How sustainable is this farm?

Economic Benefits The diversified approach of WVF makes for steady income which supports 3 generations of the Caserta family. – Bed and Breakfast: year-round – Beef: Year-round – Chicken: Summer and Fall – Turkeys: Fall – Eggs: Year-round (slightly less in winter and times of stress) – Pork: Year-round – Goats: Year-round waste managers and entertainment – Herbs and heirloom vegetables: Spring, Summer and Fall Farms contribute more to a healthy local economy than housing developments. Partners with the neighboring orchard to increase their sales Sells their products in Walpole and a neighboring town (Keene) at local food and farmer’s markets Bed and Breakfast attracts tourists to local towns

Social Benefits Provide the area residents with a local organic food source Encourage sense of community – Farm open house – Host community events like movie night – Encourage local youth to volunteer at farm – Presence at local festivals and events Donate unused produce to soup kitchens and homeless shelters

Is this system perfect? While WVF is a sustainable system it isn’t perfect. – Too expensive for many to afford – Serves a small geographic area – Requires high inputs of fencing – Requires knowledge and ability to adapt Sustainable systems are about balance