A volunteer helps out at the AfriThrive farm in Poolesville - with crops headed to a free mobile pantry
Here at MCA, the short, short version of our mission is "We Connect." We connect farmers both new and established with plenty of resources but our expensive region access to land is a real stumbling block for new or expanding farmers.
In 2011 we responded to this need with a new program - Land Link Montgomery. Since then 30+ farmers have been matched with leases to grow everything from flower and herbs to persimmons to tomatoes and peppers, nightshade and kiwano melon and even cattle and sheep.
In 2022 we matched 6 farmers - here are a few of their stories.
In 2022 we matched 6 farmers - here are a few of their stories.
- AfriThrive found acreage in Poolesville to grow culturally appropriate crops for their free mobile pantries.
- Cut Clover Flowers moved from urban plots to the established operation at Hidden Ridge Flowers in Clarksburg to find both land and mentoring from a veteran grower.
- San Giovanni's Farm of Howard County will bring 6 years of Organic CSA experience to a property in Poolesville.
- The Veterans behind Got Your 6 Farms were matched with small acreage this year but are looking to scale up even further after a successful season. (check out their listing on Land Link they are #7036)
- Two small scale growers - one a bareroot nut tree producer and one growing African vegetables were matched with small plots to get started.
 AfriThrive bags ready for pick-up at a mobile pantry site |  San Giovanni's is bringing their organic operation to MoCo |
Emma of Cut Clover Flowers with mentor Melane of Hidden Ridge Flowers and Herbs
We wish these fledgling farmers many happy seasons in MoCo - and we are here with resources to help them thrive. There are many more farmers still seeking land and your support helps us connect these farmers with the land and resources to get started. We would be honored by your tax-deductible end of year gift.
