Do you know someone who dreams of starting a small farm someday? From ways to support their education to practical tools that will help them apply their farming experience, the Market Gardener Institute team has put together some gift ideas for small farm dreamers to bring joy and abundance this holiday season!
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Book: A Small Farm Future: Making the Case for a Society Built Around Local Economies, Self-Provisioning, Agricultural Diversity, and a Shared Earth
Seeking knowledge and inspiration about the importance of small farms as agents of change in the future of food? For those that want to make a difference, read A Small Farm Future: Making the Case for a Society Built Around Local Economies, Self-Provisioning, Agricultural Diversity, and a Shared Earth. In this book, farmer and social scientist Chris Smaje provides an overview of how small-scale farming can address both social and environmental crises of modern society and counteract the damage caused by an industrialized global food system. Purchase your copy from Chelsea Green Publishing today.
Course: Introduction to Market Gardening
Daydreaming about starting a farm, but have no idea how to get started? For those with aspirations of trying a new path in agriculture, check out the Market Gardener Institute’s new Introduction to Market Gardening course – a self-paced, 12-lesson, online course all about the basics of small-scale biointensive farming.
Led by Jean-Martin Fortier, from site-choice to selling your produce, this course guides participants through the primary considerations to set your farm up for success. Know someone that’s curious about farming but is unsure about whether to take the leap? This course is a great first step. Learn more here.
Subscription to Growers & Co. Magazine
Published twice a year, Growers & Co. Magazine tells the stories of exceptional growers, chefs, artists, and activists who have been inspired by the practices of regenerative agriculture. For someone that cares deeply about supporting local organic food systems, a subscription to Growers & Co. magazine is a great gift idea that will deliver a beautiful publication to provide inspiration for farming dreams. Check it out here.
And don’t forget, Growers & Co. makes a wonderful line of clothing too!
Clothing: Rodale Institute T-Shirt
Our friends at the Rodale Institute have created a t-shirt that honors the mission of founder, J.I. Rodale. Guiding his ethos, this slogan sums up the power and purpose of organic farming and can inspire others to learn more!
Book: Your Indoor Herb Garden
Do you know someone who is keen to start experimenting with food production but doesn’t know where to start? Establishing an indoor herb garden can be a nice way to begin gleaning the benefits of growing food, while slowly wading into the waters of what it means to be a farmer. Written by DJ Herda, check out this book from New Society Publishers here.
Calendar: Seasonal Produce
Build your understanding of local season produce each month by keeping an educational (and beautiful) calendar near your kitchen. See here for an example.
Membership to Your Local Organic Farming Organization
From networking opportunities to educational programs and resources, thanks to the great work of not-for-profit organizations around the world, farming communities are directly supported with helpful outlets for learning and community. Find yours today and consider purchasing a membership (or make a donation) for an aspiring farmer in your midst.
Book: Letters to a Young Farmer: On Food, Farming, and Our Future
To inspire the generations leading the future of food, while invigorating existing growers that represent pillars of regional food production, this book, produced by the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, features an incredible collection of essays from over three dozen recognized contributors connected to numerous angles of the food system. Get your copy here.
Growers & Co Canister
Want to show your support of small-scale farmers while on the go? Check out the Growers & Co. Azuki canister. With double-wall insulation, drinks will be kept cold for up to 12 hours, or hot for up to six hours. With a leak-proof lid, this vessel will easily become your go-to choice whether visiting a market or a farm.
An Agritourism Adventure
What better way to inspire a farm dreamer than to go on a farm adventure! As the agritourism industry grows, so have the various range of opportunities for visiting a commercial farm and learning more about what it takes to be a grower. From picking fruit on an orchard to helping with a kale harvest, there are plenty of options to explore, including vineyards for the wine lovers out there! To find options within your region, check in with your local department of agriculture or simply search on the internet.
