Meet Matt, New Leaf’s Farm Director

Warm introductions to our newest team member and New Leaf Agriculture Director, Matt Simon. In 2015, Matt earned his Permaculture Design Certificate from the Austin Permaculture Guild and began working for Symbiosis Regenerative Systems in Summer 2016, helping to install perennial food and rainwater harvesting systems. His farming journey began at Green Gate Farms, connecting him to MRC's Farm-Link program, where he worked on a weekly basis with many of the same refugees who now make up the New Leaf team. Matt now manages all things New Leaf Farm, including our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program!

We caught up with Matt during a break at the farm to ask some questions about what's coming up for New Leaf this year!

Q: What is your favorite thing that we are currently growing at New Leaf Farm?

A: My favorite veggie that we're harvesting right now are our watermelon radishes. They have a vibrant pink color on the inside and a more mild, sweet taste than normal radishes. I've seen even the greatest radish skeptics be converted by these beauties. 

Q: What are you most looking forward to this year working with New Leaf?

A: I'm most excited to see our permaculture master plan come to fruition. Many of the systems and practices that we have in place are on the cutting edge of the regenerative agriculture movement, and I look forward to bringing our production methods further into line with natural ecosystems.