Rooted in Purpose: The Core Principles Behind EightFold Farms DC

At EightFold Farms DC, we believe in the transformative power of food, land, and people. We are more than a mushroom farm — we are a movement grounded in the belief that true community begins with intention, opportunity, and access. Our holistic approach to commercial urban agriculture is deeply rooted in Southeast Washington, DC — the very community that raised us — and it’s designed to nourish, uplift, and regenerate.

What We Mean by Community

To us, community is not just where people live — it's how they live together. We define community as a place where people share mutual understanding, interests, direction, and plans. To thrive, a true community must possess three essential components:

1. An Independent Economic Structure

2. Established Codes of Conduct

3. Meaningful Political Representation

These elements allow residents to compete and collaborate fairly — building a culture of trust, cooperation, and accountability. At EightFold Farms DC, everything we do is in service to that vision.

We are proud to operate East of the River, not as outsiders, but as native Washingtonians committed to building with our neighbors — not just for them. Food is culture. And food is power. Our mission is not only to provide fresh, nutritious food to Wards 7 and 8, but also to be a catalyst for long-term transformation through economic development, youth education, and agricultural innovation.

Eight Core Principles That Guide Our Work

Our company is named after the Noble Eightfold Path — a framework that guides us toward balance, purpose, and justice. These eight principles reflect the internal and external work required to build a business that nurtures both people and place:

1. Right View We remain aware of the world within and around us — examining how food choices impact our health, our environment, and our community.

2. Right Thought/Attitude We root our mindset in possibility and justice, knowing that our thinking shapes the future we’re building.

3. Right Speech We speak with intention, listening deeply and using words to inspire, empower, and build connection.

4. Right Action We commit to actions that reflect our values — whether that’s sustainable farming, fair hiring, or showing up for our neighbors.

5. Right Livelihood Our work is a source of dignity and service. We offer pathways for personal growth, self-expression, and community impact.

6. Right Diligence We honor the value of hard work. Every moment and every task is an opportunity to grow, learn, and lead.

7. Right Mindfulness We move with presence and awareness — understanding that everything we do is interconnected.

8. Right Concentration We stay focused on our “why”: to heal communities through regenerative food systems, economic opportunity, and radical love.

From Farm to Table: Growing the Next Generation

To fully realize our vision of community transformation, we’re investing in the future — our youth. That’s why we developed the From Farm to Table program, a holistic initiative that teaches urban agriculture, entrepreneurship, nutrition, and financial literacy to middle school students in Southeast DC. In February 2024, we launched the pilot program in partnership with FAN-DC (Fihankra Akoma Ntoaso). Middle schoolers participated in hands-on learning and earned stipends while developing practical skills in agriculture, business, and life. As we scale, our goal is to enroll students in 5th grade and support them all the way through high school graduation.

The program’s objectives are:

1. Spark interest in urban agriculture and sustainability

2. Improve dietary habits through nutrition education

3. Teach financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills

4. Mentor youth through their most formative years

5. Create clear pathways to higher education and economic mobility

As the program develops and takes shapes we look to partner with local universities to give students the opportunity to graduate high school with credits — and potentially a degree — in agriculture or business.

A New Model for Urban Farming in DC

We’re building a food system where everyone has a seat at the table — from the growers to the eaters, from the youth to the elders. Through our eight principles, our Farm to Table program, and our unwavering commitment to Southeast DC, EightFold Farms DC is proving that community-grown solutions are the most powerful.

This isn’t just farming.It’s regeneration.It’s education.It’s liberation.

WE GROW FOOD TO CULTIVATE COMMUNITIES!

Supporting the Leaders Who Support Us

Community transformation happens through collaboration — and we are proud to work alongside organizations like FAN-DC, who share our commitment to youth empowerment, food justice, and education.

We are thrilled to share that FAN-DC’s Executive Director has been named one of the Top 25 finalists for the Black Justice Fellowship, a program that uplifts grassroots leaders advancing justice in Black communities.

As a key partner in our From Farm to Table program, FAN-DC has helped shape a pathway for our youth to learn, grow, and thrive. Receiving this fellowship would bring essential funding to support not only our program, but the broader work FAN is doing across the District.

We’re asking our community to vote and show support for a leader who is truly making a difference. Your vote can help bring national recognition and critical resources to the work being done right here in DC.

🗳️ [Vote now to support FAN-DC’s Executive Director and help us grow this movement from the ground up.] Voting Ends May 30th!

Vote Here!