November 30, 2009

Dear Friends of Brookwood Community Farm,

All the garlic is finally planted and covered with a blanket of leaves to keep it warm all winter. The anticipation of fresh scapes in the spring already has me looking forward to next season! As another season comes to a close, we want to thank you for your support for Brookwood Community Farm whether as a CSA member, volunteer, or donor.

In 2009, we grew the farm in significant ways: we implemented new planting, cultivating and harvesting practices that greatly increased the farm's efficiency; our summer youth crew from surrounding communities were deeply involved from weeding to delivery; and we employed experienced seasonal growers who helped expand our growing capacity and membership.

This year, the board reinforced its commitment and determination to make our fresh, healthy food available to those who live in neighborhoods where fresh food is scarce. We played a lead role to strengthen the Mattapan Farmers Market and priced our produce so that residents could enjoy fresh, organic food. We also donated crops from our fields to food pantries and shelters in Milton, Boston and Quincy. Brookwood Community Farm is committed to the mission that everyone - regardless of geography or economic means - should have access to fresh, healthy food and farming.

While a year of great accomplishments, 2009 also had its setbacks. Despite our valiant efforts, we could not protect our fields from the tomato blight that plagued New England farms this summer. We had no choice but to uproot several thousand heirloom tomato plants, our primary "cash" crop, painstakingly grown from seed in our green house. Losing our tomato crop was a big blow, both morally and economically: the blight caused much disappointment and a loss of $20,000 in revenue, funds we needed to put us on a good financial footing for 2010.

To ensure Brookwood's vital work is carried forward in 2010, we need those who value local, sustainable farming and fresh, organic food for all to support Brookwood with a tax-deductible contribution today. Your contribution at this critical time will ensure that a significant portion of the organic crops we grow in 2010 goes directly to local residents who face food insecurity, and will enable Brookwood Community Farm to acquire the necessary equipment to continue to grow the food so many enjoy.

At a time when all of us are confronted with so many uncertainties and challenges - economic, environmental, social - I hope you share our belief that few things are more important than local food and a sustainable farm. Please consider making a donation to Brookwood today.

On behalf of the board and staff of Brookwood Community Farm, I want to reiterate our gratitude and appreciation for your support.

Growing good food for all,

Mark Smith, President