EightFold Farms DC

22/05/2024

https://youtu.be/PSoBpw9-34s?si=-Bhbrws2OG4i8IHv

The Ward Infinity Pitch Competition and Community Innovation Award Ceremony was a remarkable showcase of social entrepreneurship and community collaboration,...

05/05/2024

We made it to ! Big shout out to for taking the time to talk to our Founder and CEO JR. We are taking pre-orders via our website!

05/05/2024

https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/05/urban-agriculture-mushroom-farming-barry-farm

A former Hank's Oyster Bar somm and server is behind the venture.

03/05/2024

We have had some challenges, but it's about learning and appreciating the process!

27/04/2024

Made a trip to to pick up starter substrate blocks for our first grow and DC'S first commercial urban mushroom farm!

18/04/2024

"As we chat, two people are milling around the seated area next to the free coffee machine. Suddenly Misty Brown, having overheard the mushroom discussion, couldn't contain herself. "Excuse me," leaning into our table, "did I hear you just say you are going to grow and sell mushrooms here? I can't believe it!"

Misty's enthusiasm was off the charts. "Right now, I must travel all over the city on public transportation to buy my mushrooms every week. It's not fun. I live for mushrooms. It would be a dream come true to be able to buy them here in the neighborhood," says Misty...

Unscheduled and out of the blue, two residents were making clear their need for food not easily available to them right now. Clearly, it would be life changing to have access to mushrooms and other foods. It is exactly the reason JR has dedicated himself to the project. He was overwhelmed by their excitement and interest. "It is really heartwarming to know I am on the right path," he said."

17/04/2024

We were featured in East of the River Magazine this Sunday!

News from Anacostia and Wards 7 & 8 of Washington, DC.

23/02/2024

23/02/2024

came out and did lab grade cleaning and sanitizing! Next up, equipment and shelving set up!

20/02/2024

Our solar system is installed! Big shoutout to Sustainabuilt for getting DC'S first commercial urban mushroom farm off to the races!

18/02/2024

🚨🚨🚨Just in case you missed it! 🚨🚨🚨 Rosemary Suggs-Evans Executive Director of DC Department of Small & Local Business Development (DSLBD) paid us a visit to tour DC'S first commercial urban mushroom farm!

15/02/2024

This morning our Founder and CEO Calvin Hines, Jr. was featured on Get Up DC on WUSA-TV 9. Rosemary Suggs-Evans Executive Director of DC Department of Small & Local Business Development (DSLBD) paid us a visit to tour DC'S first commercial urban mushroom farm and to discuss the Dream Pitch Program. We also announced our partnership with F.A.N. DC to launch our From Farm To Table pilot next week! During our 8 to 10 week pilot we will be teaching students mushroom cultivation and financial literacy.

The Dream Pitch Program applications are open now through March 1.

26/01/2024

We are graduating from the John Hopkins Ward Infinity Program and will be celebrating this Monday, January 29th. We are not only commemorating 6 months of learning and fellowship, but we will also be pitching for a chance to win a seed investment. We are inviting you to be apart of this moment and to also lend your voice to determine who will walk away the winner! RSVP below. SEATING IS LIMITED SO GET YOUR TICKET ASAP!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/johns-hopkins-ward-infinity-pitch-competition-community-innovation-awards-tickets-791624599487

18/01/2024

In the future, Wards 7&8 will be the urban agricultural center of Washington, DC and serve as the example of cities of the future. Still predominately Black, East of The River will be reimagined as vibrant communities that seamlessly blend the urban and agrarian worlds, creating a unique and sustainable urban landscape. EightFold Farms DC will lead the way in transforming vacant lots, rooftops, and unused urban spaces into vibrant centers of agricultural activity, shaping this sustainable and thriving future. Our network of small commercial farms will address food security and create opportunities for economic empowerment by employing and training residents in sustainable farming practices. By reconnecting the community with the land and fostering a sense of self-sufficiency, we will sow the seeds of resilience and environmental consciousness in these Black Wards, creating a brighter and more equitable future for all.

17/01/2024

We are happy to announce our partnership with FAN to launch our From Farm To Table Pilot Program. FAN provides opportunities to youth impacted by the child welfare system. Together we will be teaching students urban agricultural and financial skills and providing mentorship to tomorrow's future urban farmers and entrepreneurs. Here is a link to the FAN website to learn more about their work. https://www.fan-dc.org/about/fan/

09/01/2024

We were fortunate to be accepted into the John Hopkins Ward Infinity Program in August of 2023. Since then, we have sharpened old business skills and learned new ones. Most importantly, we have cultivated relationships and expanded our support system as we enter the next phase of our journey!

09/01/2024

We were fortunate to be accepted into the John Hopkins Ward Infinity Program in August of 2023. Since then we have sharpened old business skills and learned new ones. Most importantly we have cultivated relationships and expanded our support system as we enter the next phase of our journey!

06/01/2024

🚨🚨The solar panels are here!🚨🚨 Our official launch is right around the corner!

12/12/2023

🚨The floor drains and flooring have been installed! Big shout out to and The Pivot Company, a Ward 7 blacked owned business for doing an amazing job! Next up is the solar panel install !

12/12/2023

As the year comes to an end and we get a step closer to opening, I've finally begun to process this win! The restrained emotion comes from 6 years of work, sacrifice, rejection, faith, and all the other things that accompany an entrepreneur on their journey. I am so appreciative of the support and coaching from DC Department of Small & Local Business Development (DSLBD) and the Dream Pitch Program and I walked away inspired by the minds and ambition of my cohort. I can sincerely say that I know socioeconomic change is coming soon to Wards 7 and 8 and I look forward to seeing what that future looks like!

16/11/2023

🚨🚨HVAC installation is complete!🚨🚨 Opening day for DC's first commercial urban gourmet mushroom farm is right around the corner!

29/10/2023

is on November 28 and Dreaming Out Loud is proud to participate in the Greater Washington region official campaign. We will be raising $10,000 to build a healthy equitable food system within the DC metropolitan region’s marginalized communities. Join us in making an impact where you live.

10/10/2023

We will be on the Be Informed Radio show tomorrow at 10am. Tune in to get updates on our progress, upcoming programs/events, and learn more about our Founder/CEO and his thoughts on food apartheid.

  The Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, Inc. (MHCDO) is a nonprofit community-based organization that has undertaken community development activities in the District of Colu…

25/08/2023

It was truly an honor and inspiration to be among such GREAT minds and it means even more that they are right here East of The River!

The D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development awarded $600,000 to the winners of the 2023 “Battle of The Wards” Dream Pitch Competition on Saturday with Ward 8 entrepreneurs taking top honors.

25/08/2023

We have come a long way and have so much further to go! The first crop is coming soon!

A Southeast D.C. man is facing the challenge of finding fresh food in his neighborhood by building an indoor mushroom farm in his front yard. News4’s Aimee Cho reports.

16/07/2023

https://www.fastcompany.com/90922993/5-reasons-why-cities-should-create-an-office-of-urban-agriculture

The mission of an urban agriculture office, and a Director of Urban Agriculture, reaches across city priorities, like housing, health, public parks and zoning.

05/04/2023

Entrepreneur and urban farmer explains how white fear and paternalism affects the Black economy. Follow EightFold Farms DC and click the link for the full Return 2 Black Broadway Podcast Interview. https://www.youtube.com/live/QXA75Ir1M2A?feature=share

05/04/2023

"I make it very clear, there are two DCs! There's us and there's across the bridge!" In case you missed it live last night. Click the link to watch the entire interview with the Return 2 Black Broadway Podcast. https://www.youtube.com/live/QXA75Ir1M2A?feature=share