The Farm Institute announced this week that executive director Matthew Goldfarb and development director Rob Goldfarb, the dynamic sibling team that has helped put the institute on the map of rural agricultural teaching programs on the Vineyard and beyond, will leave the institute this summer to pursue new professional and family pursuits.

Matthew is studying toward a doctoral degree in rural sociology, and has applied to several graduate schools that begin this fall. He plans to leave the Farm Institute on August 31. Meanwhile, Rob is moving out of state to be with his wife as she works to become a licensed physician in the U.S. and begin her residency. Rob will stay on through the institute’s major fundraiser, Meals in the Meadow, on July 17.

The Goldfarb brothers have spent the past five years strengthening the Farm Institute and their work shows in a wide variety of ways. Among other things, they developed year-round education programs for Islanders and seasonal residents, connected families and community to their food systems, raised awareness about the value of food and land and support for local farming. Under their leadership, student participation at the farm went from fewer than 100 students in 2005 to more than 1,000 students today. In addition to the education work, the Goldfarbs have presided over the revitalization of Katama Farm and its return as a true working farm. They developed a three-year strategic plan that includes community gardens and programs to raise and sell meat and vegetables. All this has contributed to dramatically increased stability in the farm’s financial affairs.

Meanwhile the institute said in a statement this week that it will begin a search for a new director to step into the Goldfarb brothers’ huge shoes.

“In no way does Matthew and Rob’s departure alter the Farm’s dedication to its stewardship of the land, animals and community,” said founder and board chairman Sam Feldman in the statement.