Senator Borrello Presents Proclamation to Canticle Farm

ALLEGANY – Sen. George Borrello presented Canticle Farm President Sister Melissa Scholl, OSF, with a Senate Proclamation recognizing the 20th anniversary of the community-sponsored farm in Allegany. “As ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I have visited farms and agribusinesses across New York. I can tell you that Canticle Farm is unique,” Sen. Borrello said. “Canticle Farm is supported by folks who care about where their food comes from and how it is grown. All the planting and harvesting is done with care by hand. “The produce is 100 percent organic and 20 percent of everything harvested at Canticle Farm is given to local food pantries. This is sustainable agriculture that is truly fresh, safe and local.” Canticle Farm is a community-supported agriculture vegetable farm sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany. Supporters buy shares to support the farm in return for fresh produce. “I just think that it’s wonderful that Canticle Farm, a dream that started with the Allegany Franciscans, has taken hold in the community and with the help of our supporters is now celebrating its 20th anniversary,” Sister Melissa said. Farm Manager Mark Printz has been with the farm from the beginning. He said offering the best, healthful produce possible is the goal of Canticle Farm. Pesticides are never used and the farm is proud of its organic produce. “In farming, it’s not always what you do, but what you don’t do that matters,” he said. Canticle Farm has always focused on giving to the community and helping its neighbors struggling with food insecurity. “From the very beginning, the farm’s mission included donating produce to those in need. Community care and responsibility are at the very heart of Canticle Farm, which is why the farm and its members are so deserving of our thanks and recognition,” Sen. Borrello said. The farm, located on Nine Mile Road in Allegany also includes a retail Farm Market at 3809 Old State Road in Allegany. The Farm Market is open to the public on Tuesday and Friday from noon to 6 p.m. from June 15 to Oct. 5. In addition to Canticle Farm produce, organic products from local vendors are offered including eggs, beef, chicken, pork, cheese, maple syrup, honey, jams and kimchi. The farm also has an education program to help members and others grow their own produce. The New York Farm Bureau has recognized Canticle Farm’s community education program for helping members of the community prepare meals using the farm’s produce. “This is a community agriculture model that works due to the dedication of Sister Melissa, Mark Printz and everyone who supports Canticle Farm,” Sen. Borrello said.