A Celebration of Local Agriculture and Education at the Upper Cape School Garden Ribbon Cutting and Farm Tour
Yesterday, under the late summer sun, Barnstable County’s Cape Cod Cooperative Extension (CCCE) celebrated a milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Mashpee Middle-High School community garden, followed by an engaging tour of local farms. The event, attended by around 40 people including state officials, local stakeholders, and community members, showcased the vibrant agriculture and community spirit of Cape Cod.
This celebration was made possible through significant support from our funding partners. In 2024, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) awarded a $94,865 Buy Fresh grant to bolster Cape Cod farms, directly supporting the initiatives highlighted during the tour. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) granted $750,000 through the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Plus program to CCCE. This substantial funding will enhance local food access systems through 2025, demonstrating a long-term commitment to strengthening our community’s food security.
The farm tour not only showcased the fruits of these funding efforts but also provided a tangible connection between the support received and the ongoing development of our local food systems. The grants are instrumental in fostering local agriculture, supporting farm-to-school programs, and improving food access, all of which were evident during the tour.
The day began with the official opening of the new school garden at Mashpee Middle High School, a project that symbolizes the collaboration between Cape Cod Cooperative Extension’s Buy Fresh Buy Local Cape Cod program, local organizations, and farmers. Massachusetts Commissioner of Agriculture Ashley Randle, Representative David T. Vieira, and Barnstable County Commissioner Sheila Lyons were among the speakers at the event, emphasizing the importance of connecting youth with local agriculture and fostering sustainable farming practices on Cape Cod.
Following the ribbon-cutting, attendees enjoyed a series of farm tours that showcased the diversity and vitality of local agriculture. Stops included Tony Andrews Farm, where discussions centered on a community garden project involving the Native American church group, and Peterson Shepherd Farm, where visitors explored the farm’s operations focusing on sheep and pasture quality. The day concluded at Ward Aquafarm with a tour of the aquaculture hatchery, highlighting efforts to enhance sustainable aquaculture in the region.
This event, marked by beautiful weather and vibrant community spirit, underscored the significance of local agriculture in Cape Cod’s food system and the ongoing efforts to educate the next generation about the value of sustainable practices.
Learn more about the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension’s initiatives at www.capecod.gov/extension.
