About the farmer
Farmer-in-Residence, Gigi Goin
Raised on my family homestead farm in Trinidad, I developed a love of growing – and eating – vegetables. Under my grandmother’s guidance, I grew avocado, guava, pineapple, green vegetables, beans and flowers. I raised chickens and ducks, feathered and dressed them post harvest, until age 11 when I immigrated with my immediate family to Brooklyn, New York.
After college and an 18-year career in human resources and talent development, my instinct for farming reemerged – a surprise to me! I took courses and workshops, joined agricultural associations and did a farm internship in Western North Carolina, where I learned and practiced biodynamic farming, permaculture and organic practices. Eight years ago, my interest in agriculture and healthy eating led me to start Milk Lady Farmers Markets, which develops and manages farmers markets here in Montgomery County, Maryland.
In the course of my farming education I discovered many varied options that fit my organic-farm vision! After lots of review and discussion with farmers, mycologists and soil scientists, I arrived at my own set of integrated best practices in regenerative, no-till farming. I also joined the Montgomery Countryside Alliance's Land Link program which matches farmers with available farmland in Montgomery County. Thanks to MCA, I was able to start on this wonderful one-acre plot!
Essentially, my belief is that the sowing of seeds and the magic that produces a plant, flower and fruit – is not my doing. It’s the Divine Universe! Silly me, I thought I was learning to grow veggies! Now I see that my role as farmer is to regenerate the soil and provide the best possible environment for that magical seed. So my job is amending soil with natural-rock dusts and composted materials to support healthy microbe growth and beneficial soil life. (But that’s kind of clunky on a business card, so I proudly call myself a farmer.)
After college and an 18-year career in human resources and talent development, my instinct for farming reemerged – a surprise to me! I took courses and workshops, joined agricultural associations and did a farm internship in Western North Carolina, where I learned and practiced biodynamic farming, permaculture and organic practices. Eight years ago, my interest in agriculture and healthy eating led me to start Milk Lady Farmers Markets, which develops and manages farmers markets here in Montgomery County, Maryland.
In the course of my farming education I discovered many varied options that fit my organic-farm vision! After lots of review and discussion with farmers, mycologists and soil scientists, I arrived at my own set of integrated best practices in regenerative, no-till farming. I also joined the Montgomery Countryside Alliance's Land Link program which matches farmers with available farmland in Montgomery County. Thanks to MCA, I was able to start on this wonderful one-acre plot!
Essentially, my belief is that the sowing of seeds and the magic that produces a plant, flower and fruit – is not my doing. It’s the Divine Universe! Silly me, I thought I was learning to grow veggies! Now I see that my role as farmer is to regenerate the soil and provide the best possible environment for that magical seed. So my job is amending soil with natural-rock dusts and composted materials to support healthy microbe growth and beneficial soil life. (But that’s kind of clunky on a business card, so I proudly call myself a farmer.)
It takes about three to five growing seasons to begin reaching soil potential. Great news – we’re preparing for a good start this spring! Although the ground is frozen now, our deer fence will be completed soon and our old greenhouses are being prepped for an early start.
I am so happy to be working my plot, where my organic vision is taking root! Last January, before all this good luck appeared, I put my imaginary foot down and declared I would start farming in 2017! Instead of a vision board, I created a drawing of my vision for a farm. And guess what? My farm property is almost identical – except it’s more of a trapezoid than my original rectangle shown below. Bottom line… it’s a literal dream come true!
I am so happy to be working my plot, where my organic vision is taking root! Last January, before all this good luck appeared, I put my imaginary foot down and declared I would start farming in 2017! Instead of a vision board, I created a drawing of my vision for a farm. And guess what? My farm property is almost identical – except it’s more of a trapezoid than my original rectangle shown below. Bottom line… it’s a literal dream come true!
My Evolving Farm Vision
I am really thankful working the land is delicious!
All Good Things!☆.¸¸.•´¯`☆.¸¸.•´¯`☆
Gigi
Gigi Goin
Farmer
All Good Things!☆.¸¸.•´¯`☆.¸¸.•´¯`☆
Gigi
Gigi Goin
Farmer