Agricultural Intern

The Taunton Agricultural Commission serves as facilitators for encouraging the pursuit of agriculture in Taunton; promotes agricultural-based economic opportunities in the City; acts as mediators, advocates, educators, and/or negotiators; acts in an advisory capacity on farming issues for established municipal boards and departments; pursues all initiatives appropriate to creating a sustainable agricultural community; and encourages the pursuit of agriculture as a career opportunity and lifestyle.​

​As a relatively new entity in the City of Taunton, I worked to gather as much data as possible regarding all agriculture and food access-related operations within the City for future reference by the Commission and community at large. Much of this data was converted into an interactive Google map. I also completed outreach to the local school system regarding the implementation of future environmental and agricultural education initiatives; promoted Taunton’s farms, community gardens, and agriculture-related businesses by conducting farm site tours and producing articles, interviews, and fact sheets for the local community; volunteered at a local orchard and farmers’ market as a co-market manager; informed community members about food assistance programs such as SNAP/HIP; and worked to gather policy data regarding agriculture and sustainability from state and local entities.  ​​

This internship has not only afforded me the opportunity to engage in community work, but has facilitated some of the most meaningful relationships I have ever had the privilege to be engaged in. This work has been as informative as it has been utterly joy-inducing. Especially after a year in many ways characterized by truncated human connection, forging these relationships with local farmers, community members, and business owners has been invaluable. Each individual I have had the pleasure to be introduced to has demonstrated a level of passion, unfettered kindness, and dedication I wish to emulate in my own life. Of course, the sheep were great too! After my experience this summer, I certainly see a future of food access and sustainable agriculture as well as community work in my future. While I am uncertain if this will take the form of a career, advocating for just, equitable food access and  sustainable, regenerative farming practices will remain a vital thread in the fabric of who I am.

This internship was funded by the Internship Fund provided by Barbara D. Gross ‘77.