What's Next
Two growing seasons ago, the Foundation began the arduous process of reclaiming farmland that had been left fallow for several years and established the Summit-Waller Farmers Market. Partnering with 11 other local non profits, the Tacoma School District and partners like the Da Vita Corporation (their National Project for 2009), the Ranch became a workplace and learning center for hundreds of young people between the ages of 16-24.
In the spring of 2010, two acres were put back into production and the first of several greenhouses was built with the help of partners like the University of Puget Sound, the International Association of Machinists Local 751, and McConkey's, as well as friends and neighbors from all around Puget Sound. We produced 12,000 heirloom tomato starts in our new greenhouse. We are adding a second greenhouse in September and will continue to grow more plants and derive more revenue as space permits. Late this year or early next year, we hope to begin construction of two 15,000 square foot greenhouses which will be powered by green energy.
We have all of the groundwork done and are shovel ready. We will work with staff, volunteers, student interns to bring the greenhouses to full production which will permit us to implement a portion of our objective of education and training area youth in our social enterprise: agribusiness.
At such time that the processor facilities are in place, we will expand to 16 acres in crop production. We will then be able to provide product in the form requirement by the local school districts and local food banks.
