Video: American Spirit: We Visit the Urban Farm in Berkeley, California.

Dear brothers and sisters, We spent a Sunday afternoon at the Urban Farm in Berkeley. We were hosted by David Grafrath and Jon Hoffman. We felt as if we were stepping into another world. We saw kids and elders, moms and babies tending the extensive plantings. This was no ordinary community garden - it was a farm! It encompassed an acre and a half of fertile ground. It has been in existence for little more than a year and yet, even in such a brief span, they have accomplished so much! Here in the midst of the roar, the cacophony and drear of a city, your fellow Americans have created an ambiance devoted to living plants and living soil. A community effort in which all are welcomed, honored and respected. We were especially gratified to see a retiree leaving with a bundle of living, salad greens. People working in the garden simply share in the abundance. At the Farm stand in front, there were no prices. People pay what they can afford. We came away convinced that here is a prologue, an intimation. If this can be done in Berkeley, imagine, if you will, what can be accomplished with the vacant tracks, say, in Detroit or Pittsburgh? Most of all, we were impressed with the energy of the people, their good vibes and essential kindness and decency. Here were Americans working together to help themselves and benefit their community. We were witnessing, surely, a blossoming of the American spirit. I wonder. I wonder - is there anything, brothers and sisters, that you cannot accomplish? With appreciation and respect, Jesse Schwartz PhD President Living Tree Community Foods