The WI LFPA program is inviting you to Cala Farm on Wednesday, August 7th from 1:00 – 5:30 PM to learn how Rodrigo and Juan Carlos of Cala Farm are growing certified organic vegetables, chicken and pork for food access programs across Wisconsin. Participants will have the opportunity to tour the different production areas of the farm. There will be an Open Space conversation circle facilitated by Marbleseed on the importance of local farmers selling to food access programs, and how to build and strengthen these relationships. 

Snacks and beverages will be provided throughout the day. All WI-LFPA producers in attendance will be eligible for a $75 travel stipend but is limited to one travel stipend per awarded farm.

FARMER BIO: Rodrigo Cala and his brother, Juan Carlos, grew up in the suburbs of Mexico City where their mother taught them the fundamentals of farming and working in harmony with the soil. When the Cala brothers moved to Minnesota in the late 1990s, they had a hard time finding quality herbs and produce for the Mexican dishes they craved. Having the knowledge and passion to grow their own food, they embarked on a journey to start their own farm. Like most other immigrant farmers, the Cala brothers had to work from the ground up to build their credit score and save money from their full-time jobs in manufacturing. In 2008, they purchased a 46-acre farm in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, and started producing a variety of organic certified vegetables.

Agenda:

• 1:00 – 1:15 PM- Welcome and Review Agenda for Day

• 1:15 – 3:00 PM- Farm Tour and Production Break-Out Groups

• 3:00 – 3:15 PM- Break- Networking Time

• 3:15 – 5:00 PM- Open Space Farm to Food Access Circle

• 5:00 – 5:30 PM- Wrap-Up and Network