If Shiv Shakti isn’t yet a household name in Central Oregon, he should be. The man is on a mission. His goal? To put Bend on the map as a model of self-sustainability where citizens have access to fresh, healthy and locally grown food.
Shakti’s passion for agriculture began in Punjab, India, a region known for its fertile lands and abundant crops like wheat and cotton. You could say a natural love of farming is ingrained in him. After serving in the merchant navy and traveling extensively, he eventually settled in Corvallis, Oregon, where he initially attempted to become a green thumb.
“I tried to grow coffee,” he says. “My plants were about this big.” The space he holds up between his thumb and index finger signify a short, three-inch plant.
Frustrated, he applied the discipline he had gained from the military to his studies. Every morning, he woke up at 4am and dedicated at least a couple of hours to learning about permaculture and sustainable agriculture. Years later and through much trial and error, his dedication and hard work have paid off, and he now runs a business.
Shakti Farm Design specializes in constructing greenhouses for both private and public sectors, customizing each project to meet specific needs. His expertise extends to designing Zen gardens, merging aesthetic beauty with the natural landscape. A recent example of his work is at Three Rivers School in Sunriver, where his greenhouse has become a classroom to teach children how to grow their own food and take ownership of their own health.
Beyond design and construction, Shakti frequently shares his knowledge through lectures and public speaking engagements. In a recent TEDx Talk, he outlined his vision for a future where sustainable greenhouse systems revolutionize food production. His influence is expanding beyond Oregon, reaching communities in Idaho, Illinois and beyond.
Shakti likes to test the boundaries of what can be grown in Central Oregon. Despite our region’s challenging climate, he attempts to cultivate exotic crops such as avocados, kiwis, artichokes and mushrooms — and he succeeds! Most of us would assume these plants could never thrive in our high desert environment.
When I ask about sustainable practices and suggestions for the average person wanting to grow, he quickly replies: “Building soil is the foundation of everything.”
He’s adamant about not using pesticides or fertilizers. Instead, he incorporates properly made compost, biochar, hügelkultur (building mounds or small hills) and other natural techniques to create well-balanced, healthy soil. The soil maintains its balance through methods like companion planting, which basically means that some plants have a natural symbiosis and grow better together. For example, parsley, basil, oregano, peppers and onions are a good mix. Tomatoes, cannabis and strawberries grow well together. And marigolds are a natural pest repellent.
To Shakti, companion planting represents more than just smart agriculture: It symbolizes harmony in the community. In fact, don’t be surprised if you see him talking to his plants because the positive energy contributes to their growth.
If any of these terms sound new or difficult to understand, Shakti breaks them down in an Organic Gardens course online. It begins with the basics and continues with a strong focus on techniques for building soil, proper composting methods, natural pest controls, seed saving strategies and more. He’s also created a soon-to-be-released, USDA-approved manual with step-by-step instructions for farmers and home gardeners alike.
As we continue chatting over local Backporch coffee, the ideas flow about how to build these sustainable systems within the community. He regularly reaches out to local nonprofits, like NeighborImpact, Central Oregon Locavore and the Roundhouse Foundation in Sisters, to discuss things like distribution systems for locally grown products. Shakti has also spoken with Warm Springs community leaders about improving their access to nutritious, locally sourced foods. Plus, by studying the diets and farming techniques of Indigenous communities, he hopes to reintroduce historically successful growing methods to modern farming practices — a blend of ancient wisdom and modern technology.
Shakti envisions a future where public food gardens and greenhouses are commonplace in Central Oregon. What might this look like? Here are some ideas:
- Utilizing empty lots for community gardens
- Incorporating edible landscapes into new developments
- Designating spaces within Bend Park and Recreation for urban agriculture
- Creating school-based agricultural programs
- Developing vertical farming techniques for urban areas
For these ideas to take shape and become reality, we must have the support of local government and engaged citizens. In fact, everyone can contribute to this movement. We can start with our own backyard gardens and collaborate with our neighbors. We can advocate for local food policies and volunteer with local nonprofits. Crowdfunding initiatives could finance the development of public greenhouses, ensuring fresh produce is accessible to all. Ultimately, the goal is to establish a network of local food hubs, making it easier for all communities to source fresh, organic produce year-round.
“Our current
paradigm of food production is neither sustainable nor healthy. We need to
shift our focus from mass production to community-driven agriculture.”—Shiv Shakti
Bend is well known for its active, health-conscious population, yet much of the food available here is not sustainably sourced. Shakti argues that investing in local, nutrient-dense food production is more cost-effective than dealing with the long-term health consequences of poor diets.
He states, “Our current paradigm of food production is neither sustainable nor healthy. We need to shift our focus from mass production to community-driven agriculture.”
His charisma and passion inspire me to get outside and work in my own garden. (And I have to admit, I’m a bit jealous of anyone who can grow kiwis in Central Oregon.) When I see the potential for transforming Central Oregon into a self-sufficient community and a model for other areas, I get excited. I feel our community already has a good start. Through innovation, education and collective action, we can all play a role in “greening the desert” and cultivating a healthier, more vibrant future. Shakti Farms is not just about growing food. It’s about growing a movement. Let’s make it happen!
This article appears in The Source Weekly April 3, 2025.
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