Who We Are—Mission Statement

Mission

The FARM Institute (TFI) is a teaching farm that educates and engages children and adults in sustainable agriculture through the diverse operations of a working farm. TFI provides year-round educational programs offering learning experiences in:

• The culture and history of Martha’s Vineyard farming;
• Farming (Field crops, produce, fruit, hay);
• Land preservation;
• Nutritional awareness;
• Humane livestock management (cattle, poultry, swine, sheep, goats);
• Entrepreneurial thinking and application

Read our FAQ and TFI Quick Glance.

Vision

The FARM Institute will be a model teaching farm that is a:

• Meaningful learning environment for youth and adults;
• Recognized community resource for education, farm products, land conservation and public open space;
• National leader and model in farm-based education;
• Highly enjoyed year-round community space for Island residents and visitors;
• Financially viable organization with a diverse revenue source including program fees, grants, events, and contributions from the community;
• Producer of high-quality diverse agricultural products

Guiding Principles

The FARM Institute is directed by guiding principles for the methods, practice and teaching of agriculture. The guiding principles for The FARM Institute:

• We insist upon safety at all times for staff, students, visitors and volunteers;
• We commit to the well-being, professional and personal development of staff;
• We strive for excellence in all areas of operation;
• We make every effort to build and maintain facilities that not only meet our functional and operational needs, but also fit the aesthetic character of our neighborhood;
• We commit to a slow track approach to building the Katama Farm, TFI facilities and programs that take into consideration where we are now and where we want to be in the next three to five years

The guiding principles for farming

• We commit to best appropriate organic practices for all plant and animal care (including soil, life, health and fertility);
• We insist upon humane treatment for all animals;
• We strive for minimum impact on the environment and natural resources;
• We strive to model the ideal in land stewardship

The guiding principles for education

• We commit to providing programs that aim to help shape the lives of children;
• We support special needs and multi-generational involvement;
• We model a dynamic learning process by providing place-based experiential learning that fosters enduring connections with the land;
• We teach sustainability and the interconnectedness of all living things through modeling good practices in the production, preparation and consumption of food grown on an organic farm;
• We provide the knowledge and tools for students to make strong, wise choices for the health and future of their community and the environment;
• We nurture students by honoring achievement, unique learning styles and individual problem solving

The FARM Institute - Post Office Box 1868 - Edgartown, Massachusetts 02539 - (508) 627-7007