About Us

 

Our Mission

The Mission of Canticle Farm, a ministry sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany (FSA), is to reverence, protect, and honor the sacredness of God's Creation. Canticle Farm, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farm, is committed to connect all peoples, to practice Earth friendly habits, and to come to a realization of a Creation centered spirituality.
 

This mission statement reflects the love at the core of FSA teachings:
love of God, love of Creation, love of the Earth, love for all people.
 

Canticle Farm welcomes all people, no matter their particular background, religious beliefs or community status.
 

At Canticle Farm, PEOPLE ALWAYS COME FIRST. Together, we are able to become stronger and serve one another.

 

Farm History

•  In the early 1960s, The ReHabilitation Center was a fledgling organization with an uncertain future.
• The Franciscan Sisters of Allegany (FSA) "adopted" the Center and housed the organization in its early years at the Motherhouse.
• Fast forward about forty years - the Rehab Center is now a comprehensive agency with hundreds of clients and is a major employer in the Southern Tier.
• In 2000, following the suggestions of the FSA Peace and Justice Committee, discussions with ecologists, and visits to organic farms, the FSA voted to support the creation of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project.
• In 2001, the FSA purchased land from The ReHab Center and began a CSA project. A CSA is a local, sustainable farm business that works in partnership with the community.
• In 2003, Canticle Farm became incorporated as a non-profit corporation sponsored by the FSA. Canticle Farm holds 501(c)(3) Not-For-Profit Status.

 

What is a CSA?

The concept of CSA is based on the Japanese notion of "Teikei" literally meaning to put the "farmer’s face on the food." In Japan, farmers are hired by small groups to be THEIR farmer.

 

The CSA concept originated in Switzerland and Japan in the 1960s, and was introduced in the U.S. in the mid-1980s. Consumers desiring safe foods and farmers seeking stable markets for crops joined together in economic partnerships.

 

Only 2% of Americans are farmers. Consumers began to recognize that a small minority of farmers cannot meet the needs of all people. Consumers were ready to share in agricultural responsibilities with active farmers.

 

Today, there are many CSAs in the United States. These are primarily located in New England, the Mid-Atlantic states, the Great Lakes Region and in growing numbers on the West Coast.