OUR HISTORY

In 2010, citizens created Grow Food Northampton to safeguard a large tract of prime, in-town farmland for sustainable community agriculture. Months later, and with more than 1,400 contributions, GFN bought 121 acres of permanently preserved farmland and created the Northampton Community Farm. Today our farm hosts a thriving vegetable Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm, a large organic community garden, and several budding farm businesses. Through generous ongoing support, GFN continues to develop the Farm providing agricultural education, garden plots, and fresh, affordable food to a diverse range of community members. GFN consults nationally with citizen groups hoping to replicate our success.

NORTHAMPTON COMMUNITY FARM

Crimson & Clover:

• FarmMixed vegetable, fruit and flower CSA using sustainable practices
• Serves 300 shareholders and sells at local markets
• Hosts farm education programs and community farm celebrations

Slow Tractor Farm:

• Grows grain malted locally by Valley Malt for brewing by regional craft breweries

Micro-farmPlots:

• In 2013, brand new farmers will grow greens and medicinal herbs on small plots adjacent to the Florence Organic Community Garden

FLORENCE ORGANIC COMMUNITY GARDEN

• In 2012, we launched the Garden, training all of our 150 gardeners in organic practices
• Our volunteer-run "Hunger Relief Plot" supplied a local soup kitchen weekly with fresh vegetables
• We took water conservation seriously, providing mulch on-site, and sending gardeners weekly updates on rain and water consumption data
• We logged 1,000+ volunteer hours in 2012 and enjoyed in-kind support from over 50 businesses and the City of Northampton
• We installed an 8000 square foot edible hedgerow to enhance beauty and habitat and act as a windbreak.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

• Hands-on, farm-based programs for kids and adults by
• The Farm Education CollaborativeOn-site organic gardening training for all community gardeners
• Free plant walks, and nature & history tours
• Partnerships with educational programs including Smith College’s Sustainable Food Concentration

LOCAL FOOD ACCESS PROGRAMS

• Over 15,000 pounds of fresh food donated to our local food pantry and soup kitchens since the Farm's inception
• 18 subsidized farmshares for low-income seniors delivered weekly to the Northampton Senior Center this season
• Food stamps now accepted at Crimson & Clover Farm and doubled in value by GFN
• Scholarships available to low-income households for farm classes and workshops