I am a first-generation farmer of Argentine and Irish descent. I spent eight years after college working on farms of varying sizes, including managing a market garden for a retreat center for three years. In 2022 my partner and I moved from Philadelphia to Foster, RI to help launch the Wolf Tree Cooperative along with Pea Shoot Farm LLC, a small-scale, no-dig market garden associated with our housing coop. Starting a farm, even with plenty of experience, has been an intense experience, and I know how important it is to be able to talk to other farmers who understand what you’re going through. I’m especially interested in local food systems, cooperatives, and how we can make farming sustainable not just in terms of the environment but also in terms of farmer health and well-being. También, como nieta de inmigrantes argentinos, hablo español, y me encantaría conectarme con otros agricultores hispanohablantes.
Diversified organic vegetable CSA
After getting my start in restaurants and neuroscience research, I realized I was happier and healthier covered in dirt, eating straight from the plant, changing my work with the seasons, and hung up my lab coat for a career in farming. It didn’t take long to run into the wage theft, mind games, race-based exploitation of workers and other abuses rife in the field. We can’t take these for granted or sweep them under the rug; I firmly believe we can and will transform agriculture through learning to work together and supporting each others’ well-being.
After a decade managing urban farms and food businesses on the south side of Chicago, a few seasons in rural orchard and animal ag, I’m so glad to be back on the East Coast as director of Gather Farm in Johnston, RI. Therapy and meditation have been hugely helpful to me, along with deeply honest, vulnerable conversation and building trust in community. Always feel free to reach out and I’ll respond when I can, or text to set up a time and I’ll make it a priority.
Hi, my name is Cindy West. My husband and I are owner/operators of Moonstone Oysters, in Southern Rhode Island, for over 15 years. I have come to understand that some of my greatest joys are to grow things, and connecting with folks in order to help each other. I have deeply enjoyed growing our family of 3 daughter (who have helped on the farm throughout their lives), growing plants, oysters, and community. Being a farmer is a unique experience that comes with many challenges of all sorts. It is my understanding that everything is connected. Each thought, word and deed that we share, has an affect on everything else. When we are available to help each other, everyone wins, and so, it seemed an easy choice for me to become involved in this peer support network. I am here to listen and help if I am able. As I work on the water, it can be difficult to reach me directly, but if you leave me a voicemail, I will do my best to get back to you within the day or so, and we might set up a time to talk. Also, feel free to connect with an email. I have a moderate ability with speaking Spanish, and welcome the opportunity to speak with you in that language. I hope that you are able to find some support in one way or another. Thank you for being a farmer, and for your act of building community.
I’m in my ninth season of farming in New England, and currently grow organic vegetables just over the state line at Heart Beets Farm in Berkley, Massachusetts. I’m passionate about regenerative agriculture and ensuring equitable access to local produce. Farming is immensely satisfying, but the financial reality and isolation are sobering, as well as the systemic challenges inherent in our field. I’m a very “solutions-oriented” person. I want to listen, and support you- and also connect you with any resources and experts that can hopefully help. Sometimes there’s no “solution,” per se, but let’s see if we can come up with ideas and connections together!
When I’m not farming, I love to hike, bake, and practice yoga. I’m happiest with a book in my hand and a cat in my lap.
Candace has been farming in the United States for over three decades. She had to receive baskets of food, given baskets of food, dealt with trauma within her own family and helped others with trauma in their lives, emotional, mental, physical and financial. She’s been on many sides of farm administration and mediation for farmers and justice, finances, economics and social acceptance. Her work includes livestock farming, dirt farming, journalism reporting from the field food projects, and conservation of farmland. If you need someone to listen and to find a few steps forward you are welcomed to contact her.
