The concept of the Acadia Farm came about in September, 2008 when a few students started dreaming about FOOD. Not just any food mind you, but really, really good food. We wanted to eat it, of course, but we also wanted to plant it, to help it grow, to pick it, and to make sure it was the best food we could possibly imagine finally ending up on our plates and the plates of our friends. We saw ourselves working beside young kids, retirees, teachers, neighbours and roommates in a plot of land on our university campus. We wanted the very tomatoes we harvested in the morning to make their way up to Wheelock dining hall throughout the day to be eaten by our friends in their salads at dinnertime. We imagined that this garden would become a place to learn about farming, and about the value of organic and local foods for communities and for the environment.
The project consists of two main components:
- The Acadia Farm, Vegetable Production for Acadia’s Cafeteria — A student operated farm that will grow organic vegetables to serve on campus, replacing the pesticide and fertilizer intensive food that is currently sourced from all corners of the globe. Students have the opportunity to learn about organic growing techniques and the importance of sustainable agriculture, all while contributing directly to the health and vitality of Acadia’s student community .
- The Acadia Community Garden, Vegetable Production for YOU – Land will be divided into plots for anyone to use to grow vegetables. Growers would have complete creative control over their areas, but also access to tools and plenty of good advice and great company.
The entire project is focused on education and sharing our collective knowledge. The farm can be incorporated into university curriculum, elementary school classes can visit or even participate in the garden, and workshops about anything food-related can be held on-site. The possibilities are endless.
This is sustainability in ACTION. Empowering students and community members to learn from each other while producing both vegetables and a better tomorrow.
We are in the garden!! Let us know what you think and if you’d like to get involved.
questions, comments, free-form poetry, and theme song submissions welcome at info@acadiafarm.org
