Food Sovereignty & Compost Program
UMT & Agriculture
The Upper Mattaponi people have always been a community of farmers. From historical accounts of their large gardens where they grew corn, beans, and several varieties of squash to sustain their villages. Maintaining the groves and patches of wild fruits, berries, nuts, and herbs was also important to the community. This farming heritage has continued throughout the generations. Our gardens are not as large as they once were, but are still an integral part of tribal community life.
About Us
The Upper Mattaponi Tribe's garden program started in February 2023 and has been growing since. The garden currently has one operational high tunnel and 4 outside production fields, with the construction of a new high tunnel and greenhouse underway.
Tribal CSA Program
Each week, form June to November, we provide Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes to tribal families. These produce boxes are prepared with a variety of produce grown from the garden.
Compost Program
The UMT compost program partners with many local businesses and schools to collect their compostable waste. This waste is added to the existing compost piles onsite, where it will be used to create nutrient rich compost for planting crops.
