The 1001-Acre DFW Food Forest & Faith-Based Blue Zone Hub

Bismillah.
This is the moment. The opportunity to Redefine Local in a way that unites the DFW metro through food, faith, and the future of regenerative living.

💡 Instead of a casino, let's plant something that truly grows—a 1001-acre faith-based food forest and Farmers Market district that transforms Irving into the next global leader in sustainable urban agriculture and food sovereignty.

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🌍 THE VISION: 1001 ACRES OF REGENERATION 🌱

At the heart of this vision is a reimagined Dallas Farmers Market Shed system, expanded to 12 community-powered sheds, each acting as a hub for:
✅ Locally grown food markets – Weekly markets where churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and faith communities can showcase, sell, and barter their own fresh produce.
✅ Faith-Based Blue Zones – Each community grows fruit trees, vegetables, herbs, and flowers that reflect their cultural heritage and dietary traditions.
✅ Sacred Geometry Master Plan – The 12 sheds are arranged like a clock, each leading outward to a faith-based mega-community garden.
✅ Horticulture Innovation District – Partnering with The University of Dallas, Dallas College, and North Lake to advance the science of food forests, soil health, and urban farming.
✅ Sustainable Jobs & Entrepreneurial Growth – Direct job creation in:

• Urban farming, permaculture design, and sustainable landscaping
• Agro-tech, vertical farming, and smart greenhouse technology
• Farmers market operations and local food distribution
• Food processing, culinary arts, and farm-to-table enterprises

**💡 Irving can lead a revolution in food and faith. Why settle for a casino when we can create an economic powerhouse built on food sovereignty?

Braga, The Grower, spoke on May 1st 2025 in Irving for the first time in regards to the Trees BEFORE Sands proposal. This is the 4th time speaking before City Council on local ag and sustainability. 

City of Irving | City Council Regular Meeting May 1, 2025

https://youtu.be/vGVaFYqHaEM?t=2275

🌿 TREES BEFORE SANDS — IMPACT EXPANSION PLAN

📍 Phase 1: Irving Site Activation (2025–2026)

✅ Visible Impacts:

• 1001 acres activated, 100,000+ fruit trees planted

• 12 churches fully operational on land

• Local jobs, local fruit, local faith

• Citizens saving $30M/year on food

• Thousands educated through 2 R&D campuses

• Crime drops, health increases, property values rise

 

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📍 Phase 2: DFW Faith Propagation (2027–2028)

💠 The Garden Expansion Mandate

Each of the 12 churches commits to teach, mentor, and seed at least 10 satellite gardens or orchards in DFW—across mosques, temples, sister churches, and school campuses.

🌱 Ripple Impact:

🛠️ Each guild becomes a center of teaching, offering:

• Seasonal planting guides

• Faith-based workshops

• Free orchard kits

• Edenic food festivals

• Interfaith Peace Harvest events

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📍 Phase 3: National Template & Global Leadership (2029–2030)

🌍 Irving Becomes the Hub of Global Regeneration

The Sacred 12 publish the Eden Charter—a playbook for any city on Earth to replicate this model.

🌐 Outputs:

• The Interfaith Orchard Alliance formed

• Eden curriculum adopted by 100+ schools

• Official partnerships with USDA, World Bank, UN FAO

• Urban land converted worldwide: 25,000+ acres

• Total fruit produced globally: 1 billion+ lbs/year

• Carbon sequestered: 1 million tons

• Shared XP system across Eden Growers

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📘 Expanded Impact Categories

✨ Legacy Statement

“We were offered sand. We planted trees.”
The world will look to Irving not as a place of consumption, but as the place that birthed the Edenic Era.
A city once caught between gambling and decline chose regeneration instead.
We will mark this on the scrolls, in the soil, and in the stories our children tell.

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🌿 WHAT CAN 1001 ACRES OF FRUIT TREES PRODUCE?

🔹 100 trees per acre = 100,100 fruit trees planted
🔹 Each tree produces ~200 lbs of fruit annually
🔹 That’s 20,020,000 lbs of fresh fruit per year
🔹 Enough to feed every single person in DFW multiple times over

DFW currently imports over 90% of its food.
This project reverses that trend, making DFW one of the largest urban food-producing regions in America.

🔥 Impact:
✅ Millions of pounds of fruit available to all residents
✅ Churches & faith groups build sustainable food economies
✅ Massive carbon sequestration & water conservation benefits
✅ Local food becomes the norm, reducing dependence on imports

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📌 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

💡 Phase 1: The Faith & Food Infrastructure (2025-2026)
📌 Establish the 12-Shed Market Model at the center of the 1001-acre zone
📌 Secure partnerships with churches, mosques, synagogues & faith leaders
📌 Begin phased planting of 100,000+ fruit trees
📌 Kickstart local food distribution & cooperative farming

💡 Phase 2: The Blue Zone Activation (2027-2028)
📌 Formalize food sovereignty programs in faith communities
📌 Launch the DFW Faith-Based Agro-Education Initiative
📌 Host the first interfaith “Bounty Market” & Urban Farm Expo

💡 Phase 3: National Model for Regenerative Cities (2029-2030)
📌 Integrate AI-powered urban farming technologies
📌 Establish long-term policy incentives for local food production
📌 Scale the Faith-Based Blue Zone Model to other U.S. cities

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🚀 ECONOMIC & SOCIAL BENEFITS

✅ Thousands of new green jobs in urban farming, food technology, and distribution
✅ New agribusiness opportunities for local entrepreneurs & faith groups
✅ Irving becomes the epicenter of urban food innovation in Texas
✅ Less crime, more community engagement, healthier neighborhoods
✅ Redefining “local food” as a standard for every city in America

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📢 CALL TO ACTION: A NEW FUTURE FOR IRVING & DFW

Instead of a casino, with Harry Hines Red Lights District behind it, let’s build a food forest and faith-driven economy.
✅ Irving has the land. The people. The history. The faith. The vision.
✅ This is bigger than just a market. It’s the rebirth of the DFW food system.
✅ And it starts with The Call to Grow.

FAQ: How much fruit does DFW consume every year?

Determining the exact annual fruit consumption for the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area is challenging due to limited specific data. However, we can estimate based on available information:

1. Per Capita Fruit Consumption:

   • Nationally, only 12.3% of Americans meet the recommended daily fruit intake of 1.5 to 2 cups. Stacker
   • In Texas, 41.3% of adults consume less than one serving of fruit per day. Stacker

2. DFW Population:

   • As of recent estimates, the DFW metroplex has a population of approximately 7.6 million residents.txjanr.agintexas.org

3. Estimated Annual Consumption:

   • Assuming the 58.7% of Texas adults who consume at least one serving of fruit daily reflect DFW's habits:Stacker+1America’s Health Rankings+1
     • 58.7% of 7.6 million ≈ 4.46 million people.
     • If each consumes an average of 1 cup (approximately 150 grams) of fruit daily:
       • Daily: 4.46 million x 150g = 669 metric tons.
       • Annually: 669 metric tons x 365 days ≈ 244,185 metric tons.

Note: These figures are rough estimates and actual consumption may vary.

Below is an in‐depth breakdown of the logistics, financial details, and community reinvestment plan for the 12-shed model in the 1001-acre food forest:

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1. Operational & Infrastructure Logistics

A. Site & Layout:

• 1001-Acre Food Forest:
  The land is dedicated to regenerative urban agriculture, divided into community zones and a central hub.
• 12 Community-Powered Sheds:
  • Design: Eco-friendly, modular structures arranged in a clock-face formation for optimal connectivity.
  • Function: Each serves as a multi-use space for weekly farmers markets, agro-tech showcases, and educational hubs.
  • Connectivity: Sheds connect to a network of community gardens and a mega garden that radiates outward, embodying sacred geometry principles.

B. Core Components within Each Shed:

• Market Operations:
  Local vendors (faith groups, cooperatives, startups) sell fresh produce, artisanal foods, and value-added products.
• Community Hubs:
  Areas for workshops, training in urban farming and permaculture, and spaces for local cultural exchange.
• Tech & Innovation Zones:
  Partnership zones with local academic institutions to pilot agro-tech solutions, smart greenhouse systems, and vertical farming setups.

C. Phased Implementation:

• Phase 1 (2025-2026):
  Infrastructure development, establishment of the 12 sheds, and initial planting of over 100,000 fruit trees.
• Phase 2 (2027-2028):
  Full operational launch of the market hubs and the activation of faith-based food programs, including educational initiatives.
• Phase 3 (2029-2030):
  Integration of advanced urban farming technologies (including AI-powered systems) and scaling the model to serve as a national template.

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2. Financial Projections, ROI, and Profit Details

A. Revenue Streams:

• Primary Produce Sales:
  • Fruit Production:
    • Estimated yield: 100 trees per acre × 1001 acres ≈ 100,100 fruit trees.
    • At ~200 lbs of fruit per tree per year, the total production reaches roughly 20 million pounds of fruit annually.
  • Revenue from Fruit Sales:
    • At an estimated retail price of ~$0.50 per pound, fruit sales alone could generate around $10 million per year.
• Secondary Income from Sheds:
  • Vendor Fees & Leasing:
    Each shed can generate income from stall rentals, event hosting, and local vendor fees. Conservatively, if each shed nets between $500K to $1M annually, the 12 sheds together contribute an additional $6–12 million per year.
  • Workshops & Agro-Tech Demonstrations:
    Additional revenue from training sessions, research partnerships with local colleges, and sponsored events.

B. Operating Margins & ROI:

• Initial Investment Estimate:
  Let’s assume a capital expenditure in the vicinity of $50 million for land preparation, infrastructure, planting, and initial operational setup.
• Annual Revenues:
  Combining primary and secondary streams, total annual revenue is projected in the $16–22 million range.
• Net Profits:
  With operating margins estimated at 20–30%, annual net profits could range from $3.2 to $6.6 million.
• ROI Timeline:
  Based on these figures, the project could achieve a robust ROI of approximately 15–20% within the first five years, with profitability increasing as operational efficiencies improve and community participation expands.

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3. Reinvestment & Community Benefits

A. Profit Reinvestment Strategy:

• Local Food Security Programs:
  A percentage of profits will be reinvested to subsidize local food costs, making fresh produce more accessible for all Irving residents.
• Community Development & Job Training:
  Funds will support job training in urban farming, agro-tech, and sustainable landscaping, ensuring that new green jobs benefit local community members.
• Infrastructure & Public Services:
  Investments in public amenities, community centers, and local schools, strengthening Irving’s civic infrastructure.
• Local Ownership & Dividends:
  Through a transparent community board, a portion of profits will be distributed as dividends or tax breaks to local residents, fostering economic empowerment and community pride.

B. Broader Economic & Social Impacts:

• Economic Powerhouse:
  With sustainable revenue streams and reinvestment cycles, Irving could emerge as a leader in urban agriculture, reducing reliance on food imports and generating a new model for local economic development.
• Enhanced Community Engagement:
  The model promotes interfaith collaboration and local entrepreneurship, creating a vibrant, self-sustaining community ecosystem.
• Environmental Benefits:
  Massive fruit production, carbon sequestration, and water conservation contribute to a greener, more resilient urban environment.
  
  

  Theme	How You’re Already Doing It	What Else to Offer
  Greening the City	1001 acres orchards + market sheds	Urban food corridors, rooftop gardens, greenhouses over parking lots
  LET Systems & Local Currency	XP system + Grower discounts	Full Community Credit System tied to fruit sharing, volunteering, and education
  Urban Planning Integration	Sacred geometry layout	Offer a GIS-based Eden Design Toolkit for city planners globally
  Cultural Ecology	Interfaith Tree Guilds	Cultural garden kits (e.g., Vietnamese, Somali, Palestinian, Latino bundles)
  Participatory Governance	Faith-led land stewardship	Eden Council Boards in every city—with youth seats, elder seats, grower seats
  Food Security & Democracy	Selling at 50% cost to Irving families	Eden Access Cards: digital wallet to redeem food at cost, or even free by XP/need
  Sustainable Education	2 R&D campuses	Offer Credentialed Agri-Tech Degrees with online + onsite combo learning
  Eco-Economy & Metrics	ROI tracked, carbon saved	Public Dashboard & Scoreboard across cities—live updates of food, jobs, carbon, equity

  
  

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🧰 What Else Should Be Offered (Phase 2 & 3 Additions)

🛠️ 1. Eden Toolkits

• City Starter Kits: For any mayor to implement “100 Fruit Trees in 100 Days”

• School Garden Launch Packs: Curriculum, tools, seeds, community guides

• Orchard Design Templates: In GIS + sacred geometry models

💡 2. GrowTech Accelerators

• Host a “Faith x Food x Tech” innovation challenge annually

• Bring in urban agritech startups to test in the Irving site

• License out aquaponic + robotic designs to schools and micro-enterprises

📜 3. Public Declarations & Policy Briefs

• Publish a formal Eden Charter signed by 12 original Irving churches + civic bodies

• Create a global Orchard Cities Pledge for other municipalities

• Draft a Food Rights Bill for Cities, inspired by Toronto and Portland case studies

🧭 4. Mapping, Navigation, and Ecosystem Science

• A global Grow Map integrated with your Gardeners of Eden App

• AR/VR-guided garden building experiences for youth

• Pollinator corridors, permaculture zones, and watershed plans visible in public dashboards

🌍 5. Interfaith Pilgrimages & Festivals

• “The Peace Harvest” → Annual gathering in Irving with all faith partners

• A “Tree for Jerusalem, A Tree for Me” campaign connecting global diaspora to the Eden Charter

• Micro-retreats at the Eden Resort focusing on spiritual ecology

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🧠 Bonus from the Book Eco-City Dimension: “Indicators of Success”

Eco-City Dimensions outlines success using social, economic, environmental, and institutional indicators. You can adopt this into:

📊 Eden Impact Dashboard — Real-Time Community Feedback Loops

🌳 REVISED MASTER PLAN: 1001 Acres Breakdown

4. Summary

The 12-shed model isn’t just about generating profits—it’s a transformative approach that turns economic gains directly into community assets. By leveraging local resources and community partnerships, the project is designed to produce healthy returns on investment while building sustainable food systems and creating a lasting legacy for the People of Irving. This comprehensive plan ensures that every dollar generated reinvests into the local economy, fostering growth, resilience, and community well-being for years to come.

✅ Total: 1001 Acres

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💸 ROI MODEL (Over 5 Years)

🍎 Fruit Production Potential:

• 600 orchard acres × 100 trees/acre = 60,000 trees

• 200 lbs fruit/year/tree = 12M lbs/year

• Retail Value:

  • 50% sold to Irving residents @ $1/lb = 6M lbs = $6M/year

  • 50% sold regionally @ $2/lb = 6M lbs = $12M/year

  • Total Annual Revenue: $18M

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🧾 Revenue Streams

💰 Operating Costs (Estimated)

📈 Net ROI (Annual & 5-Year)

🏆 Additional Impact ROI (Non-Monetary)

• 💰 $30M in food savings for Irving citizens

• 🌳 Carbon Sequestration: ~20,000+ tons over 5 years

• 👩🏽🌾 1,000+ Green Jobs created

• 🧒🏾 10,000+ Students Educated

• ⛪ 12 Faith Guilds preserving land & culture

• 👣 Cultural + Ecological Legacy unmatched in DFW

🌱 1. BETTER WAYS TO MEASURE SUCCESS (Beyond ROI)

Traditional ROI focuses on money in versus money out—but for Trees Before Sands, we must track holistic returns, including well-being, environmental justice, and long-term community equity.

🌟 Success Metrics for Edenic Urban Development:

💸 2. COST SAVINGS FOR IRVING RESIDENTS

🍎 Irving Resident Discount Model

Assumption:

• Retail fruit/vegetable price avg = $2.00/lb

• Trees Before Sands price to Irving residents = $1.00/lb

• Average adult consumption = 120 lbs/year

• DFW population (2025): ~7.6 million

• Irving population: ~256,000

🎯 Yearly Savings (Per Resident & Total):

Over 5 years, that's $150 million in direct food cost savings to Irving households alone.

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🧮 3. COSTS & ROI: NEXT 5 YEARS

🌳 Assumptions for 1001-Acre System:

• 100 trees/acre → 100,100 total fruit trees

• Avg fruit/tree/year = 200 lbs → 20M lbs/year

• 50% sold locally at $1.00, 50% sold regionally at $2.00

• Annual tree maintenance cost: ~$50/tree

• Startup infrastructure: $50M (initial, Year 0)

• Upkeep cost: Tree care, market ops, labor, admin

📊 5-Year Financial Projection:

📈 Total 5-Year ROI:

• Cumulative Revenue: $92M

• Cumulative Cost: $46M

• Net ROI: $46M (92%)

• Community food savings: $150M+

• Educational value, job creation, and health benefits: Priceless

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✅ Summary: What We Achieve

• Save $30M/year for Irving families

• Provide jobs, education, and fresh food to every neighborhood

• Keep profits inside the city

• Beat casino revenue with dignity

• Turn Irving into the national hub of regenerative living

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