As a hobby farmer, you are in a unique position to both help and be helped by your local community. Several national programs are in place to help you do this, but also take some time to find out about statewide or local programs that are designed to benefit local farms and the community.
For example, the National Farm to School Network promotes relationships between schools and local farms. The program provides ways for your farm to supply healthy food for school cafeterias, and for the students to learn about farming either by visiting your farm, or starting a school garden.
National networking sites exist to help you connect to CSAs, restaurants, and others looking to purchase produce or other locally grown and raised food. LocalHarvest shows you a map of farms, farmer’s markets, restaurants, and groceries that are dedicated to locally grown food.
There are several benefits for your local farm getting in touch with your community. Not only will you be able to sell your produce and other products locally, you may gain volunteers who are willing to help you work your farm in exchange for education or produce. You will also be sowing the seeds of healthy living and agriculture for the next generation.
