Big things are growing at Crabtree Farms , a vital space for promoting urban farm-based education + sustainable agriculture in Chattanooga for the past 25 years. To further support its mission, the farm announced a new strategic plan..
With the help of Bridge Innovate and funding from United Way of Greater Chattanooga , this plan will introduce initiatives over the span of the next few years.
Launching
- Mentorship | The Emerging Farmer Mentorship Program will host four farmers from “seed to market” production + provide free land access, materials, and support.
- Staff | A new Community Food & Land Access Coordinator position will be added to help oversee the expansion of programming.
Expanding or changing
- Community garden | Building 24 raised garden beds over the next three years — two-thirds of available beds will still be offered to residents of Clifton Hills + surrounding neighborhoods.
- Food donations | Increasing Community Fridge + partner organization distribution donations by at least 20%.
- Fresh goods for SNAP | Increasing nutritional locally grown food for SNAP recipients through engagement programs + outreach.
- Plant sales | Expanding the diversity of seasonal plants to offer more natives, perennials + at-home food production.
- Annual 100 Dinner + Auction | Increasing fundraising goals + event sponsorship and local engagement opportunities.
- Sales + distribution model | Reimagining to maximize effectiveness — goods will still be sold through the farm’s stand, Main Street Farmers Market + select wholesale accounts.
Continuing
- Education | Formalizing and enhancing on + off-farm educational offerings.
- Conservation | Maintaining the partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to ensure long-term health of the farm’s 22 acres.
- Local support | Offering a helping hand to local farmers through collaborations + cooperative marketing and selling.
Pro tip: Stay tuned for updates, programming, and more involving this plan by signing up for the farm’s newsletter .