This week, our garden newsletter takes a slightly different turn from my usual routine of exploring vegetables, fruits, or any other organic products found on The Garden’s shelves. Instead, we want to introduce you to some of our new partners.
Each farmer or grower we work with has a unique story, especially recently, and particularly for organic growers operating in the challenging conditions of the Negev region. The new partner we're introducing today operates in the Negev under challenging conditions as well, but his story differs from that of any other farmer we market because it's not a regular farm.
It is actually a youth village functioning as an internal boarding school and agricultural learning center, maintaining a remarkable organic farm.
Kfar Noar Kedma was founded in 1979 in the Negev between Kiryat Gat and Kiryat Malachi, on the land of Kibbutz Kedma, which granted it its name. The goal was to establish a "last chance" school for boys and girls who have difficulties adapting to other educational institutions. The idea was to create a different atmosphere, with internal conditions, a supportive staff, and the integration of agricultural work that could foster a unique connection among the youth.
This idea proved itself over the years, with successful graduates taking on senior roles in the military, industry and academia. Most graduates also complete an additional service year as well as a meaningful service in the IDF. All of this is commendable, but how on earth does it relate to organic agriculture?
Well, Kfar Noar Kedma is an agricultural school, but unlike most agricultural schools, it chose to focus on organic agriculture. The curriculum and, of course, the educational farm emphasize organic farming methods. The fact that the graduates' perception of agriculture, many of whom choose agriculture as a profession and a way of life, is centered around organic agriculture, acts as a multiplier for organic agriculture in Israel.
As with any agricultural school, Kfar Noar Kedma operates a farm. The farm includes horse stables and an extensive animal corner, but alongside, there are greenhouses and orchards committed to organic farming practices, yielding a multitude of excellent and diverse produce.
Furthermore, the farm also operates an apiary, which strictly follows organic methods of beekeeping. Recently, we reached a collaboration agreement with Kfar Noar Kedma, committing to purchase the majority of the farm's excellent produce at a fair price and market it to our customers at a fair price.
This week, you can already sense the first and delicious harvest in the weekly box on its way to you.
In line for this week are some of the cucumbers, Swiss chard, broccoli, celery, and red grapefruits that you'll find in the box, were grown by the students of Kfar Noar Kedma from the Israeli Negev.
