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Produce that's trucked hundreds of miles. Pesticides. Genetic alteration of food. These are just a few of the concerns that have prompted community supported agriculture (CSA) organizations to spring up across the country and are among the reasons why the IHM Sisters' two-acre St. Mary Organic Farm CSA was established. The CSA concept is simple. Local people buy shares in a garden and commit to working a set number of hours each month. In turn, they are entitled to a weekly portion of the harvest. Because they are buying locally, the energy used to ship fresh produce is saved. And because the IHM CSA farm has been certified organic, no harmful chemicals or pesticides are used. Sister Janet Ryan, a member of the IHM Leadership Council, says of St. Mary Organic Farm, "It speaks to everything we're trying to do to live in harmony with life. Building good soil while growing nutritional food is one small attempt to preserve and restore the land." In keeping with the IHM Sisters' traditional ministry of teaching, the farm also provides educational benefits to the community. The IHMs have invited local and nationally known speakers to address issues of food safety, factory farming, the benefits of eating locally and food's relationship to the larger Earth community. The farm shares with CSA members growing techniques, harvesting and storing tips, recipes and ways to compost. It also sponsors workshops on making healing salves, salsa and sauces with organically grown herbs and vegetables. St. Mary Organic Farm offers a place for children to learn about where their food comes from and teaches them about their own connection to the Earth. Another vital educational component is partnering with others to spread the word about the benefits of locally grown food. On April 3, the IHM Motherhouse will be the site of the Food System Economic Partnership Conference, sponsored by the Monroe County MSU Extension. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour both the sustainably renovated Motherhouse and St. Mary Organic Farm The 40-member St. Mary Organic Farm CSA is an offshoot of St. Mary Farm. The original farm began in the 1920s and encompassed more than 900 acres. Its produce fed many of the sisters, as well as students at Gradually, fewer sisters were available to farm the land, and much of the acreage was sold. The dream of locally grown, healthy produce remained, however, and in 1998, the IHM Organic Produce and St. Mary Organic Farm is located behind the IHM Motherhouse at |
