Preserving the Farming Tradition in Lexington
PUBLISHED MARCH 2023
Q: What is Lexington doing to support local farms and locally grown food?
A: Almost 10 years ago the Town of Lexington signed a 10-year lease with LexFarm, with the charter to preserve and protect one of the few remaining farms in Lexington. That farm, which long-time residents remember as Busa Farm, had been in continuous operation for almost 400 years. The Town also asked LexFarm to provide educational
opportunities for community members to learn about sustainable farming practices.
Q: How is LexFarm doing?
A: In a word, the farm is thriving. LexFarm supplies healthy, locally grown produce to over 400 families who are Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) members and a similar amount of locally grown food to farm stand customers. LexFarm also sells high-quality food products from other local farms including dairy, cheese, meats, poultry, bread, vegetarian and vegan entrees, and desserts.
LexFarm also donates its produce to organizations such as the Lexington Interfaith Food Pantry and participates in the Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program, which gives money back to SNAP participants for every dollar they spend on healthy, local food at LexFarm.
LexFarm has a dedicated year-round farm management team, retail manager, education director, and seasonal staff to ensure the farm’s smooth operation. Food production and sales are growing rapidly. The farm has secured state and foundation grants to improve its infrastructure, increase its produce, extend the growing season, strengthen and expand volunteer programs, and contribute more significantly to the local food network.
Q: Is the farm organic?
A: In addition to providing fresh produce and engaging the community, LexFarm has been focused on improving soil health at the farm. The farm uses compost and biodegradable mulches to build healthy soil and was certified organic in 2017. LexFarm’s commitment to sustainability extends to their farming practices. They have recently begun using no-till farming to conserve water, reduce energy use, and minimize waste. These highly sustainable practices increase yields, reduce the impact of weeds, pests and disease, while improving the health of the soil. LexFarm’s commitment to responsible and sustainable agriculture is setting an example for other farmers to follow.
Q: What are some of the educational opportunities LexFarm provides?
A: LexFarm offers a wide variety of educational programs for children ranging from 6 months old to 3rd grade in a beautiful farm setting. These programs include hands-on learning experiences such as planting, harvesting, and caring for farm animals, as well as nature-based lessons, art projects, and eco-friendly farm practices. Classes are limited in size and led by two farm educators, and focus on inspiring children through outdoor experiences and activities. LexFarm also offers educational opportunities for teen farm crews for 10 to 15 teens per session.
Over 200 people also volunteer at the farm, participating in events such as open houses, music concerts, community picnics, and the annual harvest festival, which attracts over 300 attendees.
Q: How can I get involved at LexFarm?
A: The easiest way is to sign up for a CSA share. You can sign up for a vegetable share, a flower share, a fruit share, and even a mushroom share at lexfarm.org/organic-csa. Lexington residents can also volunteer opportunities to help out in the field and greenhouses, as well as with non-farming activities such as working in the farm stand, building maintenance, leadership roles, administrative work, and planning events like the Harvest Festival or community picnics.
Just visiting LexFarm is highly encouraged and a great way to connect with nature. Take a walk through the farm and admire the beautiful landscape that the farmers have worked hard to cultivate. Observe the different kinds of veggies and flowers and learn about the birds that love living near the farm. You might even spot the resident Red-tailed Hawk near the picnic tables. You can enjoy scenic views of the nearby Arlington Reservoir while looking for the flock of resident swans. Or grab a bite to eat at one of the picnic tables near the Learning Garden and enjoy a lovely view of the farm.
Q: What’s next for LexFarm?
A: The Lexington Select Board unanimously approved renewing LexFarm’s lease after an amazing first ten years of operation. The decision was made after the board heard from a wide range of Lexington residents who shared many personal stories about how LexFarm had brought them joy and positively improved their lives. Community members talked about how LexFarm had created opportunities for education, volunteerism, and connection, and how the farm had become a source of pride for the town.
The outpouring of support is a testament to LexFarm’s importance for our community. From providing fresh, healthy, organic produce to supporting local food businesses, LexFarm is making a difference in the lives of Lexington residents and helping to create a more sustainable future. The Select Board is excited to see LexFarm continue its mission of feeding the community and the land for many years to come. The Select Board’s unanimous approval is a testament to the hard work and dedication of LexFarm’s leadership team, its dedicated volunteers, and the strong support of the Lexington community.
Send your sustainability questions to questions@sustainablelexington.org.
Mark Sandeen is the Chair
of the Sustainable Lexington Committee