Over the past 25 years, Crabtree Farms has become a Chattanooga cornerstone that promotes community connections, urban farm-based education and sustainable agriculture.
The urban farm is now looking ahead to the next several years when it will strive to make an even greater impact on the local community, the initiatives outlined in its new strategic plan reveal.
These initiatives range from expanded community farming and increased education to new events and additional staffing. The strategic plan was prepared using funds from the United Way of Greater Chattanooga and with additional support from Bridge Innovate.
Food and land access
An expanded community gardening program is at the top of Crabtree’s to-do list. The farm plans to build 24 additional raised garden beds over the next three years, which will grow the number of accessible community garden plots from 30 to 54 – an increase from 960 square feet to 1,728 square feet of community growing space.
Crabtree will continue to offer two-thirds of the available beds to residents of Clifton Hills and the surrounding neighborhoods of the 37407 ZIP code free of charge.
The farm will also launch the Mary Navarre Moore Emerging Farmer Mentorship Program, which will provide underserved producers and the next generation of agricultural professionals with free land and market access, as well as vocational training.
The program will host four new farmers from seed-to-market and will include the creation of four 100 square foot growing spaces, a tool shed, a processing station, cold storage, and access to water and irrigation. Participants will receive a full orientation, education, regional farm tours and farmer-to-farmer mentorship, as well as participate in quarterly planning meetings.
Crabtree also intends to increase its food donations to the Community Fridge and other partner organizations that distribute food to families in need by at least 20%.
In addition, the farm will work to increase access to locally grown food for SNAP recipients through community outreach and engagement activities.
Education
Over the next several years, Crabtree plans to “enhance and formalize” its on- and off-farm educational offerings to ensure the local community has access to learning opportunities, according to its new strategic plan.
Events
Crabtree’s plans for the next several years also include expanding its popular spring and fall plant sales to include more natives, more perennials and more options for at-home food production.
To help fund many of the changes outlined in its strategic plan, the farm is also setting new fundraising goals and expanding event sponsorships for its Annual 100 Dinner & Auction.
Food production and distribution
To ensure ongoing food production and distribution, Crabtree will continue its partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, which will help the farm carry out a comprehensive conservation and sustainability plan for all of its 22 acres.
The farm will also continue to support new and existing local farmers through collaboration and cooperative marketing and selling opportunities.
Finally, Crabtree has retooled its distribution model to increase effectiveness; however, it will continue to sell its produce at the Main Street Farmers Market, at the Crabtree Farm Stand and through select wholesale accounts.
Staffing
To accommodate the expansion of its programs, Crabtree has developed a new public-facing, full-time position. The community food and land access coordinator will be responsible for on- and off-site community gardening programming, the Emerging Farmer Mentorship Program and the management of the seasonal farm stand.
Crabtree Executive Director Melonie Lusk says the strategic plan represents a significant step forward for the farm and invites the community to be a part of its journey.
“Your continued support is vital in helping us achieve our goals and making a positive impact in Chattanooga. We’re excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and are eager to work collaboratively with all of our stakeholders to realize our vision.”
Donate using PayPal at crabtreefarms.org.
“Thank you for your trust, your dedication and your belief in the mission of Crabtree Farms,” adds Lusk. “Together, we’re creating a more sustainable, resilient and prosperous future for our community.”