At an informational meeting held on September 4, students wrote their own statements about what they envision a student farm being and enabling, and then gathered in groups of five to six to develop a group statement. These responses are shared below, and can also be downloaded here. These are some very powerful visions of what the farm initiative can become!
Group 1
To us, a student farm is…
small community-driven that encompasses the business production and planning components of running a farm
Where we will be able to…
gain hands-on experience through internships research and volunteer work-share opportunities
So that someday we can…
incorporate farm experiences into university curriculum through minors and specializations
And Penn State will…
benefit from access to local whole foods a more aware and healthy student body and fortify relationships with regional farmers
Group 2
To us, a student farm is…
an integrated space
Where we will be able to…
share in a learning experience focused on sustainable and local agriculture
So that someday we can…
create a community rooted in understanding how agriculture impacts our overall health and wellbeing
And Penn State will be…
a greener healthy place to live
Group 3
To us, a student farm is…
holistic living, academic progress, chance to create sustainable model that can help promote agriculture, students can learn about sustainable agriculture, platform to engage many colleges
Where we will be able to…
learn about agriculture, sustainability and how to manage a farm; impact community through Penn State dining halls and long-term all of State College; work with great people; forge connections between people and place
So that someday we can…
contribute food to the dining halls; change perspectives about distribution to consumption; get a good job!; share knowledge and experience here and back home; see the positive impact of the student farm
And Penn State will be…
a true agriculture school; stronger; more aware and proactive of sustainable practices; interdisciplinary by including so many colleges and major
Group 4
To us, a student farm is…
a place where students and community members can learn about and experience agriculture first-hand
Where we will be able to…
gain hands-on experience experiment with different production methods educate the community about a wide range of agricultural topics including how to farm sustainably and efficiently and learn if farming is for us
So that someday we can…
have our own farm and be better informed citizens
And Penn State will be…
happier, healthier, and a leader in sustainability while also better fulfilling the land grant mission statement
Group 5
To us, a student farm is…
a way to reconnect to food system use teamwork to build community
Where we will be able to…
full-time operation for food production as well as devoted space for experiential and research learning; relate agriculture to all aspects of life not just for farmers, touches everyone
So that someday we can…
create a closed-loop system; continue being a leader in agriculture and sustainability–have to walk-the-walk!
And Penn State will be…
creating a healthy, locally-sourced, environmentally aware leader in food systems education