On October 17, we had the opportunity to visit Gaining Ground Farm as part of the “Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Ensuring Farm Sustainability with Covered Production and Diversified Risk Management Strategies” project. During our visit, we were warmly welcomed by Kari Bender, the farm co-manager, and Mark Congdon, the Director of Agriculture. This remarkable farm operates under a mission that goes beyond simply growing food; it actively combats food insecurity in the local community by donating all of its produce.

A Unique Farming Approach: Gaining Ground is an organic (though not certified) farm that employs a no-till method and exclusively uses hand tools for bed preparation. This approach not only promotes soil health but also encourages a diverse ecosystem that thrives without chemical interventions. Volunteers play a crucial role throughout the year, assisting with everything from harvesting to bed maintenance, while education remains a core focus of the farm's programming.

Addressing Seasonal Food Insecurity: As the winter months approach, food insecurity becomes a pressing concern for many families, compounded by increased heating costs and limited access to fresh produce. To tackle this challenge, Gaining Ground is committed to year-round growing using innovative undercover structures. This strategy not only extends the growing season but also ensures that fresh vegetables are available even when the weather is less forgiving.

Undercover Growing Structures: Gaining Ground utilizes an impressive array of undercover structures, including:

- 4 high tunnels and 1 rolling high tunnel
- 10 caterpillar tunnels, 5 of which are gothic design
- 2 greenhouses (one new), both equipped with heating

These structures allow the farm to grow a variety of crops, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers—specialty crops that are in high demand. To combat pests without the use of sprays, the farm employs **insect netting** and row covers, fostering a healthy growing environment.

Strategic Planting and Crop Management: careful planning is evident in Gaining Ground's crop management practices. They focus on:

- Self-pollinating varieties like cucumbers (Katrina, Nokia) to minimize pest exposure.
- Disease-resistant seed varieties, essential for maintaining crop health.
- Crop rotation, ensuring that nutrient-heavy crops like tomatoes are not planted in the same area for at least three years to prevent soil depletion.

Compost is applied annually (about 1.5 inches per bed), with plans to experiment with compost tea, while cover cropping is employed both in the tunnels and in the field to enhance soil health.

Innovative Tunnels and Water Management: Gaining Ground's moving high tunnel, affectionately named “Rolling Thunder,” is designed to roll along tracks between plots, facilitating crop rotation. However, some challenges arise, such as the lack of doors for easy access. The farm team has found creative solutions for irrigation, using an overhead sprinkler system to mimic rainfall, which is particularly effective for pest management.

With the threat of flooding due to severe weather events, the farm has explored preventative measures, such as using woodchip buffers and planting non-crop vegetation to support beneficial insects.

Navigating Pest Management and Soil Health: Pest management is a critical component of sustainable farming, especially in tunnels where pests can thrive in the controlled environment. To combat potential pest build-up, practices such as winter freezing of tunnels are implemented. Regular soil testing is also vital to monitor salt and mineral buildup, particularly in tunnels, where increased temperatures heighten water needs.

Gaining Ground also employs fabric/netting covers in the field for larger crops like squash, utilizing sandbags or pipes to secure the fabric and minimize soil contamination.

Education and Collaboration: At Gaining Ground Farm, the commitment to education and collaboration shines through every practice, as they work to inspire and equip others in the community to take part in sustainable farming. Gaining Ground Farm is a shining example of how sustainable practices, community engagement, and innovative growing techniques can work together to address food insecurity. Their efforts not only provide fresh, healthy produce to those in need but also serve as a model for other farms looking to make a difference in their communities. By focusing on year-round growing and employing sustainable methods, Gaining Ground is paving the way for a more resilient food system.

Funding Acknowledgement: This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2023-70027-40447.