TIJUANA.- At nearly two months into its creation, BordoFarms continues to thrive. Today, March 14, the organizers will be hosting an event that invites the public to bring their own empty pots. In exchange for a small donation, Tijuana residents can buy one of the plants that have been grown and been cared for by the BordoFarmers.

BORDOFARMS is a project that aims to help the large population of displaced deportees in Tijuana with the creation of jobs via self-sustaining agriculture. The large population takes residence up in the Tijuana river canal, in an area near the U.S. border known as "el bordo".

This event is in anticipation of BordoFarms' next phase of operation, where they will move to a new, legally adopted location so that the project may continue to operate and expand.

The project has generated extraordinary interest, and has surpassed expectations set for this first pilot phase of the project. BordoFarms has operated as an urban farm over the past two months, and functions as a job incubator for the migrants, while providing psychological support and training to participants.

Over the course of the past two months, in addition to learning to care for urban farms, the BordoFarmers have learned to make Piñatas, and are currently working on producing fifty piñatas to be delivered for the upcoming Dia del Niño festivities (Children's Day Holiday). Three of the ten BordoFarmers have obtained job offers while one has been able to return to his native town in Michoacan, thanks to his participation in BordoFarms.

After heavy rains hit a couple of weeks ago, the municipal government initiated a massive "clean-up" of the river canal in the "Bordo" area. All inhabitants were forced to leave, but organizers for BordoFarms obtained permission for two BordoFarmers to remain and watch over the plant beds. The municipal government is currently negotiating with the group to seek a different location.

Before the project moves to its next location, the plants must be moved as well, which is why organizers are inviting the public to bring their own pots and obtain a BordoFarm plant in exchange for a small donation that will go toward paying for shelter and other BordoFarms necessities.

Once all of the plants have been donated, the beds will be emptied and moved to a new location - a new area to be revitalized by the project. It is anticipated that this will take place in the next week or so, with the help of the Social Municipal Development department and volunteers.

In the next phase, the project aims to continue to operate and produce profits to be used to support the BordoFarms project, while fostering a culture of urban farming in Tijuana.

Bring your own pot to BordoFarms today, March 14, starting at 8am. The location can be reached by parking in the back of the Plaza Rio parking lot (next to DAX) and crossing the pedestrian bridge that goes over the Tijuana river. Donations of piñata supplies are also requested, including brown tape, scissors, colorful paper, #9 balloons, and newspaper.

For more information, visit their Facebook page.

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