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Red Earth Green Earth

IPR's Pat Blank
Red Earth Gardens was recently featured during a Practical Farmers of Iowa field day

Credit IPR's Pat Blank
Red Earth Gardens Farm Manager Jennifer Vazquez near the packing shed

Members of the Meskwaki Nation near Tama have established a community-based farm operation.

The Red Earth Gardens spans 40 acres and boasts a wide variety of crops.  In the short two seasons they've been in operation, they've managed to grow numerous varieties of  fruits and vegetables. The tribe's extensive planning process includes a transition from row crop to certified organic by sometime next year.

Tribal members grow produce for the settlement but they also sell it to the nearby casino, at a roadside stand and at area farmer's markets.  

Pat Blank is the host of All Things Considered