Exploration of Micro-Economics on the Modern Small Farm. Community Outreach through Advanced Gardening in Protected Culture.

Project Overview

YENC24-211
Project Type: Youth Educator
Funds awarded in 2024: $5,786.00
Projected End Date: 02/15/2026
Grant Recipient: Community Montessori
Region: North Central
State: Indiana
Project Manager:
Axel Cooper
Community Montessori

Commodities

No commodities identified

Practices

No practices identified

Proposal abstract:

The primary piece of this project is a summer internship at our
school that will demonstrate intensive high-tunnel vegetable
production. One of our research components is tracking water
input of the production in order to assess the need and potential
viability of installing some catchment on nearby buildings. While
we plan on donating the produce from these efforts, we will be
tracking the monetary value in order to demonstrate the potential
economic independence of the project. The end goal is to set up
the framework for existing infrastructure to be maintained and
utilized during the summer break at the school.

Project objectives from proposal:

  1. Offer urban based learners the
    opportunity to see a working farm with its possibility for
    ongoing professional opportunities and proximity to their
    current lifestyle.
  2. Support ongoing interest with
    an advanced summer vegetable production program.
  3. Provide examples of greater
    community connections by partnering with an established food
    security outreach program.
  4. Provide an opportunity to
    volunteer in the marketplace where they can share what they
    have learned and see first hand the impact of their
    efforts. 
  5. Increase the impact of our
    existing program with supplementary funding for sustainability
    initiatives. ( Farm to table cafe support, pollinator garden
    materials, and beneficial insects.)
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.