Community Alliance for Urban Sustainable Agriculture (C.A.U.S.A)
Since 2011 Uncommon Good has been growing local food that exceeds organic standards, using no pesticides or chemicals, not even the ones the government allows organic farmers to use. The urban agriculture program was started when, together with the low-income families it serves, Uncommon Good formed the Community Alliance for Urban Sustainable Agriculture program (CAUSA) to develop a food production program that could feed the hungry, provide community education, and supply the local community with the highest quality fruits and vegetables.
CAUSA consists of a network of urban farm plots in Claremont, Pomona and Ontario. The plots are located at public schools, places of worship, sister organizations, and private homes. Over 125 homeowners also participate by allowing Uncommon Good to harvest their unused backyard fruit for the program in return for a charitable giving tax deduction.
The food produced is given for free to the families served by Uncommon Good who cannot otherwise afford sufficient fresh produce. The farmers are fathers of children in the education program who are paid a living wage and family health benefits by Uncommon Good.
Our farms’ fertility program consists of applying locally produced compost, biochar, natural mineral amendments, and periodic spraying of actively aerated compost teas. To combat pests, we focus on natural cultural practices to minimize harmful bugs. We work with nature by practicing companion planting as well as experimenting with crops that are less susceptible to infestations.
