Sow in the City

Sow in the City

Daniel Hoffmann runs “The Cutting Veg”: an Organic farm in Brampton with abundance for all.

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Daniel Hoffmann reaping the fruits of the collaborative labour

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Caption: “So shall ye sow so shall ye reap”.

Daniel Hoffmann was finishing his studies in Social Work in accordance with his personal mandate of improving the world. He wanted to root out social injustice but was frustrated that he was trying to cultivate infertile soil. Daniel feels people’s personal problems (eg. poverty, hunger) stem from competitive structures that govern our society. “It’s like 3 people fighting over 8 pieces of pie. What’s the point of fighting? There’s plenty for everyone!” Daniel set out to demonstrate that “ours is a world of abundance” and opened an organic vegetable farm in Brampton and a related business called “The Cutting Veg”.

The organic model is all about cooperation on all levels. The conveniently located farm welcomes volunteers and interns trading their time and sweat for agribusiness knowledge and wholesome fresh vegetables. Even plants on the farm cooperate with onions, garlic, Calendula and Nasturtium planted next to other crops to provide effective insect repellant without the need for toxic chemicals. Daniel actively cooperates with the earth “constantly trying to nourish the soil” that, in turn, nourishes us all. Compost, organic material and ‘Green Manure’ – crops grown with the intent to be tilled under as fertilizer – all enrich the soil without the need for petrochemical fertilizers.

The Cutting Veg has three main lines of business. First organic produce is distributed through farmer’s markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Daniel’s CSA is called ‘Tikkun Adamah’ which translates from Hebrew loosely as ‘Improve/Repair the Earth/Soil’. For a small fee ($25 or $35 dollars weekly) one can buy a share in the bounty and pick up fresh produce throughout the growing season. Next, Global Garlic is a service whereby food connoisseurs can order all manner of exotic and unique garlic such as Persian, Russian or Italian among others. While it may be true that ‘a rose by any other name would smell as sweet’ it turns out that garlic of different regions are not equally pungent. Finally ‘Food Coaching’ offers several services helping people grow food from a garden to a farm as well as teaching them to store and preserve the harvest.

While Daniel would like to uproot certain aspects of Capitalism one should not assume he is necessarily against profit. The notion that all farmers are poor, toiling in vain under the hot merciless sun, is not one he shares. “I have learned a small-scale Organic Farmer can make a very good living.” At the same time his organic practices ensure that nature is not harmed, moreover, preserved for future generations.

The slogan for “The Cutting Veg” is “Cultivating Personal, Social, Environmental, and Economic Health through Organic Agriculture.” Like the ever-present safety recording at the beginning of a flight reminds us to put the oxygen mask on ourselves before attempting to assist others, Daniel emphasizes that we must put healthy and nourishing ingredients into ourselves in order to be contributing and active citizens.

Daniel sees each person as a seed with all the commensurate potential and power. As we go through life we are pollinated by interactions and experiences with others. At times we may feel small and insignificant as a seed blown on the wind, but our power to shape and mold our generations and the generations after us is equally unstoppable provided we find fertile soil. Daniel Hoffmann has set up a model by which we can all derive the nutrients, nutritional and social, that we need to flourish. Daniel’s own affirmation which gives him strength is:

“From one seed and entire orchard can grow:

So I shall be the healthiest seed I can be.”

More information and opportunities to get involved can be found at:

www.thecuttingveg.com

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