Passing on the Gift

Each participant of NFU New Farm Project who receives a formal gift (of livestock, seed, orchard tree seedlings, hand tools, or a bursary) signs a contract to pass on a gift of equal value to the farming community. This encourages the community to support each other in an ever-expanding circle of giving.  Sharing livestock, seeds, best practices, individual successes and research with others will enable all to benefit. This is the basis of community – and the founding principle of Heifer International, the project’s major funder.

To learn more about the philosophy and history behind Passing on the Gift, read Katherine Rothermel’s article “Building and Conserving Communities By Passing on the Gift”. To see what has been happening in our community check out the Passing on the Gift Update and read our Stories of Gift Giving in our Community.

Creating Your Own “Passing on the Gift” (POG) Plan

Part of your application for funding through the NFU New Farm Project includes planning your Passing on the Gift commitment. For help getting started contact the Project Coordinator to discuss options and time lines. Click here for some tips on SMART goal setting.

Those receiving livestock will be expected to pass on the first female offspring to a named recipient of your choice.  Those receiving seed, trees, or equipment often chose to pass on seedlings, organize a farm tour, or volunteer with a NFU New Farm Project event. Those participating in workshops or conferences usually elect to share their knowledge formally and informally with the community.  This may take the form of a farm tour, workshop or presentation to a community group.

There is a measure of flexibility in this process as we all have unique skills to share and individual situations. There will also be opportunities to share marketing, cooking, computer, event planning or administrative skills with the NFU New Farm Project. Check out our NFP Volunteer Opportunities page for suggestions. For more gift ideas, consult our Passing on the Gift Update to see what other farmers have given or plan to give.

Most importantly, this commitment to community building involves a willingness to work in a cooperative manner with other farmers to achieve our goals. An investment in community will reap economic rewards as we work together to improve the financial situation of farmers in our region.

“Always be aware of the economic value of neighbourly acts.  In our time the cost of living is greatly increased by the loss of neighbourhood, leaving people to face calamities alone.” – Wendell Berry