Growing Together: A Conversation for Lancaster’s Future Farm

Why We’re Gathering 

For over 35 years, Lancaster Farmland Trust has been protecting farmland across Lancaster County – over 600 farms and counting. But now we’re taking a step we’ve never taken before: acquiring our own land to create Lancaster County’s first community farm. 

This farm will be a community space that reconnects people to the soil, teaches where food comes from, and addresses challenges like food insecurity and environmental justice. A space that can bridge Lancaster’s agricultural heritage with a future where everyone can experience agriculture and access fresh, healthy food.  

We’ve already started the groundwork. Over the last year, we’ve held initial brainstorming sessions with a handful of community leaders, our staff, and board members to get the ball rolling. Now we’re ready to cast a wider net and bring in fresh perspectives, and that’s where you come in. 

What to Expect 

Working with Advoz, Lancaster’s mediation and restorative justice center to facilitate an exciting and inclusive listening-learning session, you can help co-create a community farm and educational space that bridges vital gaps in our community – between urban and rural, young and old, past and future, producers and consumers, resources and under-resourced communities.   

Together, we’ll explore possibilities, surface what excites you and your communities, and find ways to connect people to this space. Food and coffee will be provided to keep the ideas – and energy – flowing. 
 
Who We’re Inviting 
 
We’re seeking community leaders, educators, agricultural enthusiasts, environmental advocates, and others dedicated to strengthening the connections between people and the land. 

You’re invited because your voice and perspective are critical to making this vision a reality. We want diverse voices at the table because the best ideas come from bringing different perspectives together. 

If you aren’t able to attend or feel someone else from your organization would be a better fit, we invite you to pass this invitation along to them. We want to make sure your organization is represented by the person best positioned to contribute to these conversations. 

RSVP BY SEPTEMBER 22^nd