Founded in the fall of 2007, The Burning Kumquat is an entirely student-run organic farm located on the South 40 of the Washington University campus, next to the Alumni House. Our purpose is to commune and self-educate with the shared experience of practicing sustainable urban agriculture. The farm is a place where Washington University and the surrounding community can reconnect with and care for
the land. Through the work and joy of growing food, we hope to inspire responsible food practices and to provide local produce in our community. Site operations include seeding, harvesting, composting, and maintenance, with workdays taking place every weekend. Meetings every other Tuesday focus on thinking about and eating our food: documentary screenings, speakers, and discussions help us understand the impact of food on sustainability and justice; cooking and preserving food let us enjoy it in unique ways. Over the years, we have cultivated over sixty varieties of vegetables, fruits, and herbs, from okra and tomatoes to strawberries, carrots, turnips, and thyme. Through markets both on campus and in North City, the Burning Kumquat works to provide access to fresh, responsible produce and to spread awareness about sustainable agriculture.
