Press Release

May 25, 2007

The FARM Institute - A "Local" Feast: Meals in the Meadow

Edgartown, MA—What if you could feast on a four course gourmet meal that had been harvested almost entirely on the Island? The chicken raised not 100 yards away. The succulent tomatoes grown down the road and picked hours before your ate them. Almost every ingredient planted and cultivated by Island hands and taken from field to table within hours – so that you can know just how delicious our local food can be.

No, you’re not dreaming.

This year on July 6th, 2007, starting at 6:00 p.m., the FARM Institute will hold its annual benefit fundraiser. Meals in the Meadow is held under the stars in a pastoral setting on the fields of historic Katama Farm, honoring both the rich heritage of Vineyard agriculture and the future of sustainable Island farming.

Chefs Dan Sauer of Outermost Inn, Kevin Crowell of Détente, Liz Kane of Cakes by Liz and Leslie Floyd will donate time and services to create an extraordinary 4 course gourmet feast prepared with the freshest of local ingredients harvested from our own fields as well as from those of other Island farms.

In addition to a unique meal, there will be music, and both a live and special auction.

For more information contact:
Rob Goldfarb 508-627-7007

Where the money goes…

It’s been a banner FARM year…

In 2006 The FARM Institute (TFI) taught almost 700 children about farming -- how to take care of chickens, pigs, goats, sheep, turkeys, rabbits, ducks, cows, bees – and how to plant and harvest. They learned where their food comes from and the importance of local farms and “sustainable agriculture.” TFI also developed its own “Fiber Center” where kids worked with the wool from Katama sheep – learning to dye it, spin it and then weave it with looms to make blankets and crafts.

We hosted a steady stream of summer visitors who walked the fields, met the animals, volunteered in the gardens, and learned about farming in our Island community.

Last summer TFI also created the first Island “corn maze” to serve as a centerpiece for activities through the fall -- starting with the “Cornapalooza Festival,” which featured music, local food and games. After that, visitors could walk, crawl, run and at one point even bike through the maze at the Katama Challenge.

In 2006, TFI provided 23 scholarships for Island children to attend summer programs. We rebuilt the horse and cow barns, as we took on the work of preserving historic Katama Farm. We're working to build a learning center where kids and families will be able to stay overnight and expand their FARM experience

This year TFI is starting a CSA program (Community Supported Agriculture) where Islanders can develop a relationship with The Farm and sign up to get weekly baskets of fresh food. Or you can “grow-your-own,” if you’d like a share in the new Community Garden. A Work Income Sharing Project will teach kids the “business” of food – where they’ll grown and sell they’re own. Other new programs include “Wee Farmers” for two to four year olds and “Farmer for a Day” where you can sign up for a day to literally “dig in” and really see what farming is about.

And that’s not half of it.

How do we do it all? The Farm’s extended family is made up of amazing people – our staff, our Board, our volunteers, our donors. All of them are dedicated to the preservation of the treasure we have in the past, present and future of Island farming.

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The FARM Institute - Post Office Box 1868 - Edgartown, MA 02539 - (508) 627-7007