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.
A conflict about a wireless cell phone equipment in abandoned silos in Katama came to a swift resolution this week, with members of the Farm Institute, which leases the land, saying they are now in favor of hosting the cell tower. The Edgartown selectmen Tuesday voted in favor of AT& T’s proposal to install the equipment.
A Farmers’ Roundtable will be held Feb. 2, at the Farm Institute in Edgartown.
The 2:30 p.m. event, organized by the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF), the Martha’s Vineyard Youth Leadership Initiative (MVYLI) and the Farm Institute, will bring together farmers from around New England to discuss farming issues.
A new grant landed by the Farm Institute in Edgartown will make it possible for Island farmers to experiment with innovative crops. The Pilot Parcels Project will make five one-acre plots available to both beginning and experienced farmers this summer.
Farm Institute executive director Jon Previant said this week it doesn’t matter how much experience the farmer has — only that they have a good idea.
“This project is aimed at increasing the amount of knowledge of alternative methods and alternative crops on the Island,” he said.
Time is running out to apply for the Farm Institute’s Pilot Parcels Project. Interested farmers from all backgrounds and experience levels are invited to submit an application for the chance to experiment with innovative crops or processes using Farm Institute land and resources.
