CIA: Citizen Involved Agriculture

CIA: Citizen Involved Agriculture at Inspiration Farm

A Step Beyond CSAs

Work on a farm a few hours a week, and in exchange receive produce, hands on experience and your gardening questions answered by an experienced farmer.

Why this project:

More and more of us are growing concerned about food security and local resilience. According to organizations like Fiesta, the Post Carbon Institute, and the Transition Network, we need many more people to be growing food. We also want to appreciate and support those that currently are providing our local food supply – our farmers.  And our local farmers want to share both their crops and their knowledge.

For this upcoming season we are organizing a small group pilot project we hope will be a win-win for the farmer, as well as 3 or 4 people who are wanting to be more connected with food production, and to learn more about growing food.

Participants get:

a)      Hands on experience
For most of the 2.5 hour shifts we’ll be working directly with the soil, plants, farm animals and tool care – all things involved in an integrated farm model.  All under the direction of farmer Brian.

b)      Question & Answer time with the farmer
Bring your questions about gardening and poultry care, and at the end of each work shift Brian will answer questions. This is an excellent opportunity to get help with your own gardening or farming issues.

c)      Fresh produce when available
As we go through the season and produce becomes ready for harvest, participants will get a share to take home.

d)      Develop a bond with the land and the farmer

e)      The Farmer gets much needed labor on a consistent basis and the joy of sharing his knowledge.

How it works:

 A small team of 3-4 people will go to Inspiration Farm every Wednesday and work from 9am to 11:30am, March through September this year.

• Brian Kerkvliet will direct the team to whatever work is needed at the farm – all things related to growing food.
• From 11:30 to Noon we’ll have some tea together and Brian will answer your gardening questions.
• Please note:  This is a pilot project. There could be slight modifications as we get going.

To participate:

If  you are wanting to be part of a small, committed team that is willing to show up every Wednesday from 9am to Noon, starting March ^7th and continuing until September 28^th, Call Angela MacLeod to register. 733-3541. PLEASE NOTE: You must pre-register by calling Angela, not just clicking on this page.

About Inspiration Farm:

Inspiration Farm is an 11 acre homestead styled farm. Integrating Biodynamic and Permaculture practices in relation to annual & perennial food systems, animal husbandry, appropriate technology and land / water nutrient management. Currently we have 1.5 acres in annual production and 2 acres of fruit, nut and other perennials planted. We have chickens for meat and eggs, milk cow and goats and raise turkeys and pigs each year. Biodynamic farming is a type of organic farming that incorporates an understanding of natural dynamic forces not yet fully understood by science. By working creatively with these subtle energies, we are able to significantly enhance the health of our farm affecting the quality of the soil, nutrition and flavor of the food grown.