The Commons is a community farm and education center that aims to increase access to land and capital for underserved farmers in Miami-Dade County by providing affordable lease options, shared infrastructure, and business and agricultural training.

Our History

​In the fall of 2022, the USDA announced a new grant opportunity funding projects serving underserved farmers across the country.  In conversation with local farmers and community members, we got the chance to ask the question: What could make the South Florida farm community stronger, and how could we make that happen?

When we look around at our farming community, we see people who love working with the land, but a lack of infrastructure to be able to do so sustainably. We see small city plots in the shadows of new multi-million dollar construction. We see ag land priced far beyond the rest of the country, as high as $100,000 an acre. We see farmers who are forced to move every few years due to unstable leases and rising rent. We see high attrition rates, frustration, and burnout.

We also see folks coming together to share knowledge and build resilience. We see smiles on our neighbor's faces at the farmer's market. We see conviction around the right to access locally grown food, and folks who are deeply devoted to living in relationship with the land.
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With the immense help of the National Young Farmers Coalition and Stepwell Strategies, we wrote a proposal that was selected by the USDA for funding. As of Fall 2024, we have just kicked off our work on this project, and are currently searching for land. We are excited to see what we build together.

What we're up against

Exorbitant land prices
Constant push for development
Rental land insecurity 
Lack of education opportunities
Decentralized resources
A changing climate

What we're building

Low, transparent rent pricing
Land stability
Workshops and trainings
Shared equipment and resources
An apprenticeship program
Community conversations

​Our objectives:

• Create an Advisory Board of diverse community voices
• Purchase land and establish a land trust to preserve the land in agriculture in perpetuity
• Build out a working farm and shared resource infrastructure
• Develop seasonal education curriculum 
• Recruit farmers for land lease options and apprenticeship
• Develop channels for community input
• Offer workshops in locally relevant farming techniques, business skills, and financial support

Our goals:

• Create more equitable access to land
• ​Engage diverse communities in local food system work
• Protect existing farmland from development
• Sustain farming as a viable career option
• Scale agro-ecological and regenerative farm practices
• Strengthen connections within the farming community
• Build resilience to face impending challenges

The Commons is a community-based project.
​We want you to be a part of it!

Here are some ways to get involved:

• Join our Advisory Board
• Sign up to receive email updates
• Donate to ensure our sustained success