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2021 Grants Challenge

THE CORNER FARM

The “Corner Farm” is a small business development and food equity project that produces fresh, nutrient dense, and vitamin rich agricultural products in a climate resistant modular unit. The Terra Thrive modular farm, developed by Terra Sustainable Technologies, provides nine-tenths of an acres grow space in a hydroponic system. Food Sector Systems, LLC will use funding to expand Major Microgreens, LLC and increase the amount of microgreens they already produce and market at farmers markets across Los Angeles.

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In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?

South LA

County of Los Angeles

City of Los Angeles

What is the problem that you are seeking to address?

The CORNER FARM will increase the availability of optimal food options at affordable prices in communities across Los Angeles. Many Angelenos suffer from chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. Vitamin rich and nutrient dense produce like microgreens support health, the CORNER FARM is versatile and can be used to grow a variety of food. Also, the CORNER FARM addresses the cost and overhead of establishing a brick and mortar food business. The CORNER FARM is a business model that supports agriculture entrepreneurship and can be scaled and replicated. The CORNER FARM advances local food production and reduces last mile distribution and storage costs. Food Sector Systems, LLC has researched locations in Urban Agriculture Incentive Zones and recognized the corner of Vernon and Slauson Aves in South LA as a site for the Corner Farm. However, we will respect and honor the will of the local communities in regards to all sites.

Describe the project, program, or initiative that this grant will support to address the problem identified.

Food Sector Systems, LLC will conduct community outreach with civic, faith-based, political, and private citizens to introduce the project. We will engage the real estate community to share tax incentives available to those who participate in the land lease initiative outlined in the Urban Agriculture Incentive Act. The CORNER FARM will be designed and implemented by Terra Sustainable Technologies. Terra Sustainable will provide workforce training and limited small business to support the entrepreneur.

In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?

Applying a proven model or solution to a new issue or sector (e.g., using a job recruiting software or strategy to match clients to supportive housing sites, applying demonstrated strategies from advocating for college affordability to advocating for housing affordability and homelessness, etc.)

Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?

Direct Impact: 5,000

Indirect Impact: 30,000

Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.

The CORNER FARM will be an innovative component of the new local food supply chain. Neighborhoods will have a reliable location to source optimal food products. Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to develop and expand their agricultural sector. The CORNER FARM will transform the existing supply chain by introducing foods locally that enhance health. As an educational resource, the CORNER FARM will create programming to inspire student interest in the convergence of technology, nutrition, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.

What evidence do you have that this project, program, or initiative is or will be successful, and how will you define and measure success?

The CORNER FARM will be measured by the amount of products that can be grown and sold based on a return on investment plan developed by Terra Sustainable Technologies. Also, the number of community engagements; school participation, community collaboration with new foods and traditional indigenous foods, and the change in local health outcomes. The change in diet will be monitored by medical professionals in order to evaluate effectiveness of the CORNER FARM initiative.

Which of the LIVE metrics will you impact?​

Access to healthy food

Food insecurity

Resilient communities

Indicate any additional LA2050 goals your project will impact.

LA is the healthiest place to CONNECT