The next time one has a meal, behold the food and ponder its origin. If cooked at home, one might trace it back to the supermarket, or the supplier if at a restaurant, but the original answer to this considered inquiry might be lost.

How can we become more connected to our food and its sources? Could we ensure that it is chemical free and ethically grown?

Join us this Friday, January 26, at FreshStart as we welcome Roger Mu, CEO and founder of Farmonize, to discuss his sustainable farming company, which connects consumers with farmers through yearly subscriptions to plots of land.

Over time, farming has become less about working with the land to grow seasonal and native crops, and more about producing the maximum output (sometimes to the detriment of both the land and produce). Farmonize advocates for sustainable farm practices, fair compensation for farmers, and a stronger connection between the consumer and their food. All this requires greater education and awareness from customers, and Farmonize helps people develop this.

Roger’s journey to founding Farmonize started when he tried to recreate the comfort foods from his home in Texas while in Shanghai. After many attempts, he could not recreate his mom’s pico de gallo (a fresh, and spicy salsa) without real jalapenos. It was this impetus that drove him to learn how to grow plants hydroponically, and he began to design and construct hydroponic systems. After reaching the limitations of home hydroponics and realizing that local farms are the best way for producing enough vegetables to eat, he began developing a service to help balance the tremendous risks that farmers have and help consumers achieve complete control over how their vegetables are grown. This service became Farmonize.

FreshStart warmly welcomes all to attend, listen, and ask questions.