How sustainable is this farm?

Economic Benefits • The diversified approach of WVF makes for steady income which

supports 3 generations of the Caserta family. – Bed and Breakfast: year-round– Beef: Year-round– Chicken: Summer and Fall– Turkeys: Fall– Eggs: Year-round (slightly less in winter and times of stress) – Pork: Year-round – Goats: Year-round waste managers and entertainment– Herbs and heirloom vegetables: Spring, Summer and Fall

• Farms contribute more to a healthy local economy than housing developments.• Partners with the neighboring orchard to increase their sales• Sells their products in Walpole and a neighboring town (Keene) at local food

and farmer’s markets• Bed and Breakfast attracts tourists to local towns

Social Benefits• Provide the area residents with a

local organic food source• Encourage sense of community

– Farm open house– Host community events like movie

night– Encourage local youth to

volunteer at farm– Presence at local festivals and

events• Donate unused produce to soup

kitchens and homeless shelters

Is this system perfect?

• While WVF is a sustainable system it isn’t perfect.– Too expensive for many to afford– Serves a small geographic area– Requires high inputs of fencing– Requires knowledge and ability to adapt

Sustainable systems are about balance