farm with greenhouse and rows of fields under a blue sky

Purple Carrot Farm

History

The Purple Carrot Farm has existed in many forms at the College. In the mid 1900s, it served as a victory garden, and students were required to work on the farm during food shortages. More recently, it has been student-led with a process-driven and experimental approach to small scale agriculture. Produce has been sold to the College's Dining Service to be incorporated into the meals prepared for the Dining Hall, and has also been sold to the College community from a cart stationed at Commons.

In 2019, Bennington received a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation for Addressing Food Insecurity in Bennington County. As part of this work, Bennington has developed an academic program focused on food studies, as well as brought on a farm manager to work with students on the task of adapting the Purple Carrot Farm for the present moment.

 

Getting Involved

There are lots of ways to get involved with the Purple Carrot Farm. You can do everything from showing up once to help out, to making it part of your academic Plan. 

Volunteering: We host weekly community work days on Sunday afternoons from 1-4pm. Volunteers are welcome to come for all or part of that time. Our last community work day of the fall will be on Nov 29. 

Academic work on the farm: In Spring 2021, two courses will be working directly on the farm: 

  • Resilience, Farming, and Food Access 
  • Action Lab for Food Sovereignty

Summer Farm Internships: In Summer 2021, we will be hiring 3 students for internships on the Purple Carrot Farm. Application deadline: May 1, 2021

Farm Managers

Kelie Bowman | CAPA, Bennington College

Dane Whitman | Grey Oak Landscaping and Garden Design

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