Veronica and Jeremy Wright, a husband-and-wife team, are pursuing their dream of owning farmland. From their suburban home near Chicago, they have been growing produce, while also tending over 20 beehives on a friend’s farm 40 minutes away. Through a partnership with Down at the Farms, a farmer-to-farmer marketing and delivery service near Fairbury, their honey and produce have been efficiently reaching Illinois’ local food system.
Now, a major opportunity has opened — a farm is available right next door to Down at the Farms’ new food hub in Livingston County. Relocating there would eliminate their weekly three-hour commute and allow them to expand their farming and beekeeping so they could then farm full-time.
Securing this farm, however, depends on obtaining a loan and covering relocation costs. Earlier this year, the Wrights, who are African American, experienced what was very likely loan discrimination. Despite this setback, they are determined to reapply and move forward.
Our friends at Down at the Farms shared this GoFundMe link set up by the Wrights to generate support for their land access efforts. We hope you will consider donating and spreading the word.