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What We Grow
Serra Vida Farm is dedicated to sustainable farming practices to grow accessible vegetables and herbs, with an emphasis on culturally relevant foods. We start with nourishing the Earth with a focus on water conservation, biodiversity, and healthy soil, and end with the nourishment of our community.
In 2025, We'll Harvest:
Herbs
Anise Hyssop
Cilantro
Culantro (Recao)
Fennel
Genovese Basil
Huacatay
Lemon Balm
Lemon Basil
Marjoram
Oregano
Parsley
Thai Basil
Thyme
Scallions
Squash
Butternut
Delicata
Kabocha
Zucchini
Peppers
Sweet Peppers
Bell, Pimento, & Cubanelle
Traditional Caribbean Varieties
Aji Dulce, Aji Limon, Scotch Bonnet, & Cubanelle
Hot Peppers
Jalapeno, Poblano, Shishito, Cayenne, Banana
Dried Beans & Grains
Habichuela Roja (Red Beans)
Orocovis, Puerto Rico
Gandules (Green Peas)
Puerto Rico
Holstein Black Eyed Peas (U’us mu:ñ)
Oaxan Green Dent Corn (Zea Mays)
Everything Else
Arugula
Bush Beans
Beets
Collards
Cucumbers
Flower Bouquets
Garlic
Kale
Lettuce
Mustard Greens
Onions
Pole Beans
Radishes
Spinach
Swiss Chard
Turnips
Tomatoes
Heirloom
Paste
Slicers
What is Biodiversity?
Today, 95% of the world’s food supply lies in just 30 of the 7,000 plants bred for human consumption. A resilient and just food system must include biodiversity for sustainability; here at Serra Vida, biodiversity practices include:
At Serra Vida Farm, our approach centers on core principles—soil health, cultural identity, biodiversity, accessible scale, and education—to tackle pressing areas of concern in our community and beyond.
These principles are not only practiced on our farm but also shared through workshops held in collaboration with West Branch Commons, where we cover essential topics like sustainable farming practices, nutrient management, best land management practices (BMPs), conservation easements, and land access.
Here’s How Each Guiding Principle Comes to Life:
Soil Health
Our farming practices are built on maintaining nutrient-rich, resilient soil through crop rotations, cover cropping, and composting.
Using locally sourced, multi-year composted manure supports our goal of soil health without relying on costly external inputs.
This helps us improve soil structure and fertility, creating a solid foundation for long-term agricultural productivity.
Accessible Scale
Though we operate as a 2 acre microfarm, Serra Vida Farm demonstrates that small-scale operations can make a big impact.
In 2024, we produced approximately 10,000 pounds of produce, all distributed directly to Bronx-based mutual aid organizations, like New Roots Community Farm and Ujamaa Community Garden, providing fresh, culturally relevant food where it’s most needed.
By focusing on an accessible scale, we show that meaningful food production and local support can thrive even in smaller spaces.
Culture & Identity
Serra Vida, meaning “barter exchange of life,” embodies our commitment to honoring and connecting with the Bronx communities that shaped us.
We grow culturally relevant crops, reconnecting our community with foods that hold meaning and are often less accessible. Through each season, we make a conscious effort to maintain cultural bonds through food, preserving traditions and identity in the face of systemic food insecurity.
Biodiversity
To foster a healthy, diverse ecosystem, we have integrated native fruit and nut trees with The Forest Exchange and native pollinator plants with Barkaboom Native Plants and Nursery. This biodiversity not only supports local pollinators but also strengthens the resilience of our farm's ecosystem.
Our crop rotations and cover crops help ensure that soil life remains vibrant and balanced, contributing to a more resilient agricultural environment.