| The Farm is an intentional community of families and friends living on 1,750 acres in south- central Tennessee. Since its inception in 1971, the purpose of the Farm community has been to provide a secure, ecologically healthy, commonly held land base for its members and succeeding generations. It is a place where we can relate to each other and the natural environment in a sustainable way, draw upon the collective strength of the community, and contribute to the positive transformation of the world.
Over its now nearly 35 year history, The Farm community has created numerous non-profit organizations to use as tools in the fulfillment of its mission. Plenty International is an international aid and development nongovernmental organization (NGO) that works with indigenous and impoverished people both in the U.S and around the world. Its Kids To the Country project brings at-risk kids to the Farm to enjoy nature and study peace education. The Ecovillage Training Center offers conferences and seminars on organic gardening, permaculture, straw-bale construction, and sustainable technologies. Swan Conservation Trust seeks to protect fragile ecosystems in Tennessee's Western Hightland Rim and is working to establish a 1300 acre nature preserve adjacent to the community. PeaceRoots Alliance represents the community in the global peace movement. Representatives work in public schools promoting conscientious objection awareness and counter military recruitment. More Than Warmth involves U.S. public and private school students in the creation of peace quilts that are sent as a message of friendship around the world, including Africa, Afghanistan and Iraq.
The Farm is probably best known for its midwifery program. We hold the sacrament of birth as an inherent right of all women, newborns, and families.
Approximately 175 residents and over 20 Farm businesses (including Farm Soy, the Farm Store, Village Media, and the Book Publishing Company) contribute to the maintenance of the community. The Farm Education/Conference Center hosts retreats and conferences for outside groups and is the umbrella organization for the Farm school which offers alternative education to both resident and neighboring school-age students.
We welcome scheduled visits and tours. Please write or call. The community is actively seeking new members and residents. Check us out! | Community location is placed at the center of the zip/postal code, city/state, or city/country (not based on street addresses) The Farm Experience Weekend |
| Former/Other Names: (Second Foundation). Last Updated:12/2/2010 Visitors Accepted Visitor Process: We welcome scheduled visits and tours. Please write or call. The community is actively seeking new members and residents. Check us out! The best way to visit is to participate in one of our Farm Experience Weekends, which include a history slide show, tour, community work project, workshops, and entertainment. |
Population Members(adults and children): 180 | Government Decision Making: By majority rule (We use consensus whenever possible, especially in smaller committees.) Leadership Core Group: Yes (The majority of residents have lived in the community 20+ years. However new residents are able and are encouraged to participate equally) | Labor and Money Financial Style: Other (The 1750 acre property is owned collectively by members. The community has an extensive infrastructure that is maintained and operated through monthly member dues. All buildings and residences are owned by the community, but members generate equity in their homes through personal investment.) Open to Members with Pre-existing Debt: No Answer (All membership applications include a financial review.) Labor Contribution: (Participation in community projects and events is very encouraged.) Join Fee: Yes ($3,000 per adult is requested after a an approximately 2 year provisonal membership period) Regular Fees: Yes (Members and residents contribute monthly an amount ranging from $85to $125 per person) | Land and Buildings Rural Area: 1750 acres (708.2 hectares) Land Owned By: Independent land trust (not controlled by the community) Cohousing: Yes (Several residences utilize a co-housing model) | Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: 1-5% Share Community Meals: 1 time/week (Meals are prepared during the school year by students and parents as a fundraiser for the school or other nonprofits.) Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Diet is up to each individual (The community tries to avoid rules and restictions however most memjbers are vegetarian.) Dietary Practice: Primarily vegan (The community was founded on a .vegan diet and most members are currently vegetarian or vegan. No animals may be raised for slaughter on the property.) Alcohol Use: Used occasionally (This is up to personal choice but abuse is discouraged.) Tobacco Use: Seldom used (The community avoids the impositions of rules, however tobacco use is considered unhealthy and was prohibited in the early years.) | Social Factors Common Spiritual Practices: Yes (Broad agreements but no single spiritual doctrine. Open to all religions and practices.) Which Spiritual Traditions(s): Native American :: Buddhist :: Paganism/Earth Religions :: Eastern :: Quaker :: Sufi :: Jewish :: Eclectic (integrates pieces from many religions) (Hippie Zen Buddhism) Educational Style(s): Home schooling :: Private school at the community :: Public schooled (Parents pay an annual fee per student to attend The Farm School. Work/teaching exchange is also utilized in lieu of payment.) | |
