homage to Santa Clara’s agricultural past. Located on the former UC Davis agricultural research and development site known as the Bay Area Research and Extension Center (BAREC), the acre-and-a-half of farmland and open space will provide healthy sustenance and new outdoor recreational resources to residents and neighbors alike.
The agricultural spaces are expected to be productive soon after residents arrive. Preparation and cultivation of the land will begin shortly after the project’s approval, with delivery of hyper-local fruits, veggies, herbs, and nuts soon to follow!
Three rotations of food crops are expected per year. The farm will utilize organic and regenerative methods to obtain maximum yields while maintaining sustainable practices. Pesticides will be avoided by planting native hedgerows to enhance pollination and manage damaging insects. Composting and vermicomposting programs will provide nutrients and pathogen protection to the soils and plants.
