MISSION:

The mission of the Gustavus Integrated Farm Team (GIFT) is to support a sustainable food system at Gustavus. We seek new intersections on our campus, connecting the campus community to the science and culture behind their food by bridging the gap between producers and consumers. We aim to bring together students, faculty, and administrators, helping all to understand the connection between our food choices and their impact on the world and each other.

MEANS:

GIFT will accomplish its goal by extending the growing season of Big Hill Farm through the construction of a sustainable greenhouse and making its operation a year round educational effort on campus.  When building this greenhouse, GIFT will place highest priority on making it as sustainable and locally supported as possible. In order to ensure the continuity of this project, GIFT will both utilize existing curriculum or request for the creation of new curriculum for needs not filled by existing classes.  In cooperation with faculty and staff, this greenhouse will be designed, maintained, operated, and hopefully expanded by students in order to give them the opportunities to gain hands on experience and a first person knowledge of food systems. We hope to connect students with the understanding of food and agriculture they need to be  responsible, active global citizens, while exercising their capacity to make their ideas a reality.