NESFP is an unusual part of the growing movement to promote organic farming, improved nutrition, locally-grown produce, and to preserve family farms. Founded in 1998, it provides technical assistance and training for urban immigrants with agricultural backgrounds, and others with low incomes interested in small-scale commercial agriculture, to enable them to farm sustainably. NESFP helps find land—so far, 1900 acres—and matches farmers to the land. It provides training—pest management, specialty crop production, soil preparation, irrigation, equipment use and safety; and on the business side access to start-up financing, record-keeping, business planning, risk management, and market-driven production strategies for small-scale producers. All this is very complex, and not conducive to large numbers yet. Since 2004 it has “graduated” 54 students, over half of whom are still farming for income. Last year, its produce was sold in five farmers markets, five grocery stores (including Whole Foods), one restaurant, and collective market of the growers themselves. It utilizes Tufts graduate student interns, and has been bolstered by the USDA Fund for Rural America, and grants from the Risk Management Agency, plus foundation grants. If you are also part of this broader movement, here is a philanthropic opportunity to become even more involved.