By Savanna Stillwagner
Guest contributor
As you turn the corner onto Farmer’s Row of the Riverside Arts Market (RAM), one booth stands out. The bright red tent and tablecloths, wicker and wooden baskets, and of course, the vibrant colors of their lemons, cantaloupes, tomatoes and lettuce, define Abundant Harvests Farm.
Every Saturday, owners Caria and Calvin Hawkins along with Cheri Brown interact with customers for Abundant Harvests Farm. This local gem offers a bounty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and farm products. The colorful display of produce draws visitors in, but it’s the heartwarming story behind the farm that is truly captivating.
Abundant Harvests Farm’s story begins in the late 1990s, when Caria’s family purchased the farm with the vision of creating a family co-operative of healthy food options from their farm, “by sweat equity,” said Caria Hawkins, adding that the idea was inspired by her childhood in Georgia. There, she learned the importance of farming and family bonds. She said her family “has been and still is an inspiration.”
“My family’s skills range from farmers, bakers, seamstresses and everything else in between,” she said. “They collectively provided their own food, clothing and baked goods for themselves due to necessity.”
Growing up in this environment, Hawkins developed a deep appreciation for farming and the role it played in her family’s life.
One of her favorite parts of the farming process is “mimicking nature’s natural succession,” as she put it. She explained how her process of farming replicates “the natural ecosystems by creating maximum diversity and life in the soil because we realize that healthy soils equal healthy plants.”
While there are exciting aspects of farming, Hawkins acknowledged that setbacks do occur. From extreme weather conditions to the decline in natural pollinators, Hawkins said her family remains dedicated to their mission of providing nutritious food and maintaining sustainable farming practices. Now, their passion for agriculture extends beyond fruits and to include grass-fed, pasture-raised Angus beef cattle.
Hawkins envisions a future of continued growth and environmental stewardship for Abundant Harvests. “Farming is in my blood,” she said.
At RAM, you can meet Caria and Calvin Hawkins and become a part of the vibrant community that supports Abundant Harvests. Follow them on Facebook to stay updated on their latest offerings and farm adventures. Are you interested in becoming a RAM vendor in 2024? Visit the Applications tab on RAM’s website to learn more and submit your vendor interest form.
