Membership Program

Littleton Community Farm has been made possible by supporters like you.  Your support has allowed the farm to grow food for others, and encourage a better understanding of our food supply while building community.  Members form the base of commitment for our mission and helps to cover our basic operating expenses.

Membership is $50 per household. Membership is good for one calendar year and is tax-deductible donation in support of our work.

FAQ

Why is membership important?

Membership dues account for the funds raised each year to make our charitable programs possible. In addition, a strong membership base tells the community that you believe that when you eat, others also get to eat.

That’s the difference between being a member and a shareholder?

Members of Littleton Community Farm pay annual dues of $50 per family. These funds are used to support the charitable programs of the organization: our Hunger Relief Program.

Shareholders of Littleton Community Farm pay for a share of our harvest. Funds from the sales of shares are used exclusively to pay for the costs of producing that food and a living wage for our farmer.

Are all members also shareholders?

No. There are many wonderful people in our community who are members because they support the work that we do, but are not shareholders.

Are all shareholders also members?

Yes. We do ask that in order to purchase a share, or split a share, each household also initiates or renews their membership.

How long does my membership last?

Memberships last for 12 months from the date that dues are paid. We will send out lapsed membership notices by email on a quarterly basis, including a notice in our Annual Appeal in the fall.

What are the benefits of membership?

Membership benefits include:

A subscription to our Farm Friends e-newsletter (providing updates on our programs, opportunities to get involved, and serving as your portal to the local food/farm scene)

Early notice of CSA sales.

Early notice of our Spring Plant Sale.

Early notice to any ticketed event.

A 10% discount on farm merchandise (new t-shirts are in the works for 2021)

Voting rights at our annual meeting starting in 2021.

Is my membership tax deductible?

In the case of LCF your membership is tax deductible as they in for the general support of the organization, and don’t provide benefits of monetary value to the members.

 

 

 

About Littleton Community Farm  

Littleton Community Farm is a small farm in Littleton, MA whose mission is to reduce food insecurity regionally, provide farm-based education, and be a place for community connection. We aim to inspire through hands-on exposure to agriculture and growing for our entire community.

Job Description

Littleton Community Farm is looking for an experienced and committed candidate to fill the role of Farm Manager. Reporting to our Board of Directors, this person will oversee and run all day-to-day farming operations on our three-acre lot. These include the mission-oriented work of donating food to our hunger-relief partners, a 20-week, approximately 75-member seasonal CSA, annual spring seedling sale, robust stewardship of the soil, and interfacing with the Littleton community. Our produce is grown with best organic practices. The ideal candidate will possess strong experience and knowledge of sustainable production, CSA management, experience managing and working with staff and volunteers, a strong work ethic, and an aptitude for community engagement.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Oversee and manage:
   • All produce and production on the 3-acre farm, with strong attention to nutrient management and conservation goals, and in keeping with best organic practices. Duties and expectations include:
     • Planning a budget in consultation with the Board of Directors, for which the Farm Manager will be primarily responsible.
     • Planning and managing a 20-week (June-October), approximately 75-member CSA, including coordinating customer communications, in conjunction with other staff and volunteers.
     • Planning production and budget to meet food donation objectives and coordinate distribution to local partners.
     • Planning and managing an annual spring seedling sale.
   • Mowing and maintaining fields adjacent to farm fields, including a newly added lot intended for educational use.
   • Maintaining an inventory of farm equipment, and storing materials and equipment with a view towards safety, general tidiness, and creating spaces appropriate for community engagement.
   • Farm maintenance, including machinery, cropping, and pest management systems, as well as basic maintenance, such as plumbing, electrical, and light construction work as needed.
   • Using and maintaining irrigation systems, including creating and managing a watering schedule for greenhouse, hoo- house, and production fields (this includes hand-watering as needed).
   • Maintain a system of record-keeping of operations management, such as past crop-plans.
2. Managing staff and volunteers, interfacing with the community, and reporting to the board.
   • Hiring and managing an additional farm staff.
   • Coordinating volunteer staff.
   • Reporting to and supporting the work of the Board of Directors on a monthly basis.
   • Acting as an ambassador of the farm to visitors, passersby, local organizations, and partners at all times.
3. Support LCF’s annual funding and execution, specifically regarding grant-raising for farm operations.

Required qualifications and experiences:

 

1. A minimum of 3 years of farm/greenhouse management or 5 years of farm work experience. Community-farm experience a plus.
2. Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills, including a proven track record of managing personnel.
3. Demonstrated record of planning and organization for agricultural production.
4. Ability to work well with a variety of customers and community members.
5. Experience with operating, maintaining, and conducting basic repairs on machinery and power equipment.
6. Knowledge of the principles of using cover crops, soil biology, low-till crop production, permaculture, growing perennials, utilizing living mulches, composting, soil testing, and/or other ecological/organic growing methods.
7. A willingness and ability to work outdoors in all types of weather, under potentially strenuous conditions.
8. Timely and proper etiquette in email communications.
9. A detail-oriented approach, with considerable attention to order, cleanliness, and an ongoing commitment to improving systems and practices.
10. A desire to grow, process, and distribute produce of the highest nutritional, culinary, and food-safety quality.

 

Desired qualifications and experiences:

 

1. A bachelor’s or associate’s degree in agricultural or environmental science, or a related field.
2. Community farm experience and/or non-profit experience.
3. Experience in identifying and pursuing public and/or private funding opportunities pertaining to farm operations.
4. Experience working with local and state regulatory bodies on issues relating to conservation, food safety, organic practice, and food policy.
5. Connections to and/or knowledge of regional agricultural associations, such as NOFA (LCF will pay for membership), and/or the wider agricultural community in this region.
6. Building/construction experience.
7. Knowledge of Box, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
8. Interest in developing skills pertaining to non-profit development and fundraising.
9. Experience working with culturally diverse communities and/or speaking languages other than English is a plus.

 

Other Requirements

1. A valid driving license.
2. Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
3. Cell phone communication.
4. Reliable transportation.
5. Satisfactory CORI and reference checks.

 

TIME REQUIREMENTS

 

This is a full-time regular job. Hours will follow a grower’s schedule, with longer hours in the growing season and shorter hours in the off-season. Some evenings and weekends are required during the growing season, occasional board meetings, and for special events.

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS

1. This is a salaried position that will provide a competitive salary based on the market and the applicant’s experience, among other factors. Typically, an annual evaluation will be conducted, at which time compensation levels are reviewed.
2. A stipend towards MassHealth.
3. Two weeks paid vacation, paid holidays, and 40 hours a year paid sick time.
4. Access to 1 share of vegetables and flowers grown on the farm.
5. In consultation with the Board of Directors Personal, professional development opportunities, including opportunities to develop skills in agricultural production (such as paid time to attend the annual NOFA conference), non-profit development, and farm-based education.

To apply, please email a one-page cover letter and max-two-page CV with contact information of three references to [email protected] by 5 PM on November 5. Please also forward any questions or concern to Sara Kallock at this this same address.