Nigel Walker, pioneering founder of Eatwell Farm, dies
“For nearly 30 years, Nigel Walker has been a defining force in California agriculture, setting the bar for just about everything that we believe in and strive for,” said Marcy Coburn, executive director of CUESA, which operates the Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market, where Eatwell Farm has long been a presence.
Early on, he specialized in heirloom tomatoes and specialty lavender varieties, which both became fixtures at the Eatwell Farm stand in a prominent corner spot at the Saturday Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.
“He was constantly innovating on the farm through his animal husbandry, water conservation, solar power, alternative fuel, and other sustainability practices, and bringing not only amazing food to market week after week, but also bringing people together through his vision and generosity,” said Coburn.
The farm also expanded its offerings to include a now-defunct soft-serve ice cream spin-off, as well as culinary salts and a line of fermented sodas called Drinkwell Softers, both infused with herbs from the farm, which can still be found at Bay Area farmers’ markets and grocery stores.
In 2011, Mr. Walker was diagnosed with stage 3 multiple myeloma, a rare type of cancer affecting plasma cells in the bone marrow.
Since being diagnosed with the disease, the local food community has continued to rally around the farmer, including fundraisers to help cover Mr. Walker’s medical bills.