Tanama Varas

Statement from candidate on continuing to serve: I think it’s important for BIPOC farmers especially to be involved with Policy. I’ve had the privilege to be involved with movements like the U.S. Food Sovereignty Alliance, La Via Campesina, Climate Justice Alliance and others. Farming policies have impacted my farming experience more so from what is not in policy. I’ve been a part of food sovereignty delegations in over 8 countries and have seen policies, and practices from these different context which inform how I think up about policy and farming. I’ve been to state houses in Massachusetts, Vermont, California, and Puerto Rico to advocate for farmers and food systems folks and would like to see more done in terms of land access, access to knowledge and trainings, incentives for folks already doing climate justice work on the farm and much more. Current Practices: I look at it from a principle standpoint rather than just practices. We look to enhance the recycling of biomass, with a view to optimizing organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling over time via cover cropping, crop rotation. We are strengthen the “immune system” of agricultural systems through enhancement of functional biodiversity – natural enemies by creating appropriate habitats, such as insectary flowers Create the most favorable soil conditions for plant growth, particularly by managing organic matter and by enhancing soil biological activity we do this by mulching, and intercropping. We work to minimize losses of energy, water, nutrients and genetic resources by enhancing conservation and regeneration of soil and water resources and agrobiodiversity. Diversify species and genetic resources in the agroecosystem over time and space at the field and landscape level. We do this via agroforestry and animal integration. Agricultural Background: I have a B.S. in Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems with a focus in agroecology from the University of California, Davis. I have a certificate in Agroforestry from the University of Missouri. I also conducted soil health research at UC Berkeley for 3 years followed by the last 6 years of managing a variety of diversified vegetable, flower, fiber, and fruit farms. I’ve been active in agrarian social movements since 2016. I’ve been training farmers in various farmer training programs over the last 4 years including working with young people ages 10 – 50+   Tanama is currently the Farm Manager and Farmer Training Program Educator at the University of Vermont.