Richmond Garden Club members visit Berea College horticulture farm
Apr. 29—The Richmond Garden Club (RGC) recently visited Berea College's horticulture farm.
The college's gardens and greenhouse are part of the oldest and continuously operating student-led farms in the nation.
Janet Meyer, manager of the horticulture and greenhouses, gave garden club members a tour and explained the production process.
The horticulture farm includes two greenhouses, eight high tunnels, a packing house, office space, equipment storage, and five acres of production land.
In 1998, organic food production began and now all produce on the farm is USDA-certified organic. The college produces around 47,000 pounds of organic food each year.
Members of the community can purchase plants in the spring and fall. Plant sales are currently going on and community members may buy plants on Saturdays through May.
After the tour, members drove to the Berea College Farm Store on campus which is open to the public.
David Little, manager of the store, offers food produced by students working on the farms. His freezers are full of items to purchase. The farm store is open year-round and provides a daily lunch menu using fresh ingredients from the Berea College farm.
Brenda Underwood, current co-president of RGC, also reminded members of the upcoming May picnic that will be held at Gibson Bay Golf Course.
