DEVELOPMENT-SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (DSA)
DEVELOPMENT-SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE REFERS TO AN INNOVATIVE MODEL OF SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DESIGN IN WHICH A WORKING FARM IS AT THE HEART OF A MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY.
Development-Supported Agriculture (DSA) is rooted in the concept of Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA), a food production and distribution system in which a farm operation is supported by shareholders within the community.
The design for The Farm is centered around Greenmoore Gardens, a USDA certified organic farm and CSA.
At the heart of The Farm, Greenmoore Gardens maintains core agrarian values while providing residents with fresh, nutritious produce and access to stimulating green space.
We envision a develoment that cultivates community through food, recreation, sustainability, diversity and education. By providing for these most basic needs directly within the community, the neighborhood enhances opportunities for residents to engage in productive interaction.
The Farm preserves and restores an historic farm (Greenmoore Gardens) while fostering a surrounding community on land that is less suitable for agriculture. The agricultural theme is woven throughout the community, influencing civic, recreational and residential spaces.
AT THE FARM, THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY DESIGN IS ORIENTED TOWARDS INTERDEPENDENT SELF-SUFFICIENT SUSTAINABILITY.
Buildings are carefully designed to respond to their environment and be as self-sufficient as possible.
Landscaping is carefully planned for natural resilience.
Educational elements focus on systems, cycles and inter-relationships.
THE FARM WILL ACTIVELY DEMONSTRATE A NEXUS OF TRULY EVOLUTIONARY CONCEPTS FOR BOTH A TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED SUSTAINABLE FUTURE, AND A RETURN TO THE POSITIVE COMMUNITY-CENTRIC VALUES OF THE PAST.
THROUGH ITS DESIGN, VALUES AND VISION, THE FARM WILL DISTINGUISH PENNSYLVANIA'S CENTRE REGION AS A PROGRESSIVE PIONEER OF THE EAST.
MORE ABOUT DEVELOPMENT-SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE
CivilEats.com article "Suburban 'Agrihoods': Growing Food and Community"