Community-Supported Agricultural Farm
By Sharon Turano
Canticle Farm invites others to partake in their mission to nourish area families’ minds, bodies and spirits. Not only will Earth Day (Friday, April 22, 2022) celebrations be held at the 26-acre not-for-profit farm, but nine summer shares of produce are still available so area residents can enjoy weekly boxes of items grown at the farm this season.
Canticle Farm began in 2001 as a way to address food security in the area, something still being done today. The community-supported agricultural farm is operated by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany. Certified-naturally grown vegetables are harvested twice weekly, with 90 varieties grown and distributed, reports a website about the farm.
In addition to addressing health needs of the community by offering the produce for sale, about 20 percent of what is grown is donated to the underserved. The idea for the farm began in 1998 when six members of the Franciscans’ Justice and Peace Committee attended an Earth conference. Shoots were planted, a barn was built in 2005 and most recently a second 8-acre site was purchased, where an archaeological dig is being performed.
The idea, the website states, is to “revere, protect and honor the sacredness of God’s creation, while working to connect all people to practice Earth-friendly habits.” People can learn about those habits from 1-2:30pm April 24 when tours of the farm will be given for Earth Day.
Gina Anderson, executive director of the farm, said a farmer apprentice program is also being planned so the next generation can learn about sustainable farming. She said nine summer shares remain for this season. A summer share feeds 2-3 people weekly for the 18-week distribution. Pick-ups begin on June 7th at the farm 3835 S. Nine Mile Road, Allegany. In addition, goods are sold at the Olean Area’s Farmer’s Market each Saturday from May to November in Lincoln Park.
Looking ahead, Gina stated, “Since celebrating our 20th anniversary a couple years ago, the board and staff of Canticle, felt it was time to take a look back upon our history while also looking forward with a strategic eye toward the future. Therefore, this year, we have agreed to focus on our sustainability by rebuilding and renewing during our 22nd growing season. This “Year of Renewal” will position us to flourish for the next two decades. We are excited to be dedicating this next growing season to rebuilding the soil, improving production and distribution efficiencies, tending to farm maintenance and repairs, and deepening our community connections.
“We have many future plans. A project that Canticle Farm is currently working on is creating a New Farmer Apprenticeship Program. We want to grow and teach the next generation of sustainable farmers,
while also giving our current and esteemed Farm Manager, Mark Printz, a much-deserved hand in the field.”
“Growing our Endowment will open up a world of possibility for Canticle Farm to increasing wages for our farm staff, hiring a permanent education coordinator and beyond!”
“Building a fence around a portion of the S. Nine Mile farm due to the increased deer damage each summer.”
“And of course, our annual Farm to Table dinner will be on Sunday, August 14th in the Pavilion at Woodside. We are in the planning stages of having more socials at the farm so please stay tuned by subscribing to our newsletter or following us on Facebook page.”
Lastly Gina said, “We welcome our Enchanted Mountain community to visit our farm and see how their food is grown using Certified Naturally Grown practices. Come meet your farmers and re-explore a deeper connection with your food source. Eat seasonally, support your local economy, and discover how soulful it is to bring produce direct from our farm to your table. Your health is worth it!”
To order a share or find out more, visit canticlefarm.org/share-431225.html [1] or call 373-0200 ext. 3358. The farm’s staff also sells produce at its 3809 Old State Road, Allegany stand, open from 12-6pm, Tuesdays and Fridays June to November and 12-6 pm on Tuesdays the rest of the year.
Caption: A farmer apprentice program is being planned so the next generation can learn about sustainable farming. Nine summer shares remain for this season. A summer share feeds 2-3 people weekly for the 18-week distribution. Pick-ups begin on June 7th at the farm 3835 S. Nine Mile Road, Allegany. In addition, goods are sold at the Olean Area’s Farmer’s Market each Saturday from May to November in Lincoln Park.