Jesse Amin Mills  and his wife, Halima Willett, and their children, moved to the Farm of Peace in 2010 to manage the gardens and continue the CSA program.

Halima reflects, “Gardening has always been a joy for us. We had a dream of being able to create such a program and spend more time in the garden, and as often happens, as we witnessed that dream expand in our hearts, a serendipitous chain of events quickly unfolded and before we knew it, here we were, living on the farm, living that dream.”

“Just as we nurture the seeds we plant in the earth to bring them into fruition, the dreams seeds we plant in our heart can blossom as we nurture them with hope, love and trust in the goodness of our Creator.”

Jesse manages the CSA program, along with many hands and hearts supporting him.  Our team is committed to growing by organic principles, and strives to leave the land nourished so that is reflected in the harvest we receive and share with so many.

Although our garden is not certified organic, we don’t use any chemical pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers. We use compost, animal manures, liquid kelp and other natural products to promote healthy soil and plants, along with a lot of love and physical labor.

For pest control we practice crop rotation and companion planting, use fabric row covers, hand remove pests, and approved sprays such as garlic oil, neem oil or others allowed under organic standards.  We are considering invited a few turkeys to live amongst the plants this year, as we hear the are voracious pest eaters.

 

Jesse and Halima are abundantly grateful for a supportive community and many “work share” members that arrive each week to support in the big harvest pick, pack and prepare day, as we ready our shares for delivery to all of our members.  We are blessed with amazing neighbors and friends who make this process fun and enjoyable every week, as they help with all the task involved in preparing shares for delivery and in exchange take a share home for themselves.

The Farm of Peace has full season apprentices offer support in all of our farming operations as well, as well as members of WWOOF (world wide opportunities on organic farms) for shorter, project based jobs.  We invite those interested in experiencing farm life, and all the knowledge and enrichment that comes along with this experience, to stay with us for a season.  For more information on our apprentice program, please contact Halima at 717-573-2956 or email halima.willett@gmail.com.

You can also download and send us an Apprenticeship Application.