History of the Farm
The Middlebury College Organic Farm (MCOF) began with the vision and enthusiasm of a few students and community members. It has grown into a dynamic space for exploring the local and global food system.
2002
- Bennett Konesni '04.5 and Jean Hamilton '04.5 envision the garden and create the plan for it. The Middlebury College Organic Garden (MCOG) begins
2003
- First summer garden (1/8 of an acre) run by Bennet, Jean, Chris Howell '04.5 and community volunteer Jay Leshinsky.
- Garden shed is built, well and solar panel are installed
2004
- First garden internships (two part time interns) and the first Children's Garden program (started by Erin Jensen '04 and Sophie Esser '04)
- First honey harvest
- First classes taught at the garden (Environmental Studies, Geology, Geography, Biology, Dance, Teacher Education and English)
- Beginning of seed saving project
2005
- Internship program expands to one full time and two part time students
- Garden expands to 1/2 acre
- Beginning of insectary project
2006
- Garden expands to an acre and Internship program expands to four full time students
- 8 Middlebury College Organic Garden (MCOG) members represent Middlebury College at the international Slow Food meetings (Terra Madre) in Italy
2007
- Windbreak and classroom begins
- Garden expands to 1.5 acres
- Seed saving research done at garden
2008
- Construction of new walking and biking path to the garden
- Classroom building completed
2009
- Garden expands to 2 acres
- Pollinator research project begins at garden
- Student CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program begins: more than 50 students participate.
2010
- Education becomes a focus of MCOG: Students build gardens at the Aurora School and the Cornwall School; run a summer program at MCOG through the Aurora School summer camp; and run a fall club at the Cornwall School
- Students teach a winter term course on Food Justice in Vermont
- Students start an on campus farmstand and sell to faculty, staff and students
- Advisor committee forms and first meeting occurs in November
- Organic certification process begins
- Hoophouse is built at garden site and used for seed starting and hot-crops
2011
- Name officially changed to Middlebury College Organic Farm (MCOF)
- Students run a weekend summit for student farmers at NESCAC schools
- Students and faculty propose Food Studies minor
- Students design a barn and planning process begins
- Students work with the Bronx Academy of Letters in NYC to start a roof top garden and help get the project off the ground
2012
- EatReal student organization formed
- First FoodWorks internships create new opportunities for learning about the food system
2013
- Farm adds 12 egg-laying birds and 40 meat chickens thanks to funding from Environmental Council Grant
2014
- Students build a pizza oven at the farm for community events