Mission Statement
The mission of Newton Community Farm is to nurture a community that teaches and models sustainable agricultural and environmental practices on the historic Angino Farm. Our vision is to preserve the cultural and historical landscape of Angino Farm as a uniquely beautiful open space with sustainable farming at the center of its activities. The Newton community has the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the farm landscape, purchase produce from the farm, and participate in farm events and educational programs. These interactions bring residents into a more intimate connection with the environment and demonstrate the benefits of local food production. Environmentally sound renovation of the barn and other structures will create an attractive home for education and celebrations. The governing board, informed by close connections within the Newton community, will guide and participate in farm activities, and lead fundraising efforts to ensure the organization's fiscal health.
Description
The 2.25-acre Newton Angino Community Farm, located at the corner of Winchester and Nahanton Streets, was farmed using traditional organic methods for 300 years. The brick exterior of the house, the contents of the barn, the outbuildings and structures, and the fertile soil of the farm reflect the stewardship of the Italian-American Angino family from 1917 to 2005. Jerry Angino, an educator and mentor for many of Newton's youth during his career as Newton's first guidance counselor, established the farm as a place for learning.
Newton residents persuaded the city to save the last working farm in Newton as a community resource instead of letting the site be developed. In 2005 the City of Newton purchased the Angino Farm and selected Newton Community Farm, Inc. (NCF), a nonprofit organization, to operate and manage the farm with oversight by the Newton Farm Commission.
In the spring of 2006, NCF hired Greg Maslowe, our first farm manager, to grow a variety of vegetables, fruits and herbs using sustainable methods that emphasize long-term soil health -- including minimal tillage, green manures, and compost -- for the benefit of Newton citizens. NCF does not use synthetic fertilizers. While the farm is not certified organic, Greg does not use herbicides and he avoids the use of pesticides by using sustainable agricultural methods. The biointensive and permaculture beds, and the distribution of produce through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and farmers' markets, represent the cutting edge of sustainable, locally based modern agriculture
