Small Scale Organic Farming

Archi's Acres and VSAT are the result of two passions shared by two passionate Americans. Through their farm, Colin and Karen Archipley have found a way to support sustainable agriculture while serving our nation’s veterans. Colin and Karen were able to turn a run-down avocado farm in the hills above the scenic southern California city of Escondido into a state-of-the-art, organic, hydroponic greenhouse operation. The small farm now produces living basil, kale, avocados and more for the local market. What’s more, the Archipleys had the vision for an entrepreneurial incubator for transitioning veterans. With unemployment for veterans twice the national average and the country in dire need of new farmers, the Archipleys committed to the creation of the Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training (VSAT) program.

Since founding VSAT in 2007, the Archipleys have trained more than 100 veterans for careers in sustainable agriculture and other sectors in the food supply chain. Now, Archi’s Acres is rolling out its VSAT program at locations nationwide. Karen and Colin have transformed their vision into the first local company with a national footprint.