The Farmstand

Today, January 1, 2025, seemed a good time to update our website and news on the farmstand. We dream of building a farmstand that brings together local farmers and the surrounding community, which has encouraged us to work on creating a farmstand that is both beautiful and functional. Using materials we had at the farm and combining our love of antiques, we have been designing a space that can be pleasing to the eye and filled with local products that are useful, delicious, or functional.

We are a seasonal farmstand, so we are open from April through December. However, as our customer base expands, we have bigger goals of opening more months of the year.

In 2025, we will reopen in April with more of what Soul Food Farm produces on-site, such as farm eggs, flowers, olive oil, jams, and skin care products. Of course, we will be working with local farmers and artisans to bring back organic vegetables, fresh bread and pastries, guest farmers with farm-raised meat, and more!

One of the farm's constants is ensuring we are working on making the gardens a relaxing and pretty space for customers to enjoy. We also have picnic tables in the olive orchard and encourage guests to bring picnics during open hours.

One of the special things about the farm is the vast number of birds that live there. So, if you are into birding, grab those binoculars and see over 36 species of birds, and help us count new species as they arrive.

To follow our daily farmstand offerings, join Soul Food Farm on Instagram, where we post farm deliveries and new items.

We look forward to seeing you.

Alexis and Eric Koefoed

OLDER POST

December 30, 2024

As the year ends, here is an update on where we stand with the County.

COUNTY COMPLIANCE DEMANDS AND THE FARMSTAND

Since so many customers ask about the County's stance on code compliance for our modest farmstand, we wanted to shed light on our ongoing efforts.

Over the past 14 months ( yes, 14 months!), we've diligently engaged with Solano County's Resource Management Department to address their regulatory demands concerning the farmstand and its accompanying structure. While we respect the importance of laws and regulations, we advocate for a fair and equitable environment for all farmers, with permit fees that align with the financial capacities of small-scale agricultural enterprises.

Navigating these requirements necessitated hiring an attorney for legal support to navigate compliance expectations and personalities and facilitate constructive dialogue with Resource Management. Regrettably, the need for legal representation for small farmers in addressing code compliance issues is not unique to our farm or Solano County farmers. Also, it has not been uncommon in the last few years that farmers have left Solano County, specifically because working through compliance issues is so onerous. This is a discouraging outcome to have to face that our farmers are leaving our community.

However, we are committed to overcoming these challenges and paving the way for fellow farmers to navigate Resource Management's demands effectively. Recognizing farmers' vital role in Solano County, we firmly believe in fostering a cultural shift that acknowledges its agricultural heritage and actively supports and engages with small family farmers, providing them with the necessary resources and opportunities to thrive.

We will continue to provide updates as our journey unfolds. For those who wish to contribute, we encourage you to contact the county administrator to voice your support for initiatives such as farmstand operations, u-pick experiences, open farm days, local access to farm-fresh produce, and the preservation of open spaces. As farm allies, your vocal support for the farming community is a powerful expression that farmers in your community matter.

For information about the County Administrator's Office or to offer suggestions and comments regarding County operations, please contact the County Administrator
Bill Emlen 
County Administrator
cao-clerk@solanocounty.com

County Administrator's Office
Phone:(707) 784-6100 cao-clerk@solanocounty.com
675 Texas Street, Suite 6500
Fairfield CA 94533