Let's Build a Roadmap that Grows Local Food

We know the goal, now let's build a path on how to get there.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about challenges that I saw in the global food system (HERE), and then a few days later, I wrote about my “tiny, but huge” goal for the DFW Local Food System (HERE). I want to shift 1% of the total value from the existing food system into the farms and businesses that make up the Local Food Economy.

I understand this is not a goal that will happen quickly or easily. But I do believe that it is possible, and I think that most people would agree that this type of outcome would only have positive effects on our community. I believe that by focusing on small-scale farms using innovative production methods, it is very possible for DFW to create a sustainable, localized food system.

This goal would need to maximize productivity using minimal land, empower new farmers and food producers, and intentionally foster growth in the resilience of the region's food economy. This would certainly require the right mix of land access, training, financial support, infrastructure, and market development, but I believe that small farms can drive this shift toward a thriving, community-focused food system.

How do we get there? Every destination begins with a plan, so the first step needs to be the design of a roadmap that will foster the growth of small farms in the DFW area of North Texas. This plan will need to foster the growth of farms that are innovative, efficient, nimble, and sustainable. These farms are the crucial ingredient that is needed to produce the quantity of local food production that is needed to meet the goal of diverting $400M annually into the local food economy. To do this we will need to have a plan that allows us to maximize productivity across a minimal land footprint, and by leveraging advanced farming techniques.

The plan that follows is a first draft of an idea. It is not meant to be a finished product. There will be multiple iterations and revisions of this concept. But remember that if the best time to plant a tree was 10yrs ago, the second-best time is today. We need more local food production. We should have started a decade ago… but we can start now.

My ask of you is to read the following and give some feedback. Give me your thoughts on this, and especially your criticisms. I do not have all the ideas, and there are many of you who have been working on this for many years. I want to tap into the knowledge and experience that you each have. Hopefully we can build something that will take on momentum and keep building.

Please join the conversation and help me plant some seeds today!

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(Proposed) Roadmap for Scaling Small Farms in DFW

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1. Develop Accessible Land Solutions for Small Farms

Land acquisition is often the biggest hurdle for small-scale farming. For small farms (greenhouses or gardens on 1/4 acre or less), creative land-use solutions are essential.

Action Steps:

• Urban and Suburban Land Mapping:

  • Identify small plots of underutilized land in urban and suburban areas (e.g., vacant lots, backyards, or rooftops) that can host greenhouses or soil gardens.

  • Prioritize areas with easy access to consumers (restaurants, neighborhoods) to reduce transport costs.

• Lease-to-Own Models:

  • Create lease-to-own programs that help new farmers access small plots at affordable rates while building equity over time.

• Micro-Farm Zoning:

  • Work with city governments to create zoning classifications specifically for small farms, allowing greenhouses or soil gardens to operate in residential or commercial areas.

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2. Promote Training in Innovative Farming Techniques

Small farms thrive with techniques that maximize productivity in limited space. Providing education and resources for these methods is critical.

Action Steps:

• Workshops and Courses:

  • Partner with local agricultural organizations (e.g., Texas A&M AgriLife, urban farming nonprofits) to offer hands-on workshops in:

    • Hydroponics: Soil-less farming using nutrient-rich water.

    • Aquaponics: Combining fish farming with hydroponic plant cultivation.

    • Regenerative Soil Farming: Methods like no-till farming, cover cropping, and composting working to build healthy, carbon-rich soils.

    • Vertical Farming: Growing crops in vertically stacked layers to optimize space usage in greenhouses or indoor farms.

• Small Farm Incubators:

  • Establish small farm incubators where aspiring farmers can test these methods on small plots of land or in shared greenhouses.

• Peer Mentorship:

  • Create a network of experienced small-scale farmers who can mentor new farmers in these innovative techniques.

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3. Financial Support Tailored for Small Farms

Small farms have unique financial needs, such as funding for greenhouses, hydroponic systems, or soil improvements. Offering targeted financial support is key.

Action Steps:

• Microgrants and Low-Interest Loans:

  • Offer small-scale farmers grants or microloans specifically for setting up greenhouses, irrigation systems, or hydroponic/aquaponic systems.

• Shared Funding Initiatives:

  • Encourage cooperative ownership of expensive equipment (e.g., hydroponic pumps, storage facilities) to reduce costs for individual farmers.

• Subsidies for Sustainable Practices:

  • Provide subsidies for small farms that adopt environmentally friendly practices, like water-efficient hydroponics or regenerative soil methods.

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4. Build Infrastructure for Small Farm Success

Small-scale farmers need access to shared infrastructure and tools to succeed.

Action Steps:

• Shared Greenhouses:

  • Establish co-op greenhouses where multiple farmers can lease space for hydroponic or aquaponic farming.

• Tool Libraries:

  • Create a “tool library” where small-scale farmers can borrow equipment like soil tillers, irrigation kits, or greenhouse supplies.

• Cold Storage and Processing Centers:

  • Develop small, decentralized cold storage and food processing centers to help farmers store and package their products efficiently.

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5. Create Markets for Small Farm Products

Small farms need reliable, local markets that value their innovative and sustainable methods.

Action Steps:

• Direct-to-Consumer Sales:

  • Promote CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) models where consumers subscribe to receive weekly produce from small farms.

  • Build an online platform to connect small farmers with local buyers, such as residents, chefs, or small grocers.

• Local Restaurant Partnerships:

  • Work with local restaurants to prioritize purchasing from small farms, especially those using innovative methods like hydroponics or regenerative farming.

• Micro-Farm Certification:

  • Develop a certification program that highlights farms using sustainable, small-scale methods, such as "DFW Clean-Grown" or "DFW Regenerative Micro-Farm."

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6. Policy and Advocacy for Small Farms

Building a supportive policy environment for small farms is essential for their growth.

Action Steps:

• Small Farm Incentives:

  • Advocate for local tax breaks or subsidies for small-scale farms, particularly those using sustainable practices.

• Urban Agriculture Ordinances:

  • Push for ordinances that allow small farms to operate in urban areas, including residential and industrial zones.

• Local Procurement Policies:

  • Work with public institutions (e.g., schools, hospitals) to source a portion of their food from small farms in DFW.

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7. Engage the Community to Support Small Farms

Public buy-in is critical to the success of small farms. Educating and engaging the community will help generate demand.

Action Steps:

• Public Workshops:

  • Host workshops and farm tours to teach residents about hydroponics, aquaponics, and regenerative farming.

• Neighborhood Farms:

  • Encourage community members to participate in or support small neighborhood farms, which can double as educational spaces.

• Local Food Challenges:

  • Launch a “DFW Local Food Challenge” to encourage consumers to source a percentage of their food from local small farms.

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Timeline and Incremental Goals

To achieve the $400M target, here's a timeline focused on scaling small farms:

Year 1-2: Laying the Foundation

• Identify and secure 50 small plots of land for greenhouses or urban gardens.

• Train 100 new small-scale farmers in hydroponics, aquaponics, and regenerative practices.

• Establish 2-3 shared greenhouse hubs or incubators.

Year 3-5: Scaling Up

• Increase the number of operational small farms to 300 across DFW.

• Develop at least 5 food hubs or cold storage facilities tailored to small farms.

• Build partnerships with 50+ local restaurants and grocers to source products from small farms.

Year 6-10: Achieving the Goal

• Expand to 1,000 small farms in the region, collectively producing $400M in local food annually.

• Establish a robust ecosystem of shared infrastructure, supportive policies, and consumer demand.

• Make small farms a cornerstone of DFW's local food economy.

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Conclusion

By focusing on small-scale farms using innovative production methods, DFW can create a sustainable, localized food system. This approach maximizes productivity on minimal land, empowers new farmers, and builds resilience in the region's food economy. With the right mix of land access, training, financial support, infrastructure, and market development, small farms can drive the shift toward a thriving, community-focused food system.

Let’s grow smarter, more efficient farms—one small footprint at a time. 🌱