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