THE BEAN FARM: Learn Why and How to preserve this Farm for agriculture. Preserving history. The 47-acre Bean Family Farm has been tilled continuously for 350 years and the famous abolitionist society (which included Sojourner Truth) owned and farmed this land. The Historic Commission voted 6-1 to endorse preserving the Bean Farm primarily for agriculture. This soil is among the most valuable there is. The soil is Pootatuck fine sandy loam, classified as “prime” agricultural soil by the USDA, meaning it yields the most crops with the least amount of energy & harm to the environment. We are losing our farmland: The Pioneer Valley lost 4000 acres of cropland in just the last five years. Food security is an elemental long-term investment for our children. The cheap oil sustaining our current food system will have passed peak production, and locally grown food will be critical for feeding our children's families. A sustainable, environmentally sound farm enhances our community. It provides jobs, wildlife habitat, healthy food, beauty and learning opportunities. Let’s pool our collective energy to create a CSA farm on the Bean property. How to help: Visit http://beanfarm.wordpress.com/ to learn how you can help.
