When Mark Lilly ( pictured below ) resolve to start a mobile farmers market in Richmond , Va. , his chosen fomite — a farm bus — draw international attention . With a niggling elbow lubricating oil and a passion to support local sodbuster , Lilly swap seats from a 1987 diesel schoolhouse bus for containers of romaine lettuce and vine - ripened tomato . Lilly , who also holds an art grade from Virginia Commonwealth University , transformed the jaundiced shoal bus into a roving piece of work of artistry with the help of friends . To his surprise , the farm jalopy caught the attention of media outlets like the BBC World News , Peoplemagazine , Rachael Ray and more . Today , Lilly talks with UF about his latest venture and trials of being an urban - farm entrepreneur .
1. So, you were a pioneer with your concept. What was your inspiration for creating the FarmBus?
FarmBus
Mark Lilly : As far as I have a go at it , I was the trendsetter of the FarmBus when I started in 2009 . I was in a graduate school program at the University of Richmond in Virginia called Disaster Science and Emergency Management , which looks at the burden of quake , vent , tornados and other catastrophe — and looks at the science of how thing get done , or do n’t get done , and the political sympathies involved . Students could pick a issue and do a 20 - year prognosis look at any hazards and threat . My subject was famine and stern hunger in the U.S. and westerly developed state in 2029 .
While I was explore my subject , I began feeling middling upset and bitter about our food system . The system is unsustainable . How could our leaders know about this and not make changes ? At the same time , I was in a job I hated and want to do something different . I was discharge from my occupation , and it was the best thing that ever befall to me . I am a originative guy with a million different construct in my oral sex . I think , “ How can I create a more sustainable , tidy food for thought system and tolerate small local farmers ? ” So , I had this concept to force back directly to local farms , dilute refreshful green goods on the motorbus , drive it in the city and trade it .
2. How was the FarmBus idea received?
ML : I pitched my idea to everybody — my parents , friends , possible investor — and they all thought I was crazy . With my last dollar and a ambition , I grease one’s palms a school passenger vehicle off of Craigslist . Eight months after I start the passenger vehicle , the BBC World News ran a story , and other major news program media outlets , like Rachel Ray and The 700 Club , started covering it . It was an inspiring chronicle that resonated with people .
This is my rage . For the past six years , I have work 60 to 80 work hebdomad bringing local foods to my local residential area . drive the FarmBus around is awesome : Everyone waves and smiles as I drive by . Now the FarmBus mostly does schooltime visits and special result , mainly due to lack of find funding / working capital to expand the peregrine retail construct .
3. What are your future urban farm ventures?
ML : We want to turn our urban farm into an Education Department center for interior - metropolis nestling and adult . Our urban farm is located in a food desert and houses a retail market , but it sit somewhat dormant because we ca n’t find funding / investors to work up it . We keep a few chicken and grow some herbs , but it will take a near partnership to touch its full potential .
Our most successful operation is our CSA on Capitol Hill in Washington , D.C. The full - religious service CSA assist 300 members and back up many local sodbuster . This program has become very successful , and we ’d wish to expand .
4.With all of urban farming’s challenges and hard work, what do you find most rewarding?
ML : My dream has always been to expand the mobile marketplace concept , partner with local farms and make jobs . It can be a big money - pass water affair , but my main goal has always been to support local farmers and work up a more sustainable food system . I give some of my farmers $ 20,000 to $ 30,000 one dollar bill a year , which helps them stay on afloat . catch people smile when they pick up their CSA and supporting these local Farmer get the employment worthwhile . Enough small alteration to our food system will make a big difference , and that ’s what I do .
