La Familia, a local organic farming cooperative, will host a grand opening celebration on Saturday in New Richland. According to a press release, the organization is inviting the community to attend. 

There will be a tour of the small farm that is growing tomatoes, tomatillos, peas, peppers and other organic produce, as well as a tasting of various Latino dishes prepared with food fresh from the field.

In 2013, La Familia started out with a small group of community members who wanted to increase healthy eating in the Latino and broader community in New Richland and the surrounding area. According to a press release, they turned to the Latino Economic Development Center with the goal of starting an agricultural cooperative. LEDC helped co-op members develop a business model, provided them with training in organic farming and provided financing to get them started. Many co-op members and their families had agricultural experience, which gave them a headstart in the process. They named the co-op La Familia (The Family) to celebrate the traditional role family play in growing and preparing food for their families.

“We started the cooperative with the goal of growing healthy foods and teaching community members about the benefits of eating local organic produce,” said Luis Gaona, one of six co-op members. “We are grateful to LEDC for giving us the opportunity to get started.”

The grand opening will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday at 14419 240th Ave. in New Richland. La Familia is selling its crops at the Shared Ground Co-Op in St. Paul and in neighboring cities.