Dear PFP Members,
After seven years growing food for this community, I am both excited and sad to announce that I will be moving on as Farm Director from PFP. I’ve loved my time working here and feel really proud of our contributions to the local food system in Poughkeepsie. My coworkers at PFP inspire me every day with their commitment to our mission of creating a just and sustainable food system in the Hudson Valley.
Being a farmer and feeding my community are among the greatest joys in my life. Food is core to my very being. It’s how I connect with the people I love the most. I’ve had the privilege of working with a talented, dedicated, and hardworking crew who I know feels the same way. I’ve watched hundreds of kids grow up on the farm and I love seeing them squeal with delight as they run into the distro tent, grab a pepper, and take a giant bite. Knowing my crew and I grew the food that is nourishing their bodies brings me immense satisfaction.
My other great joy during my seven years has been mentoring the aspiring farmers who have come through PFP, many of whom have gone on to start their own farms. I think it’s so important to educate new farmers. They’re the ones who will grow the local food system. It’s been a tremendous privilege to work alongside the dedicated, hardworking farm staff and call them my colleagues.
PFP is more than just my place of work, it’s my second home. I’ve made many close friends here, and loved getting to know all the members during weekly distributions, the plant sale, and Soup A Bowl. Just as deeply, I feel a profound connection to the land itself. I’ve spent countless hours working nearly every square inch of soil and know on an instinctive level when it needs water, fertilizer, cultivation, organic matter, or just to be left alone and rest. I don’t know if I can describe the intimate connection that a farmer feels to the land with words, but it’s a hard relationship to walk away from.
Even farmers have seasons, and the end of my season at the PFP is bittersweet. I wish that my last year on the farm was not this year, when opportunities for connection - including my connection with you, our CSA members and extended farm community - have been so limited and restricted. I wish I could have shared these sentiments in person.
I am so grateful for everything you all have given to this organization and I know it would not exist without the deep well of community support. I know you will welcome the next Farm Director in the same way you’ve welcomed me.
It has been a joy to grow food for you. I hope everyone stays healthy and continues to eat lots of vegetables.
Leon