We chose to highlight these guests because they all work to extend empathy, support and compassion to fellow stewards of the land. Farming is both one of the most important and hardest jobs there is. David, Yannick and Clara share how their organizations develop an extra level of care and relationship with farmers.

• Wolfe’s Neck Farm
  • Executive Director David Herring primes listeners for the summer with updates on all of the incredible ways both children and adults can immerse themselves in the extraordinary Freeport farm via learning, camping and exploring. Visiting the farm is always free of charge and there are ample opportunities to become empowered to connect with the future of food. Their site is also a wonderful wealth of information.
• Cultivating Community
  • Yannick Bizimana and Brenda Peluso share the incredible programming and support provided through Cultivating Community. Though there are many community gardens and school programs offered, we focus on the New American Sustainable Agriculture Project, where immigrant farmers gain support to transfer farming skills from their country of origin to Maine. These farmers gain land access and food security while providing sustainably grown food to their communities–and they provide chances for Mainers to try new foods such as African eggplants, okra and amaranth. Watch our TV episode with Yannick and many of the wonderful Cultivating Community members here from Summer 2021.

Farms Who Care

• Clara Coleman recognized that most farmers, while dedicated to caring for others through the food they cultivate, don’t spend time caring for themselves. She began Real Farmer Care right before the pandemic hit to support farmer’s self care needs with monetary gifts because self-care is expensive and hardly made a priority. Recipients have gone to dinner, gotten massages and one even bought a hammock. Fifty-percent of Real Farmer Care recipients are BIPOC farmers and Clara works hard to make a space to center and prioritize their needs.

Hosted by Maggie Knowles

Produced by: Sam Workman

A Muse Global Group Production with Ramshackle Studios

Original Music, “Stay Awhile” by Monique Barrett

Original Animation: No Umbrella Media

For all TV and Podcast episodes, visit www.platethestate.com

Thank you for listening, sharing & subscribing!