Dedora has been able to grow a variety of herbs, flowers and vegetables over the years and continues to expand, now with over 75 different crop varieties.
By Leila Naylor, Rhode Island FSA Administrative Specialist
Christina Dedora, owner of Blue Skys Farm, grew up in Smithfield, Rhode Island, and moved to France in 1993. During her time there, she worked on a farm, learning about organic agriculture and how wonderful farm-fresh produce tastes. She knew she wanted to make a career of growing a variety of flowers, herbs and vegetables when she returned to America.
“People in America find it difficult to make the time to cook for themselves and make healthy choices,” she said. “Americans more often than not tend to eat by themselves and often look for fast and more convenient food options, while people in France continue to follow their tradition by eating three meals a day, taking their time eating while with family and friends.”
Dedora later moved to Massachusetts where she worked for other farmers. Deep down, she still hoped to one day have an opportunity to farm on her own. She found the opportunity with Urban Edge Farm, a 50-acre farm located in Cranston, Rhode Island, in 2006.
Urban Edge Farm is managed by Southside Community Land Trust, a non-profit organization whose mission is to help people grow food and implements several programs focused on urban agriculture. Southside Community Land Trust provided Dedora with the tools she needed to begin farming.
Dedora contacted the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and obtained an operating loan to help start her own farming operation on two of the 50 acres of farmland at Urban Edge Farm.
FSA offers support to beginning farmers and ranchers through its farm loan programs. Eligible farmers and ranchers can apply for farm ownership loans, farm operating loans and microloans. Ownership loans can provide access to land and capital, while operating loans help finance the cost of operating a farm. Microloans provide beginning farmers and ranchers a source of financial assistance during the start-up years.
In 2016, she took out a microloan with the Rhode Island Farm Service Agency to provide cash flow early in the season. She currently has two employees, four volunteers and is currently educating an intern from Southside Community Land Trust through a USDA grant.
“I enjoy educating others with what I do,” she said.
Having been on Urban Edge Farm over 10 years, Dedora has learned how to make the most out of her two acres. She has been able to grow a variety of herbs, flowers and vegetables over the years and continues to expand, now with over 75 different crop varieties.
Her goal is to continue her efforts with her farm and educate the public one person at a time. She continues to promote healthy products and the importance of making the time to eat healthy and nutritious meals with family and friends.
For more information about FSA’s various loan programs, contact your local FSA office or visit www.fsa.usda.gov. To find your local FSA office, visit http://offices.usda.gov.
