Farm Educator's Roadmap®

Episode 9: Wellness Farming: How Ananda Gardens Connects CSA Members to Health & Land

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Not every farmer runs a formal education program—but every farmer has the power to educate. In this episode, I talk with Melisa Oliva, co-founder of Ananda Gardens in Montpelier, Vermont. Alongside her husband, she started the farm in 2015 with a vision to go beyond organic produce—building a farm that cultivates wellness, education, and connection.

🌿 What we cover in this episode:

  • Melisa’s inspiring journey from yoga and expressive arts therapy to farming.
  • How Ananda Gardens uses CSA newsletters, farm tours, and recipes to teach customers without preaching.
  • Why engaging parents is just as important as teaching kids—and how adult education impacts the next generation.
  • Practical ways to help CSA members eat seasonally, try new vegetables, and make lasting health changes.
  • Collaborations with chefs, businesses, and even Montpelier’s local government to spread awareness of local food.
  • Melisa’s advice for farmers who don’t see themselves as educators, and why sharing your story is both education and marketing.

    • Ananda Gardens shows us that production farms can be powerful education hubs simply by connecting people to their food and modeling wellness in everyday ways.

    📍 Learn more about Melisa’s work at www.anandagardens.com.

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    Farm Educator's Roadmap®By Christa Hein