Welcome to Austin: Nava Farms Transforms Tech Campus into Thriving Agricultural Haven

Welcome to Austin: A Tech Giant’s Green Dream at Nava Farms

Austin, Texas, is known for its vibrant music scene and booming tech industry, but here’s a new twist on the city’s culture: the rise of Nava Farms. You read that right! What was once a planned corporate campus owned by Zoho Corp., a major player in the global software market, has sprouted into a full-fledged farm. Talk about a plot twist!

The Birth of a Green Oasis

In 2019, Zoho announced big plans to relocate its U.S. headquarters from California to Austin. The site was set to house a 100,000-square-foot corporate campus, but as luck would have it, the pandemic shook things up. Instead of building a typical office space, the company made an organic shift, quite literally, turning the sprawling 379-acre property into Nava Farms. And you know what? They are embracing every bit of the challenge!

Tom Philipps, who leads the operations at Nava Farms, is feeling the exhilaration and the difficulties that come with running a farm. “You never know what to expect! One day it’s wild hogs munching on our corn, and the next, it’s a daring coyote messing with our goats,” he chuckled. Nature sure keeps them on their toes, doesn’t it?

Planting Every Seed of Hope

Despite all the unpredictable challenges—like rattlesnakes lurking or inconsistent rains—Nava Farms is alive with activity. Since kicking off this green initiative, they’ve already planted 3,000 trees and aim to reach a whopping 10,000 by adding a variety from persimmons to peaches. Talk about a fruity future!

And the veggies? Oh, they’re thriving too. The land is brimming with vibrant hibiscus, fragrant basil, and pumpkins that would make any fall celebration complete. To sweeten the deal, they manage hundreds of cattle and have even welcomed some furry friends (hello, stray dogs and cats) into their crew for some pest control!

A Community-Centric Approach

Nava Farms is not just a pretty plot of land; it’s a buzzing hub for local chefs and food lovers. They sell their produce to neighborhood restaurants and dive into crafting delicious pickled veggies, jams, and hot sauces, all available at their lively Saturday farmer’s market. And guess what? They’re planning fun educational events soon, possibly even school field trips to teach about food systems and how everything grows!

Philipps has big dreams for the farm — he wants it to become self-sufficient. “We might not be raking in loads of cash, but breaking even is a solid goal. Every penny generated goes right back into the farm,” he explained. Now that’s a real commitment to sustainability!

Connecting with Nature

But why would a software company leap into farming? Philipps reassured skeptics, saying Zoho’s ethos has long been about staying connected to nature and promoting a balanced environment. “Our founders have always valued the link between technology and the natural world,” he added.

Want to know the fun part? Zoho encourages its employees to get their hands dirty! Whether it’s trying their luck with beekeeping, taking their dogs for walks, or fishing in stocked ponds, they are all about community connections. Fresh produce made from the farm even finds its way to the tech office, bridging the gap between tech work and homegrown food.

The Road Ahead

As Austin expands, Nava Farms seeks to remain a serene escape amidst urban development. The company envisions having around 40 employees engaged in daily operations and connecting the community with nature while teaching sustainable practices.

“We’re not going anywhere,” Philipps declared with determination. “We believe in not just making profits, but in creating an educational green oasis right here in the heart of Austin.” With a mission like that, who wouldn’t want to support their local farm?

So, folks, keep your eyes pealed on Nava Farms. It might just be the perfect blend of tech and nature, all while fostering a sense of community and sustainability right here in Austin!