Juniper’s Garden is a startup farm located in Brandywine, Maryland that specializes in growing a variety of vegetables, herbs, and meat birds. The farm was founded in 2019 by co-owners Blain Snipstal and Samaria King, both of whom have extensive experience in agriculture. The farm’s mission is to create a space where herbalism, community education, wellness, and food production intersect.
The farm operates as an intensive market garden, which means that it produces a large variety of crops on a small amount of land. This type of farming allows for a high level of crop diversity, which helps to increase resilience and reduce the risk of crop failure. Additionally, the farm’s focus on herbalism and community education reflects the co-owners’ belief in the importance of healthy, sustainable food systems and the role that local agriculture can play in building stronger communities.
In May 2021, the farm received a 0% loan through the Black Farmer Equity Fund. This loan was used to pay for equipment and infrastructure needs that are crucial for the growth and development of Juniper’s Garden. The loan helped the farm to expand its production capabilities and improve the efficiency of its operations, which will allow them to better serve their community and meet the growing demand for locally-grown, sustainably-produced food.
Blain and Samaria are dedicated to the farm and to their community, they have been working hard to establish the farmstead and have received a lot of local support. They intend to use their farm as a space to bring people together, to teach the community about healthy food and agricultural practices, and to build a sustainable food system. They are well on their way to achieving this goal and the loan they received through the Black Farmer Equity Fund will help to support their vision and empower them to continue making a positive impact in their community.
In addition to the financial support, the farm is also dedicated to education and engagement, they are offering workshops, educational tours and open-days to the community to give an overview of the farm and knowledge about farming, food and sustainability. They are also involved with local schools and community groups, to help spread the importance of local food systems, food security and self-sufficiency.
Juniper’s Garden is a farm that is making a real difference in its community. Blain and Samaria’s passion for agriculture and their dedication to building a sustainable food system are evident in their work. The loan they received through the Black Farmer Equity Fund will help them to continue their mission of promoting healthy, sustainable food systems and building stronger communities. With a strong commitment to education and engagement, the farm is not just providing food for the people in the area but also educating and empowering them to grow and produce their own food.