Our Mission
Urban Tilth inspires, hires, and trains local residents to cultivate agriculture, feed our community, and restore relationships to land to build a more sustainable food system, within a just and healthier community.
North Richmond Farm Project
Sowing the seeds of collective power
The development of our farm builds on Urban Tilth’s two decades of bringing to life a resident-led vision for healthy food access, local jobs, and community empowerment. Since 2014, we’ve partnered with County Supervisor John Gioia’s office to transform a county-owned vacant lot into a flourishing community hub, and are now expanding this project to 10 acres to create a center for urban agriculture, education, and organizing.
With the continued support of our diverse funders and community members, this vibrant hub will become a cornerstone of collective health and sustainable food justice in North Richmond.
Construction In Progress
- Replaced drainage ditches along Fred Jackson Way with sidewalk, bike lane, and rain gardens
- Rain gardens created filter pollutants from roadway, sending cleaner water to San Pablo Creek
- Created safe pedestrian access to the farm for North Richmond residents
- Completed underground utilities, grading, and irrigation system upgrades
- Includes building all farm supporting facilities: greenhouse, native plant nursery, tool shed, honey harvesting shed, crop rows, and 80 fruit trees for the orchard
- Building the Watershed Learning Center
- Adding 2 outdoor classrooms
- Constructing the first section of the History Walk
- Installing our beloved compost toilet
- Building the "Main Barn" Community Resiliency Center:
- Year-round facilities including an indoor Produce Wash and Pack area, Farm Store for daily access to fruit and vegetables, Children’s Garden, and a Meeting Room for events, workshops, and community meetings.
- During emergencies, the building serves as a resiliency center with a special HVAC system for clear air emergencies, 4 days solar power backup, and refrigeration for medicines and food, overnight shelter and access to critical information and services.