In 2023 Geezer Farm is transitioning to an incubator farm with the goal of teaching new farmers how to run their own small farm business. The farm will continue to serve long-standing and new customers with the same vegetables they’ve come to enjoy.
India Fleming-Klink, is leasing farm land from Geezer Farm and Norm will act as a mentor to India on how to manage her own mixed vegetable CSA.
India’s mission is to grow and provide a variety of high-quality seasonal vegetables using sustainable and organic practices; to cultivate and nurture an intentional and inclusive business rooted in interpersonal and ecological relationships; and to continue to learn and grow as a farmer and farm manager.
In addition to growing for 30 CSA shares, five of these shares will be donated to community members, food banks, and area nonprofits for people experiencing barriers to obtaining fresh produce. These five shares will be sponsored by interested friends, family, and community members. If you’d like to sponsor a share or partial share, please email India for more information: infle0022@gmail.com.
India’s interest in farming began during her college career at Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland. During her time there she was introduced to the idea of food justice while working at Tubman House, an urban farm in West Baltimore. She led the college community garden and facilitated a farming program with Therapeutic Alternatives of Maryland (TALMAR), a horticultural therapy center. She also volunteered at a local flower farm near Richmond gaining exposure to soil building and greenhouse work.
After college in May of 2017, India joined Allegheny Mountain Institute (AMI) as a fellow, spending six months in Highland County, VA. learning food production, food storage and homesteading skills. In phase 2 of the program India joined the staff at Jones Gardens, a community garden in Staunton, that also utilized the gardens at Geezer Farm. Additionally, India worked as a Farm Hand at the AMI Farm on site of Augusta Health, and coordinated AMI’s market at the Staunton Department of Health, which was designed to increase food access for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) participants.