Over the past seven years, the annual Berry Good Night dinner has aimed to connect and celebrate local and sustainable farmers, ranchers, fishermen, chefs, and vintners.
In September 2017 we debuted a new format (#BGN100) to increase interaction and engagement. After submitting responses to a brief questionnaire, 100 “idea ambassadors” were hand selected for their commitment toward fundamental change in our food system.
Over the course of 2018, we are profiling a number of the participants to highlight their efforts and create greater awareness and connection within our community.
This month we focus on farming, and speak with:
- Corinna Contreras, an organic farming advocate, teacher and community builder in Vista, CA
- Meredith Bell, an organic and sustainable farmer in Bakersfield, CA growing seasonal produce and humanely raised meat and eggs
- Karen Archipley, a hydroponic farmer in Escondido, CA and co-founder of an agricultural entrepreneurial incubator program
Corinna Contreras
Corinna Contreras, Millennial Farmer LLC
Please tell us briefly about your work and your goals.
I started a micro business in 2016 in Vista, CA with the vision of working in regenerative agriculture, and the hope that it would grow into a full-time career I could retire into after finishing my career in the private sector. Millennial Farmer LLC has two goals; we strive to build community and to design resilient systems within a permaculture framework. My current work is focused on building soil for more robust growth in our food forest at our demonstration farm site in Vista. With climate change altering the fundamentals of farming, a new approach is necessary, and I am currently experimenting with California native plants that are both edible and drought hardy. Growing native and traditional crops with climate change in mind is an approach we need to adopt if we are to maintain a large agricultural economy here in San Diego County.
Did you make any interesting connections at BGN100?
This was my first time at BGN100 and it was phenomenal. I didn’t expect to run into my high school chemistry teacher who is now growing legumes so that was a great surprise! I met amazing individuals from all walks of the agricultural spectrum who are practicing sustainability in their respective fields whether it be here in San Diego County or in Baja California. It was amazing to see this cross-border collaborative relationship between farmers, ranchers, fishermen, policy advocates and local politicians.
Are there other ways you successfully connect with like-minded members of the community to further your mission?
I go to local events, political clubs, and speak at city council meetings when climate and agriculture are on the agenda. Just talking to others that you casually meet in your everyday life is also a great way to find common ground. From there one can begin to activate a local base that pushes for the policy changes we need to have a more sustainable community.
When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?
Singing and playing my guitar.
Do you have any favorite springtime traditions you’d like to share?
Whenever springtime rolls around I make sure to take time out of my day to walk around and really pay attention to the plants and critters that are waking up. Sitting quietly and just meditating on the sounds of spring is good for your own renewal.
Meredith Bell
Meredith Bell, Autonomy Farms
Please tell us briefly about your work and your goals.
I am an organic farmer in Bakersfield, CA. Prior to my current life, I held a career in sales and marketing in the hospitality/food and beverage industry in San Diego. Before moving to Bakersfield four years ago to start the farm, I had never farmed a day in my life. I now spend my days trying to help to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers by having my own farm. My hope is through outreach and connecting with the local community, I will help to educate people on the importance of knowing where their food comes from – not only to help their overall health, but also the environment.
Did you make any interesting connections at BGN100?
The best part about BGN100 is that it created an environment that opened doors to leverage the relationships built while we dined over great food and common interests. To any small business owner, having the outlets to build relationships is the most important factor in the success of our business.
Are there other ways you successfully connect with like-minded members of the community to further your mission?
This previous year was my first time attending a Berry Good Foundation dinner. I was able to create relationships and understand the program, but from the standpoint of action-creating next steps, now that I am aware of the outlet, there are so many more opportunities available.
When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?
Funny enough, my goal for 2018 was to find a hobby. But, when you make a career of your hobby, it’s hard to find other outlets, so I farm more : )
Do you have any favorite springtime traditions you’d like to share?
Orange blossoms. There is literally nothing more intoxicating to me than the smell of orange orchards in bloom. You will never know the true meaning of spring fever if you haven’t spent time surrounded by orange blossoms.
Karen and her husband Colin Archipley
Karen Archipley, Archi’s Acres
Please tell us briefly about your work and your goals.
We teach sustainable organic agriculture to transitioning military, veterans and civilians at Archi’s Institute for Sustainable Agriculture. Previously known as VSAT, the Veteran’s Sustainable Agriculture Training program, we work in partnership with Cal Poly Pomona with the goal to reinvigorate the family organic farm throughout America. Tribeca Films just did a movie about our class and agriculture’s healing potential for veterans: https://www.tribecafilm.com/stories/thefarm
Did you make any interesting connections at BGN100?
Yes, we did! My husband Colin Archipley and our Farm Manager Jon Chandler attended Berry Good Night two years ago and met and connected with an investor for our National Expansion project. We could not have launched without him. We have worked on this National mission for the past 5 years and now it’s a reality; Archi’s Acres with alumni from our classes is proving out the model for 1-acre greenhouses throughout America. We are humbled by the support of our community.
Are there other ways you successfully connect with like-minded members of the community to further your mission?
Colin and I are very community minded. We participate in many venues, such as TedX, Slow Money, Seedstock and many other panel opportunities. Colin was appointed to the USDA Hydroponic Task Force with Secretary Vilsack, the previous US Secretary of Agriculture. We are members and on the Board of Directors of the San Diego Farm Bureau, Farm Service Agency – Community Outreach Committee, and an appointee of the California Organic Products Advisory Committee.
When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?
Reading, biking, watching movies, taking a jacuzzi.
Do you have any favorite springtime traditions you’d like to share?
I am a HUGE fan of caprese, and there is nothing better than homegrown organic tomatoes, Archi’s fresh basil and avocado from our grove, with a little bit of balsamic vinegar and olive oil, salt and pepper. It’s a meal.
