About Red Earth Gardens
Growing food, Farmers, and Community
Born from the desire to regain food sovereignty, the farm is growing healthy, beyond organic produce, developing the next generation of the Meskwaki workforce, and demonstrating regenerative agricultural practices.
Beyond Organic Produce
Healthy land, Healthy people
Before organic was, the Meskwaki stewarded the land and partnered with nature in meaningful and highly functional ways. We continue the tradition by moving beyond the minimum organic standards, to maximize both ecological benefits and quality of produce.
Community
Gathering together reminds us who we are
The Meskwaki are the People of the Red Earth. Gathering around food reminds us who we are and where we come from, as we remember and celebrate our deep connection to the land and each other.
Our Mission
Red Earth Gardens is an organic farm committed to growing food in a way that was taught to us by our ancestors. Nourishing Mother Earth while supporting the community through environmentally-sustainable practices, we grow vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruit.
Community
Red Earth Gardens began in 2013 from the Meskwaki Food Sovereignty Initiative, motivated by the desire to improve the health of tribal members, develop the next generation of the tribe’s workforce, and continue the Meskwaki community’s deep connection to the land and one another. We do this by growing food, gathering around meals to celebrate the seasons throughout the year, and by hosting events in partnership with other tribal departments to promote healthy living on the Meskwaki Settlement.
Workforce Development
More than just a production farm, Red Earth Gardens is also a teaching farm, with a focus on workforce development. Through the Promoting Tribal Economies Course (PTEC), tribal participants learn regenerative farming and job skills through on-the-job training.
Produce
We use no-till, beyond organic farming practices to build healthy living soils, which in turn grow flavorful and nutrient dense produce. We do this by managing a holistic agricultural system that honors and partners with nature in unique and mutually-beneficial ways.
