Climate-friendly farming:
How we grow our food makes a world of difference.

Island Grown Initiative aims to create a teaching center for regenerative and resilient agriculture practices at its 40-acre farm at the heart of Martha’s Vineyard Island. As we research, experiment, and innovate with climate-friendly ways to increase local food production, we’re able to share what works with Island farmers and backyard growers.

Learn more in the ICAN film about regenerative farming from Island Grown’s Regenerative Agriculture Consultant:

What is regenerative farming?
It’s a dynamic and holistic approach.

Regenerative farming focuses on improving the health of the soil. 

At IGI, we recognize that abundant, nutrient-dense food depends on the web of life in the soil.  Our approach utilizes:

• Low- or no-tillage

• Cover crops and mulches

• Compost

• Diverse crops in the field rotation

• Grazing animals

• No synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides

• No GMOs

We are constantly experimenting with new systems to make abundant, diverse organic food production possible with very little tillage.  Please reach out with questions about our approach, or to schedule a tour.

How do these benefit the system?

• increase biodiversity

• enrich soils

• improve watersheds

• increased yield of high-quality, nutrient-dense crops

• greater resilience to climate instability

• improved food security for the community

Where to buy IGI produce and eggs?

• IGI’s Mobile Market & CSA

• Cronig’s Markets

• Occasionally at local farm stands, including Beetlebung Farm, Ghost Island Farm, and North Tabor Farm.

What's in our food?

Our field crops are grown using regenerative methods (see how we define regenerative above).  We also grow food in our greenhouse, both hydroponically and in soil beds.  Our hydroponic systems use organic liquid fertilizers.  Our laying hens are first fed food scraps we collect through the Island Food Rescue program, and are then fed grain to supplement their diet.

Island Grown Farm

IGI’s 40-acre farm on Martha’s Vineyard includes a 32,000-SF greenhouse with hydroponic and soil beds, ten acres under active regenerative cultivation, a community garden, composting system, and orchard.

Located at the former Thimble Farm off Stoney Hill Road in Vineyard Haven, its history of cultivated agriculture dates back to the late 15th century.

The land’s proximity to Little Duarte’s Pond, Lagoon Pond, and a network of well-used paths historically made it a favored area for hunting, foraging, and fishing among the Island’s Wampanoag people.

Today, Island Grown Farm is at the heart of IGI’s efforts to build a regenerative and equitable food system on Martha’s Vineyard.

Freight Farm

Learn more about IGI’s freight farm here.

For more information about regenerative agriculture, visit The Climate Reality Project, Kiss the Ground, and NPR. Learn about indigenous land care, food sovereignty, and the long and continuing history of regenerative agricultural practices among indigenous people by watching the film Gather.