Third Way Farm
The Name:
The name “Third Way Farm” (TWF) is inspired by Jesus’ teachings on nonviolent resistance to oppressive and unjust systems. Famously, Jesus tells us to “turn the other cheek” when someone strikes us, but unlike the commonly accepted interpretation of this teaching which calls for a passive, “peaceful” response to violence, it is actually a creative alternative. The “Third Way” entails a nonviolent, yet active and creative resistance to systems of oppression and violence, whereas the "first way" of response would be violence, and the "second way" passive acceptance.
At TWF, we believe the global industrial food system upon which we all depend to some degree, is doing a world of violence to our bodies, land, water, and communities. From dangerous and cancer-causing chemicals, to unsustainable soil management, overuse of water, and unjust wages and practices for hard-working farmers at home and abroad, its not hard to see the extensive and horrifying violence being done. At Third Way Farm then, we are seeking to join in spirit with the local, sustainable food movement by embodying a “Third Way” of nonviolent resistance to this oppressive and violent industrial food system. By practicing alternative methods of sustainable agriculture, we live out this Third Way and hope to offer wholesome, healing food, community, and faith for a world broken and beaten by this unjust food system.
The Name:
The name “Third Way Farm” (TWF) is inspired by Jesus’ teachings on nonviolent resistance to oppressive and unjust systems. Famously, Jesus tells us to “turn the other cheek” when someone strikes us, but unlike the commonly accepted interpretation of this teaching which calls for a passive, “peaceful” response to violence, it is actually a creative alternative. The “Third Way” entails a nonviolent, yet active and creative resistance to systems of oppression and violence, whereas the "first way" of response would be violence, and the "second way" passive acceptance.
At TWF, we believe the global industrial food system upon which we all depend to some degree, is doing a world of violence to our bodies, land, water, and communities. From dangerous and cancer-causing chemicals, to unsustainable soil management, overuse of water, and unjust wages and practices for hard-working farmers at home and abroad, its not hard to see the extensive and horrifying violence being done. At Third Way Farm then, we are seeking to join in spirit with the local, sustainable food movement by embodying a “Third Way” of nonviolent resistance to this oppressive and violent industrial food system. By practicing alternative methods of sustainable agriculture, we live out this Third Way and hope to offer wholesome, healing food, community, and faith for a world broken and beaten by this unjust food system.
The Farm:
Third Way Farm is the embodiment of a vision to unite sustainable farming and holistic Christian discipleship. On 67 gorgeous acres in Havre de Grace, MD, we are shaping our farm around the principles of permaculture and practicing "organic" and sustainable methods of agriculture. Believing the farm to be best conceived as a diverse and multi-functional ecosystem, Third Way Farm is highly diverse and multi-faceted. We broke ground in 2015, and our production centers around the cultivation of organic vegetables, herbs, micro-greens, and fruit, as well as the care of our pasture-raised chickens for eggs, heritage-breed pigs, and sheep. We are a four season farm, as we grow an abundance of winter vegetables in our moveable high tunnel and other greenhouses, as well micro-greens under lights in the winter season. Not to mention that are diverse livestock are all still being rotated and cared for through the cold winters as well!
Beyond our passion for developing a robust and sustainable local food system, Third Way Farm was conceived, in part, as a vessel for Christian discipleship and ministry. TWF seeks to engage in faith-based mentorship to teens and young adults, including a partnership with our local church’s youth group. We employ and mentor local teenagers and young adults from our neighborhood and church, and we offer well-rounded opportunities for education, experience, community, and mentorship to our interns.
Growing together as whole people functions consubstantially here with growing wholesome food for a more whole and just community. In our view, this is one of the most valuable gifts that sustainable agriculture has to offer—that by investing ourselves in the work of caring for the earth, we may reap harvests of wholeness, healing, and abundance that extend beyond the table and the ecosystem, in ourselves and our communities.
Third Way Farm is the embodiment of a vision to unite sustainable farming and holistic Christian discipleship. On 67 gorgeous acres in Havre de Grace, MD, we are shaping our farm around the principles of permaculture and practicing "organic" and sustainable methods of agriculture. Believing the farm to be best conceived as a diverse and multi-functional ecosystem, Third Way Farm is highly diverse and multi-faceted. We broke ground in 2015, and our production centers around the cultivation of organic vegetables, herbs, micro-greens, and fruit, as well as the care of our pasture-raised chickens for eggs, heritage-breed pigs, and sheep. We are a four season farm, as we grow an abundance of winter vegetables in our moveable high tunnel and other greenhouses, as well micro-greens under lights in the winter season. Not to mention that are diverse livestock are all still being rotated and cared for through the cold winters as well!
Beyond our passion for developing a robust and sustainable local food system, Third Way Farm was conceived, in part, as a vessel for Christian discipleship and ministry. TWF seeks to engage in faith-based mentorship to teens and young adults, including a partnership with our local church’s youth group. We employ and mentor local teenagers and young adults from our neighborhood and church, and we offer well-rounded opportunities for education, experience, community, and mentorship to our interns.
Growing together as whole people functions consubstantially here with growing wholesome food for a more whole and just community. In our view, this is one of the most valuable gifts that sustainable agriculture has to offer—that by investing ourselves in the work of caring for the earth, we may reap harvests of wholeness, healing, and abundance that extend beyond the table and the ecosystem, in ourselves and our communities.
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