 Hidden Villa’s Andy Scott, shown here, and his wife Carolyn Brown, were recently awarded a “Stewards of Sustainable Agriculture” award by the Ecological Farming Association. |
Andy Scott, Hidden Villa’s farmer for over 14 years, and his wife Carolyn Brown, were recently awarded with one of three “Stewards of Sustainable Agriculture” awards, known as “the SUSTIE.” The honor was presented at the Ecological Farming Association’s EcoFarm Conference held at Asilomar Conference Center in January.
The SUSTIES were developed to honor those who have been integrally involved in sustainable agriculture.
Honorees have demonstrated their long-term devotion and significant contributions to the well being of agriculture and the planet.
Scott started farming organically in 1965, pioneering the organic production of a number of crops. He came to Hidden Villa as farm manager in 1990, while Brown engaged in teaching classes in gardening, wreath making, composting and flower arranging.
Since 1991, Brown has been associated with the Waldorf School and in 1994 became a full-time faculty member teaching gardening to students.
Together, the couple have worked with more than 50 farm apprentices and are active in the Biodynamic Association of Northern California, which supports resarch and training in non-chemical agriculture.
“The Sustainable Agriculture movement has been our community and is our extended family,” Scott said. “It was gratifying to see all the younger people at the conference and hear their enthusiasm for the work we are all committed to.”
At Hidden Villa, Scott and his apprentices are busy preparing for another Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) season. The CSA program offers people the opportunity not only to enjoy fresh, seasonal, organic produce, but also to learn organic gardening techniques, support local farming, and be more connected with the land and the community.
The CSA program promotes community involvement, sustainability and environmental stewardship.
By operating a small-scale “family” farm, Hidden Villa is taking a leadership role in modeling organic farming to inspire young farmers. Individuals and families who take part in the program purchase either a half a share for $500 or a full share for $850.
For approximately 27 weeks, from May through November, shareholders receive a weekly basket of organic produce filled with seasonal vegetables, great recipes, and if available - fresh flowers.
Shareholders can pick up their produce Tuesdays or Thursdays after 3 p.m. or before noon the next day at the farm or at the Waldorf School in Los Altos.
Hidden Villa Farm is a CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers).
For more information about the CSA program, call 949-8647 or e-mail csa@hiddenvilla.org.
