Celebrating Charles Kelsey and his service to KFH!

We’re celebrating the incredible service of Charles Kelsey on the Kearsarge Food Hub Board of Directors, as he steps down from his position as Board Chair.

Charlie did more than serve as Board Chair, he helped out on Sweet Beet Farm, in Sweet Beet Café, and anywhere where he could lend a hand!

Charlie served a total of three years on KFH’s board of directors, from day one bringing an incredible amount of care and thoughtfulness to his service. He chaired the board for the last two years, and under his leadership KFH matured significantly.

We are so grateful for Charlie’s practical and heart-centered approach to all that he did. During his tenure, KFH stabilized financially, both by rigorous financial analysis of our income generating programs and the establishment of an operating reserve. At the same time, we were able to increase compensation and benefits significantly across the board for all employees. Charlie supported the leadership team through many challenges, and imparted a thoughtful and compassionate people-first approach.

Above and beyond what would be considered normal board duties, Charlie spent a lot of time supporting both Sweet Beet Farm and Cafe operations. His willingness to do the work and to get his hands dirty provided him with the necessary perspective to guide at a high level. Each program of KFH is nuanced and complex, and to have a board chair that understands the intricacies of doing the day-to-day work has been invaluable. 

Charlie helped build out KFH’s board of directors to what it is today, one that includes expertise across many different disciplines including: education, finance, healthcare, food security, agriculture, nonprofit management, and human resources. Charlie insisted on leading the board from a “30,000 foot view”, meaning that the board has been able to focus on and tackle high level issues and strategies, rather than getting bogged down in day-to-day operational issues.

Charlie’s legacy is truly remarkable and has taken KFH so far over the past three years. Thank you, Charlie, for your care and leadership.

During this time of transition, we are pleased to announce that long-time KFHers Kathleen Bigford and Leon Malan have stepped into an interim co-chair position while we find the right person to head the board. We are deeply grateful for Kathleen and Leon’s continued commitment to KFH! 

If you’re interested in seeing if a board position at the Kearsarge Food Hub is right for you, please email our Executive Director France Hahn at france@kearsargefoodhub.org.

Why Flowers? Three benefits of adding blooms to your small farm

As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, and pressure from industrial scale agriculture makes it increasingly difficult for small scale operations, small farm businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to thrive and differentiate themselves. One method for enhancing small farm viability is the integration of flowers into farming operations. 

This year, the Kearsarge Food Hub launched a Flower Farmer Apprentice Program as part of our efforts to grow new farmers. While we’ve previously focused on teaching apprentices how to grow vegetables with regenerative practices, this is the first year we’ve integrated flowers into the mix. 

Sarah Nelson is our flower farmer apprentice, and her work is a shining example of our commitment to education, community engagement, and setting new and beginning farmers up for success. The flowers she cultivates are not only beautiful but also a testament to the hard work and dedication embedded in our Farmer Apprentice Program.

While food crops are vital for feeding communities, adding flowers can provide a plethora of ecological, economic, and social advantages. Here are three key benefits of incorporating flowers into your small farm business.

1. Supporting Pollinators

One of the most critical roles of flowers in agriculture is their contribution to pollinator health. In fact, did you know that about 35% of the world's crops are made possible thanks to pollinators?! (Modern Farmer). Pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and other insects, are essential for the reproduction of many plants, including many of the fruits and vegetables we rely on. By planting flowers, farmers create a more inviting environment for these creatures, which helps to:

• Increase Biodiversity: A diverse range of flowers not only supports pollinators but also attracts other beneficial insects. This diversity can lead to a balanced ecosystem within your farm, decreasing reliance on chemical pesticides and promoting natural pest control.

• Enhance Crop Yields: With more pollinators visiting your farm due to the flowers, crop pollination can improve, leading to an increase in fruit and seed production. This is especially beneficial for crops that require insect pollination to reach their full potential.
  
  

2. Increasing Farm Viability Through Diversification

Diversification is a tried-and-true strategy for ensuring the long-term success of a farm. Especially now with the effects of Climate Change being felt in different ways every season, farmers are at greater risk than ever of losing entire crops. By adding flowers to your offerings, you open up a new revenue stream, which can enhance the viability of your farming operation. Here’s how:

• Expanded Market Opportunities: Flowers can be marketed to various audiences, from local florists and event planners to individuals looking for beautiful fresh-cut flower bouquets. Plus you can integrate a Pick Your Own (PYO) option, bringing folks to the farm and having them (with the proper direction) pick their own bouquets! This model is fun for the visitors and cuts back on labor for the farmers. 

• Seasonal Offerings: Different flowers bloom at various times throughout the year, allowing farmers to extend their growing season. By staggering crops and offering a range of flowers, you can capture sales opportunities in different seasons and attract customers looking for different kinds of blooms throughout the year.
  
  

3. The Social and Emotional Benefits of Flowers

Beyond the economic and ecological advantages, flowers bring significant social and emotional benefits to both farmers and the community. In a world where mental health struggles are on the rise, the role of flowers cannot be understated:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Flowers add beauty and vibrancy to the farm, creating an aesthetically pleasing environment for anyone who visits or even just drives by! This can enhance the overall experience for visitors, encouraging agritourism and farm events, and creating lasting memories for families and individuals.
  
  

• Emotional Well-Being: Researchers have found that flowers increase feelings of happiness. A study from Harvard reported that "living with cut flowers strengthens the feelings of compassion and kindness for others." Mel Robbins says "flowers represent the fragility of life" and so help us to live fully into each precious day. When you're looking for a meaningful gift for a special occasion - whether it's a birth, a death, or anything in between - what comes to mind? I'm sure, for many of us, it's flowers. By cultivating flowers, farmers can create a space that not only benefits the ecosystem but also uplifts the human spirit, fostering a sense of community and connection
  

It’s midsummer and we are absolutely delighted with the flowers that are flourishing at Baby Beet Farm here at the Kearsarge Food Hub, and thrilled to watch Sarah learn and grow alongside them. 

We are exploring and seeing for ourselves how embracing these colorful additions can create a thriving, sustainable farm.

Incorporating flowers into a small farm business is more than just a trend—it's a multifaceted approach to enhance ecological health, diversify income streams, and enrich the emotional experience of both farmers and our communities!

The stunning bouquets Sarah’s been crafting are available at Sweet Beet Market, and of course evolve from week to week as the flowers in bloom change through the seasons. Come on in to see (and smell) for yourself!

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