Organics in Bogota

This past week I learned about a really cool non-profit organization who is using a CSA-type program in order to make a big social [blank_start]impact[blank_end] here in Bogotá. Sembrando Confianza, which translates to Seeds of Confidence, is a non-profit which [blank_start]seeks[blank_end] to do two fantastic things when it comes to food: firstly to provide education on healthier food habits and help neighborhoods in Bogotá install [blank_start]self-sustained[blank_end], organic gardens and secondly to support already operating urban-farmers by connecting them with a market. Sembrando Confianza currently works with 30 local producers, all of which are [blank_start]located[blank_end] within the localities Bogotá. The idea of farming within this city seems impossible and it’s true that these producers face some interesting [blank_start]circumstances[blank_end]. At the information session I heard stories about the incredible ways people are using what they have to make a living—from growing lettuces on rooftops to one woman who [blank_start]occasionally[blank_end] uses neighborhood green spaces so her five cows can graze. However, space limitations aren’t the only [blank_start]obstacles[blank_end] these farmers face. Most of the producers are located in San Cristóbal, a very [blank_start]rough[blank_end] neighborhood in the south of the city where many families live in vulnerable circumstances—employment, security and adequate [blank_start]nutrition[blank_end] are daily concerns. Many of these producers had already been farming or making their products, but were unable to connect with a market because of serious challenges to transportation. Without a car (and a [blank_start]majority[blank_end] are without), it’s impossible to move products the hour and a half or so to more central parts of the city. That’s why Sembrando Confianza’s work is so great—they’ve [blank_start]stepped[blank_end] in to connect these local producers with a wider market who can pay a [blank_start]fair[blank_end] price for the time and labor required to grow or make their products. In [blank_start]addition[blank_end], the Sembrando Confianza organization trained these urban farmers on how to [blank_start]implement[blank_end] sustainable and organic practices, and routinely ensure that they [blank_start]maintain[blank_end] these standards. Next week I’m [blank_start]looking[blank_end] forward to eggs, fresh made yogurt and quinoa bread, as well as whatever vegetables and fruits have been [blank_start]harvested[blank_end] that week. Boxes are delivered to your home each Wednesday and [blank_start]range[blank_end] in price (based on the size and variety of products) from 35,000-70,000COP. Even better, you can add on various other items such as charcuterie, honey and coffee. If you live in Bogotá and want to try one of their weekly [blank_start]baskets[blank_end], visit their website here. And before you go, use the comments section to give a [blank_start]shoutout[blank_end] to a small, local business—whether it’s food, a local designer or artist—that you love here in Bogotá.