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The journey of Finca Seremos, a burgeoning farm founded by Brenda Gonzalez and Chris Nickell, is a compelling narrative of personal transformation intersecting with an urgent societal need for resilient food systems and robust community support. What began as a long-held dream of a "sunset career" in farming rapidly accelerated during the profound disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming into a mission to directly serve and empower their community. Leaving their previous careers in labor, education, tenant, and electoral organizing in New York City, Gonzalez and Nickell, high school sweethearts with a decade of urban activism under their belts, established Finca Seremos in 2022. Their venture is not merely about growing food; it is a meticulously designed project aimed at cultivating deep community ties, fostering mutual aid, and fundamentally reinventing an often-exploitative food system.
The Genesis of a Vision: From Urban Activism to Regenerative Agriculture
For Brenda Gonzalez and Chris Nickell, the pandemic acted as a powerful catalyst, crystallizing a long-cherished aspiration. "We had always dreamed about a farm, like a sunset career thing," Gonzalez explains, reflecting on their shared vision. However, the unprecedented challenges of lockdown—the isolation, the fragility of global supply chains, and the palpable increase in community needs—underscored a critical imperative. "We realized during lockdown we needed to accelerate that plan pretty significantly because we were feeling really called to support our community in that way," she recounts. The experience of widespread burnout in their respective fields of organizing and education further solidified their resolve, driving a desire for work that could be both fulfilling and impactful. This personal and collective exhaustion ignited a pivot towards an endeavor that promised not only sustenance for others but also a renewed sense of purpose for themselves.
Their backgrounds in tenant and electoral organizing, deeply rooted in the diverse communities of New York City, provided a unique foundation for their agricultural undertaking. They understood firsthand the complexities of urban life, the systemic inequities, and the power of collective action. This understanding informed every aspect of Finca Seremos, from its choice of farming methods to its innovative distribution model, ensuring that the farm would be a true extension of their community-building ethos.
A Market-Style CSA: Choice, Dignity, and Community Weaving
Central to Finca Seremos’s operational philosophy is its distinctive market-style Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Unlike traditional CSA models where members receive a pre-packed box of produce, Finca Seremos empowers its members with choice. "We chose to do a market-style CSA, where folks are packing their own box, because this was first and foremost going to be a community building project," Gonzalez states. This approach acknowledges the diverse culinary traditions and dietary preferences of their community, ensuring that the food received is not only fresh and nutritious but also desired and utilized effectively.
The market-style format serves a dual purpose: it maximizes utility for members and acts as a potent catalyst for social interaction. Chris Nickell highlights this intentional design: "People spend time in the tent at CSA. They bump into each other and strike up conversations. Maybe that expands into a friendship or relationship that didn’t exist before." This seemingly simple act of choosing produce transforms into a crucial social ritual, "knitting people together who wouldn’t otherwise bump shoulders." In an era marked by increasing digital disconnection, Finca Seremos offers a tangible space for organic community formation, fostering relationships that extend far beyond the exchange of food.
According to the USDA, CSA programs have seen a resurgence, particularly post-pandemic, as consumers seek fresher, locally sourced food and a deeper connection to its origins. While traditional CSAs saw initial growth, models like Finca Seremos’s market-style approach represent an evolution, addressing common feedback points such as lack of choice and unfamiliar produce. This adaptability is critical for engaging a broader demographic, especially in urban-adjacent areas with diverse populations.
Beyond the Harvest: Building Bridges and Bolstering Support Systems
The commitment of Finca Seremos to community welfare extends significantly beyond the provision of fresh produce. The "check-in" at the CSA distribution point is intentionally designed as a pivotal moment for relationship building. "That is the first touch point with community members, talking about what’s going on in their lives, and where we’re able to make introductions," Gonzalez explains. This goes beyond casual conversation; it’s an active process of identifying needs and connecting individuals with resources within their own network. Gonzalez shares a powerful example: "We know a tenant is struggling with their landlord, and we also know a lawyer who can support and help them find resources for organizing the rest of the tenants in the building. That’s been one of the most powerful things we’ve seen."
This active role in community advocacy and resource navigation differentiates Finca Seremos from many other agricultural ventures. It positions the farm not just as a food provider, but as a vital hub for social capital and mutual support. This approach aligns with broader trends in community development, where local organizations often act as informal social safety nets, connecting people to legal aid, educational opportunities, and other essential services. The farm essentially leverages its distribution points as micro-community centers, facilitating crucial exchanges that strengthen the social fabric.
The Amplifying Power of Mutual Aid: A WhatsApp Revolution
A testament to Finca Seremos’s innovative community-building strategy is the introduction of a mutual aid network facilitated through WhatsApp. Launched last year, this digital platform was conceived to provide "people the space to do the support for each other." What began modestly with recipe sharing quickly evolved into a self-sustaining, dynamic network. "It started with a lot of recipe sharing and runs itself now," Gonzalez notes with pride. This organic growth underscores the inherent human desire for connection and collective problem-solving.
The WhatsApp group has become a multifaceted resource, reflecting the diverse needs and interests of its members. Nickell reveals its expansive scope: "The WhatsApp chat has also become a space for explicitly political organizing, for educational advocacy going on among parents, immigrant defense trainings and resources that have been shared. It’s really active." This transformation from a simple food-sharing group to a robust platform for civic engagement demonstrates the profound impact of creating accessible, low-barrier spaces for community interaction. It embodies the principles of mutual aid, where individuals voluntarily exchange resources and support for the common benefit, bypassing traditional hierarchical structures.
One of the most compelling outcomes of this network has been a dramatic increase in participation from members utilizing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. "Our SNAP member attendance skyrocketed from 40 percent to 70 percent," Gonzalez reports. This significant leap highlights the effectiveness of Finca Seremos’s holistic approach. By reducing barriers to access through the market-style CSA and fostering an inclusive, supportive community via the WhatsApp network, the farm has created an environment where vulnerable populations feel empowered and connected, not just recipients of aid. This success story offers a valuable model for other food access programs struggling with engagement, demonstrating that systemic barriers can be overcome with thoughtful, community-centered design.
Reinventing the Food System: Nutrition, Ecology, and Indigenous Wisdom
At the heart of Finca Seremos’s mission is a deep-seated commitment to transforming the broader food system. Both founders articulate a vision that transcends mere food production, aiming for a radical re-evaluation of how food is grown, distributed, and consumed. "We have to figure out a way to reinvent the food system that gets people the food they desire with the highest nutritional value and the most respect we can offer the ecosystem that we’re a part of," states Gonzalez. This statement encapsulates a multi-faceted challenge: ensuring access to nutritious food, prioritizing consumer preference, and practicing ecological stewardship.
Nickell further emphasizes the importance of learning from ancestral knowledge in this reinvention: "To do that, we need to listen to Indigenous folks." This acknowledgement is crucial in the context of sustainable agriculture, as Indigenous communities globally have long practiced regenerative farming techniques that respect ecological balance and biodiversity. Incorporating these traditional wisdoms offers a pathway to more resilient, equitable, and environmentally sound food systems, moving away from industrial agricultural practices that often deplete soil, water, and communities. This perspective aligns with a growing movement within sustainable agriculture that seeks to decolonize food systems and uplift the voices and practices of Indigenous peoples.
The farm’s operational philosophy reflects a broader critique of contemporary food systems, which are often characterized by long supply chains, monoculture farming, and a disconnect between producers and consumers. Finca Seremos, by contrast, focuses on direct engagement, localized production, and ecological responsibility. This model not only provides healthier food but also educates members about sustainable practices and the true cost of food, fostering a deeper appreciation for the land and the labor involved.
Building for the Future: The Cooperative Dream
Looking ahead, Brenda Gonzalez and Chris Nickell harbor ambitious plans for Finca Seremos, envisioning its evolution into a cooperative enterprise. "We also want to build a cooperative at Seremos where members can make a living wage and have benefits so they can prioritize their relationship to the land that they’re working and the people they’re growing for," Gonzalez articulates. This move towards a cooperative structure is a logical extension of their commitment to equitable systems and community empowerment.
Worker cooperatives, by design, distribute ownership and decision-making power among employees, ensuring that the benefits of labor are shared more equitably. This model directly addresses systemic issues within the agricultural sector, where farm workers often face precarious employment, low wages, and limited benefits. By establishing a cooperative, Finca Seremos aims to create a workplace that upholds principles of economic justice, allowing workers to truly thrive and invest in their shared mission. This focus on fair labor practices is particularly significant in agriculture, an industry historically plagued by exploitative conditions for its workforce.
The cooperative model also inherently strengthens the connection between the workers, the land, and the community. When workers have a direct stake in the farm’s success and well-being, their commitment to sustainable practices and community service is naturally deepened. This fosters a more holistic and respectful approach to farming, where the health of the ecosystem and the welfare of the people are intrinsically linked. This forward-thinking vision positions Finca Seremos not just as a farm, but as a beacon for a more just and sustainable economic future within the food sector.
The Enduring Spirit of "Seremos": We Will Be
The name "Seremos" itself carries profound meaning, encapsulating the farm’s ethos of mutuality, growth, and collective possibility. Chris Nickell explains its origin: "Seremos, we will be, comes from the last line of a Pablo Neruda sonnet we used in our vows, which in English translates as ‘and through love I will be, you will be, we will be.’" This poetic sentiment, rooted in their personal commitment to each other, now extends to their expansive vision for the farm and its community.
"It is the ever forward looking and the sense of mutuality and power of the emerging we that the project is hopefully ever building," Nickell adds. The name is a constant reminder of their foundational belief in collective action and the transformative power of shared experiences. It speaks to an ongoing process of becoming, emphasizing that the farm is a living, evolving entity, continuously shaped by the contributions and aspirations of everyone involved. This philosophy is a powerful counter-narrative to individualistic approaches, highlighting the strength and potential found in solidarity and collective identity.
Broader Implications and a Model for Resilience
Finca Seremos represents more than just a local farm; it is a compelling case study in building community resilience and challenging oppressive systems within the food landscape. By integrating food production with robust social support networks, the farm offers a tangible model for addressing food insecurity, fostering social cohesion, and promoting economic justice. Its success in dramatically increasing SNAP member engagement through thoughtful design and a genuine commitment to community needs is particularly noteworthy.
In an increasingly complex world, where climate change, economic disparities, and social fragmentation pose significant threats, initiatives like Finca Seremos offer a blueprint for localized solutions. They demonstrate that sustainable agriculture can be deeply intertwined with social justice, and that healthy food can be a powerful vehicle for building stronger, more equitable communities. The farm’s journey from a pandemic-accelerated dream to a thriving hub of nourishment and solidarity provides inspiration and a practical framework for others seeking to cultivate similar change. As Finca Seremos continues to grow and evolve, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of collective action and the profound impact of reimagining our relationship with food, land, and each other.
