Storybook Farm: first generation female farm fund

Hi! I’m Farmer Nicki Passarella and I am a first-generation, female farmer. I own and operate Storybook Farm; a small vegetable farm in Sandy, Oregon, about 25 miles east of Portland.

I am asking for $21,450 to build infrastructure such as irrigation, outbuildings, food storage and a washing station, at my home farm so I can continue to grow and market a diverse array of vegetables. I have been fortunate to lease land at the Headwaters Incubator Program for five years where infrastructure to get the food I grow to market is provided. Now that lease is ending, I am setting up the full operation at my home property. In addition, the Climate Crisis and fire seasons have added new challenges to an already complex profession. These hurdles have not hindered my drive, or my belief in creating truly resilient food systems, and that is why I am asking for your help.

I have a dozen years of experience growing food, engaging with food access programs, managing farmers markets and building a network of local farmers and eaters. The feelings of fulfillment, pride and unbridled joy I receive from growing nutrient-dense food for my local Portland-area community are like no other. Storybook Farm is built on growing highly seasonal vegetables, continuing to improve soil health and proper land stewardship. These are the roots that center Storybook Farm.

Thank you for considering supporting my small farm, and my dream to get the freshest, locally grown veggies to the Portland metro community. Please share widely with friends who may want to help a small farm build lasting success.

For updates about this fundraiser, where to find Storybook Farm veggies and all the farm happenings, check out my Instagram to see Storybook Farm unfold, one chapter at a time.

With love and gratitude,

Farmer Nicki