West Hills Farm of the Future can now sell produce at local farmers' markets

Wednesday, July 9, 2014 - 10:27pm From West Hills College

Farm of the Future students at West Hills College Coalinga can now sell locally grown produce at the Farm and local farmers’ markets, having recently obtained a producer’s certificate from the Fresno County Department of Agriculture. They set up a booth every week at the Coalinga Farmers’ Market.

“It’s been a blast,” said Sharon Freeman, agriculture science and technology instructor at the Farm. “Everyone is pleased to see us. We will be there every week.”

The Farm is currently selling corn, zucchini squash, yellow crookneck squash, tomatoes, okra and garlic in bags for $1. The garden began as a class project to give students real-world experience starting a small farming enterprise. Students are responsible for tracking plant growth, income and expenses. Plants for the garden were donated by Westside Transplants.

Students donated extra produce to the food bank at Chapel Grace and the Coalinga Senior Activity Center. Look for Farm of the Future 5:30-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday through August 27 at the Coalinga Farmer’s Market at Keck Park. Contact Freeman at sharonfreeman@whccd.edu or 559-934-2709 for more information.