When I was a student at UTRGV most of my time was spent being with my friends or being with the communications building by the library. I would do various things in the comm building that it was where I belonged. I always mentioned that no matter what major you were you could always volunteer here. This implies towards the Agroecology Org. No matter if you are in engineering or in theater you can volunteer and work on your green thumb even if it's out of curiosity. From the growth of vegetables, patience, and diligence there is much the the individuals behind the organization bring forward. This is, The Agroecology Organization, @utrgvagroecology
We Roberto Reyna Oviedo, Samantha Martin, and Seth Kuby as they are managers of the organization. They work under Professor Alexis Racelis. Roberto mentions "when it comes to every piece of project with farming he's got ties to. Being our advisor the Agroecology is one of his projects and we are allowed to grow what we wish within this urban enviroment." As Seth also brings up "not only that but we do have a lot of guidance from our supervisor Ms. Stephanie Kasper." Sam continues by saying "she helps us out a lot! Aside from this we have our own 5 acre farm by another project in the name of 'The Hub Of Prosperity.' Here at UTRGV it is more geared towards students besides it being non-profit we are also here to aide/provide towards the community and students. While The Hub Of Prosperity is aimed more towards local farmers and those who wish to grow food."
When it comes to teaching and showcasing what the organization is all about. Roberto came back to me that day with a cut cucumber. Not one that we would find in our grocery stores, but the smell and the how it felt and knowing where it came from just hit differently. From the smell to how it even looked like it inside. It was just so fresh. Even if you don't volunteer, but being able to visit and learn a bit can introduce you to something new. I also saw a natural loofah? I thought it was a squash, but no it was a loofah and I was just impressed or rather astonished because it's just things I don't know. Learning new things left and right in and easy and digestible way as well. The organization is not only able to provide to the student population, but the community as well. When it comes to the community I saw families and individuals speaking with the organization members. It's not only what they provide, but what they can teach and learn from one another which I find is the best thing.
With what they provide, does the Agroecology Organization have a mission statement? As they mention Professor Alexis Racelis speech Seth mentions "from being inclusive, spreading awareness, and educating the public on local gardening." As Sam continues by saying "In the 1900s a lot of landowners came down here because the growing season is all year round. We lack seasons. Always hot here. It's very attractive to those who wish to grow and grow citrus as well. Along with cheap labor. In the end we export a lot of produce as well. It's curious how we can grow so much food yet we have a problem. We would like to teach people to grow their own food to be able to provide for themselves. For example the older lady that was here was telling us that she grows her own vegetables. Although she works at a fast food restaurant she's able to be self-reliant." When it comes to gardening we've grown our own grapes which was difficult. We've been able to grow our own papayas as well as well as limes and chiles. My mom uses the nopales she has at home to cook with and people from the neighborhood with come to her ask for some as well. Even trying to buy greens can be very expensive along with products to cook at home with and buying fast food can be the only options for some people due to quickness and the price. I think with organizations like that can provide broccoli, lettuce, kale and so one is very beneficial.
With their time in the organization what can they say they have learned as Seth starts us off with "Just so much! I had no experience surrounding agriculture and produce. With the help of Professor Alexis Racelis has grown our interest along with his teachings with seedlings, how to mantain produce, transplanting, and just growing it. I think he made us more aware as well along with making me self conscious of where my food comes from" as Samantha adds in with "with those who have the food have the power and to gain control is to grow your own." At this moment during the interview an employee who works at Juicy Fresh @juicy.freshh stopped by as well to pick up veggies, but also mentioned he has "mulch." When to comes to the mulch Roberto mentions "That is Juicy Fresh a local business and they give us scraps that we turn into compost. This is one of our goals. How the community can be with us as well. How we can provide, but also work with us due to our interest and same goals we may share." From Juicy Fresh providing well freshness and good eating to its community such as the agroecology organization. They are both on their mission and to provide. They have knowledge that they are able to share such as Roberto mentions "we amass all this knowledge, but for us and this business. We don't just keep info, but we spread awareness and knowledge. There's always something to learn and always someone who wants to learn. In the short time that we are here until graduation. The best way to preserve this is knowledge is by spreading it." Either by listening, volunteering, or stopping by of your own curiosity you are being welcomed into a new world and a new environment. Even if you want to send them a message feel free to!
If you are interested in joining the organization this is what Roberto has to say "aside from experience and if it's your first time be prepared to fail and to be bad at it and this goes to anything. Be ready to accept to fail and to grow from it. You will become successful. Let's get it out of the way. You will fail at farming. From the winters to the plant doing well to it just dying. In the end you will grow from it no matter what you are doing." He continues to sharing how he has grown and how it has been in the farm "It has helped me with my confidence and when it comes to farming. Even if you were to grow every vegetable in the world there is still much to grow and learn. There is much to learn and to farm as well." Samantha continues by saying "Yes it has made me more confident, but when it comes to farming. I remember my first time I broke a tomato." Before her story she brings up an individual by the name of Marisol Cervantes she deserves a lot of credit for what she did here along with the work she put on social media as Samantha says as she continues by saying "When I broke the plant and you know you will kill a lot of plants and it happens. When the winter or when it begins to freeze you need to harvest the vegetables. I even learned how to ride a tractor! I used to be scared, but I surely gained confidence. It relies on responsibility as well because if you don't to it well nothing will happen. This is all you." Seth adds in by saying "you just have to pull up if you are interested! We've had biology majors, engineering majors. We take employees and volunteers from all the walks of life." Samantha says something very interesting which is "working with plants is like learning another language. You won't understand, but once you begin to work with it you'll naturally start to learn it." From watching them work and engage with the community and seeing what they have grown I can see exactly what they mean by "a new language" and the "confidence" and how they were able to explain everything to me through a tour of their farm. Before I left I went to say my goodbyes and I see Roberto kneeling on the ground. When I got closer he stood and said "Look we grew our first potatoes" and it was over 6 little potatoes and I couldn't believe it. I'm so used to seeing them at the supermarket. They have definitely mastered the language, but now I wonder how long they've been trying to grow them for? Due to having their failures it sure didn't stop them from growing something new. They have really taken a lot from being in this organization.
In terms of their growth they agree on "growing more" in a sense of expanding for more "groves and more volunteers." They mention on having a lot of produce and if they expand they would have so much produce that they would need to work together and organize what the plan should be with the over abundance of it all. With more people their horizons should broaden!
Now they share their thoughts on the local valley scene/agricultural scene,
Seth: We are very tight nit. Especially in agricultural. The local farmers are very close. Coming together in speaking out especially in protests and when it comes to the local scene we can pass that over to Samantha.
Samantha: There's an urban farm called "Trrapreta" which is just a little farm at their home. They are in Edinburg City limits and there is weird regulations when it comes it so they can't farm. Due to them being residential and no codes for agriculture. Local farmers and individuals went to a meeting and offered support to this situation in how we are with the community. When it comes to the local community it feels like there is a local renaissance. The scene is very interesting that we feel are big city ideas, but it's actually here! We have found something meaningful for sure.
For final comments they say,
Just come! Come talk to the plants!
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