ACRES farm is a student run organization that strives in cultivating crops to later sell to Laramie Farmers’ Market.
The Associated Students of the University of Wyoming voted Tuesday to adopt ACRES Student Farm as one of its programs.
ACRES, or Agricultural Community Resources for Everyday Sustainability, is a recognized student organization on campus but has been separate from ASUW up until this point. However, former ACRES Vice President Sarah Legg says that it functions more like a business than an RSO, as it grows and sells vegetables to the Laramie community and brings in about $5,000 each year.
“I would say that classifying ACRES as an RSO is a bit of a misnomer as we really function more like a business,” Legg said.
ACRES has only had a presence in Laramie for about six years, but has managed to accomplish quite a lot during that time. Projects inlude establishing the infrastructure for a community-wide composting program and collaborating with UW classes for various projects, such as the design and construction of one of the main buildings at ACRES, according to Legg.
It also has helped bring fresher vegetables to the Washakie Dining Center.
“Last summer we contracted with Washakie to supply the lettuce for its salad bar and we also helped it establish its own gardens,” Legg said.
In addition to providing fresher vegetables and produce to the community, ACRES also offers research opportunities to students.
“Most importantly, ACRES provides an excellent venue for UW students that wish to conduct research projects pertaining to crop production or crop procedures,” Legg said.
One student research project even contributed to a local business. When a student finished with a pumpkin growing project, the pumpkins were sold to Altitude Chophouse and Brewery for its pumpkin ale.
ACRES President Perry Baptista says the program has helped former students jumpstart their careers.
“Student research has often launched student careers. For example, the students who started the composting program here now operate a successful composting business in North Carolina,” Baptista said.
The ACRES community composting program also is still going strong. Three times a week ACRES’ student volunteers collect food waste from about 10 businesses, including Washakie Dining Center, the Union and UW Catering. The food is brought back to the farm where it decomposes.
“The compost is used as an important amendment to improve ACRES’ soil, and any excess is sold to local gardeners,” Baptista said.
While the ACRES program would not have been in danger if ASUW had not adopted it, it will now have more stability with its help.
“ACRES is seeking to gain the support and stability of an already established UW entity while maintaining student management and involvement,” Legg said. “ASUW will not only offer ACRES financial support, but will also provide ACRES with the continuity of consistent management- an aspect that is currently lacking at ACRES.”
ACRES will receive about $29,000 in funding from ASUW in addition to the revenue it already generates, Baptista said. With the increased funding, ACRES could potentially hire student employees.
“We are very excited for the marketing resources offered to ASUW programs, the help of the ASUW accountant, and the possibility to hire future student employees through the actual payroll system,” Baptista said. “Basically, ASUW is helping ACRES continue to grow and affect more students positively.”
