Delaware Greenways has launched an exciting new initiative that takes its mission of promoting active and healthy lifestyles through consumption of locally grown foods and use of close to home recreation facilities to a whole new level by announcing it will manage the 112 acre Penn Farm on Frenchtown Road near historic New Castle. The Penn Farm, owned by the Trustees of New Castle Common, is the last remaining tenant farm as laid out by William Penn and is one of the region’s oldest active farms. As redefined by Delaware Greenways, the mission of the Penn Farm will be to educate, document, interpret and perpetuate the rich heritage of the property for the benefit of future generations and the betterment of the greater New Castle community. The farm will be a collaboration between growers dedicating to providing local foods, seed and other plant and animal products developed through sustainable and organic farming methods to local markets, with educators committed to teaching the importance of locally grown food and animal products as part of a healthy and active lifestyle.
Interaction with the general public will be centered at Tract 6 Produce, where the aim is to create a healthier, more equitable food system through providing affordable access to fresh produce, facilitating youth leadership in health and nutrition education, and connecting small farmers to urban communities through sales at the farm stand and upcoming plans involving area youth. Tract 6 produce, which takes its name from the number 6 tract of land defined as a tenant farm, will focus on the sale of premium Delaware fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs and other agricultural products. Moving forward, Tract 6 will also feature products grown directly on the 112 acre Penn Farm; you-pick pumpkins and popcorn are currently in production for the fall season. Hours of operation are currently Monday through Sunday, 10am – 6pm. A formal grand opening is scheduled for Saturday July 9.
The Historic Penn Farm has supported agriculture for over 300 years, and is a learning landscape where visitors can view sustainable agriculture in action, learn to prepare healthy foods and bring home locally grown products.
- Preserve, promote and educate the public on the cultural and historic landscape of Penn Farm
- Grow, promote and sell Penn Farm produce and other Delaware-raised and made produce and products
- Provide farms and the surrounding communities a model educational center focusing on wellness and nutrition, innovative and sustainable agricultural practices, and creative land use and energy practices
- Use green or sustainable methods for renovation, adaptive reuse and the ongoing operation and maintenance of the farmhouse, the barn, outdoor education facilities and the gardens, CSA and production fields
- Use the Tract Six Produce operation to showcase and cross promote other Delaware farms and their products
About Mark Chura
