Summary- See below for the full story

Archi’s Acres, Inc.  was founded by Colin and Karen Archipley in 2007 after the Archipley’s purchased some property in North County San Diego in 2005. The property they acquired came with 200 organic avocado trees which not only excited the Archipley’s about the property but was their first experience with growing anything. What they discovered in their first venture in agriculture was that convention agriculture methods cannot sustain themselves in many cases and if they wanted their land to sustain itself, they would need to maximize their water usage and land acreage.  They also knew that the agriculture industry is one of the largest users of fresh water supplies, and energy production is the other; which makes the three (water, agriculture, and energy) connected and all a matter of national security. That is why we feel combat veterans are an ideal fit for these industries and with their strong leadership skills, they can lead this nation into a new era and become the “Next Greatest Generation.”

We focus on incorporating innovative technologies into our growing systems as well as train veterans through our VSAT program which is a cooperative effort between Archi’s Acres and the San Diego Veteran Affairs Health Care System (VA). We work with the veterans in establishing their own operation facilities using the same methods we have developed at Archi’s Acres and work as a cooperative effort with those veterans and ensuring their success. Also, we work with employers to establish as many employment opportunities to the veterans in our VSAT program. Employers of the veterans in our program are offered outstanding payroll incentives through the VA.

If you would like to help us in our effort of supporting combat veterans, learn how by clicking here

Full Story-

Marine Infantry Sgt Colin Archipley and his wife Karen acquired their farm in Valley Center, CA in Oct 2005.  During Sgt Archipley’s 3rd tour in IRAQ.

The farm had 200+ Avocado trees as well as oranges, limes, figs, persimmon, tangerine etc.  Colin began his search for sustainable growing techniques during his downtime while in the Haditha Triad area. Upon return home in April of 2006, Colin immediately pursued hands on learning of hydroponics.  With the Help of Mike Dial, Innovative Growing Solutions (IGS), Colin began construction of the 30 X 60 Ft greenhouse, using fully sustainable growing methods.  By July of 2007 Archi's Acres partnered with San Diego VA's Compensative Work therapy to pilot a sustainable agriculture training program. Today our farm has several Veterans who are in the process of using the leadership skills they left the military with to build a new Sustainable future for themselves and their community.  VSAT is working towards agreements for funding that will enable Veterans to own their own facility while continuing the cycle of training new Veterans at each location in all of the Sustainable methods available to run a facility.   Which includes Solar, Wind and water conservation.