EARTHseed Farm: Black-owned and rooted in afro-indigenous wisdom
Nestled on the ancestral lands of the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo Peoples, EARTHseed Farm in Sebastopol is a 14-acre solar-powered farm and orchard located on the ancestral lands of the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo peoples. The farm practices permaculture stewardship, an ecological design system that incorporates Indigenous wisdom to elevate ecosystem health while meeting human needs. The crops are managed by a group of like-minded practitioners who prioritize relationship-based design.
Founded by Pandora Thomas, EARTHseed Farm is named after a religion created by the late author Octavia E. Butler for her Parable Series of books. The religion, also called Earthseed, is based on the idea that "God is Change," and adaptation is crucial. Thomas envisioned the farm as a place where Black and Indigenous communities could reclaim their relationship with the earth, their history, and the future.
What sets EARTHseed Farm apart is its deep connection to the land and the people who came before. Signs throughout the farm remind visitors to pay their respects to the fruit they pick, introduce themselves to the fruit, ask for its permission, and send appreciation for all it does for us. The farm team works hard to maintain a deep connection to the land and its history, honoring the cultural roots of the communities who lived there before.
The Graton Rancheria Tribe, a federation of Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo groups, gave permission and blessings for EARTHseed Farm to be established on their ancestral lands. The farm sells produce wholesale and runs a popular U-pick program from May to November that is open to the public. During the U-pick program, visitors can pick their own fruits and berries, and stewards walk them through the farm, educating them on permaculture design while showing off the ripest produce.
EARTHseed Farm also produces wellness and health products that are sourced from Black-owned farms or made by Herb Diva Abi, the owner of the Stinging Nettle and director of the Healing Clinic Collective. The farm hosts events and gatherings that aim to reconnect people to the roots of Afro-Indigenous wisdom.
Visiting EARTHseed Farm is not just a chance to pick fruits and berries; it is an opportunity to learn about permaculture design, Afro-Indigenous wisdom, and the importance of community engagement. It is a place to connect with the land, honor cultural roots, and build relationships. It is a special place that gives us hope for a better future.
As the challenges of climate change, social inequality, and environmental degradation continue to threaten our world, EARTHseed Farm reminds us of the importance of working together in harmony with nature and with each other. It is a place where we can learn, grow, and build a better future for ourselves and our communities. EARTHseed Farm is a testament to the power of permaculture stewardship, community engagement, and Afro-Indigenous wisdom - a place of connection, community, and hope.
