Allies Farm CSA Program

The Allies Farm is a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) concept that will provide a productive, sustainable farm business model to employ individuals with disabilities in Mercer County.  Allies, Inc. and Mercer County Parks have partnered to create a unique community integrated program experience for participants with special needs.  Our goal is to offer our participants a creative way to build positive relationships through employment, volunteerism, and horticultural therapy.  The Allies Farm Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program is an exciting opportunity for people to learn farming and employment skills from experts in these fields at the actual sites in which they occur.

A CSA is a connection between a nearby farmer (The Allies Farm) and the people who eat the food that the farm produces.  The people support the farm (through purchase of a share), share the inherent risks and potential bounty.  Most people with developmental disabilities still have limited employment choices with entry level jobs and workshop settings.  The Allies Farm would offer opportunities for individuals with disabilities who enjoy working outside to do so, allowing them to be part of a viable business and earn money.

Results will include a successful planting season where crops will be harvested and sold.  Employees will develop their skills and learn from our agriculturist, as well as develop connections with other farmers so that we can market other’s produce to compliment our own plantings.

The specific benefit is for people with developmental disabilities to be part of a viable business that provides the satisfaction of a career.  The Allies Farm is a viable employment option; allowing for acquisition of skills that can be generalized to outside businesses such as farming/nursery/landscaping jobs.  It is a business integrated in the community where employees can be productive, gain a greater level of independence and experience self direction.

The farming curriculum has been designed with certified Master Gardeners.   Crops are grown based on best practices using pesticide free farming techniques.

Advantages for any consumer are ultra-fresh food, with all of the flavor and vitamin benefits, the ability to know the farmers who grew the produce, learn more about how food is grown while partnering with people with special needs in the process.

For more information about Allies Farm, please contact Linda Barton or call 609-509-0817.

For more Shareholder information to join the CSA movement, please download contract.