About Us

Mission
The Farm Alliance of Baltimore is a membership organization of urban farms, neighborhood growers, and friends. We use connection, resource sharing, and collective advocacy with respect to food, land and water to expand communities’ self-determination and power.

History
The idea for a network of Baltimore’s urban farms grew out of informal farmer gatherings and existing collaborations. With help from an Open Society Institute Community Fellowship and a USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education grant, the group began to take shape in fall 2011 with Maya Kosok coordinating the effort.

Areas of Focus
While there are many long-term goals and big ideas for the Farm Alliance, some of the areas we are focusing on this season include:

  • Farm standards
  • Expanding the reach of our food access programs, including Double Dollars
  • More training & workshops for beginning farmers

 

Why Local, Why Now, Why the Alliance?
Amidst growing concerns of obesity, the economy, and climate change, locally sourced produce is a unique way to support our health, our community, and our planet. Because the food we produce is free of additives, preservatives, and chemical pesticides, the Farm Alliance members serve food which is fresh, natural, and healthy. Additionally, all of our farms are located in Baltimore City, so every dollar you spend on them is reinvested in our local economy. Our member farms occupy previously vacant lots and serve as green and community spaces for diverse neighborhoods. These farms provide a space for children to stay active, eat healthy, and get involved in their communities. On top of that, because of the shorter travel distance, locally sourced produce requires less gas to get to your dinner plate than other foods. In order to bring all these benefits to Baltimore, the Farm Alliance is making it so that locally sourced food is accessible for farmers to grow and Baltimoreans to eat.

Interested in volunteering with the Farm Alliance or one of the member farms? Have a question? Contact us!

E-mail: info@farmalliancebaltimore.org