Who We Are

We connect established and aspiring care farms, foster meaningful support, and build awareness about the transformative power of care farming.

We create community for care farmers

Our network connects aspiring and established care farms to resources that help them grow. We offer members:

Consultations

Knowledgeable care farmers with real-world expertise will provide guidance on how to start a care farm, build capacity, and grow your farm. Inquire here.

U.S. care farm directory and map

Our directory showcases care farms across the U.S., complete with links to each farm’s profile, making it fun and easy to find a care farm near you. Explore the map here.

Tools to learn and grow

We provide free access to technical support, tools, and resources on care farm operations, best practices, fundraising, needs assessment, and staffing and volunteer management. Share and utilize these resources at no cost! Search our resource library here.

Events

We host virtual and in-person workshops, seminars, and conferences, and promote other care farm events through our website, newsletters, and social media channels. See upcoming events here.

A supportive community

The Care Farming Network is a hub where care farmers unite to share knowledge and support one another in an inclusive community.

Free membership

Membership in our organization is completely free of charge, although some webinars encourage a sliding-scale donation.

A program of Red Wiggler Community Farm

The Care Farming Network is a program of Red Wiggler Community Farm, a care farm founded in 1996 where people with developmental disabilities come together to work, learn and grow healthy food.

What is care farming?

Care farming uses therapeutic farming to promote health, well-being and belonging.

Care farming serves a diverse range of individuals, offering therapeutic interventions, social support, skill development, and engagement with nature and agriculture. These programs typically occur on working farms, utilizing resources like plants, animals, and outdoor spaces to provide therapy, job skills training, and social inclusion.

While our network primarily focuses on farms serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, care farms cater to diverse populations, including veterans, seniors with dementia, and those facing substance use addiction and mental health challenges.

What are the benefits of care farming?

Care farms provide numerous benefits for participants, society, and the environment, such as boosting confidence, fostering community engagement, promoting physical activity, and enhancing connections with nature. They also cultivate a sense of belonging and achievement. Additionally, care farms offer opportunities for learning, creating memorable experiences, reducing stress, and encouraging dignity and teamwork.