Farm Alliance of Baltimore (FAB) is a nonprofit supporting urban agriculture and Baltimore’s local food system. Through education, resources, and advocacy, we empower urban growers and strengthen the city’s network of sustainable farms and gardens.
Farm Alliance of Baltimore (FAB) empowers urban growers and strengthens Baltimore’s local food system. The following core programs serve our membership base of 48 farms and community garden sites across the city:
Sustainable Production provides seedlings, cover crop seed, and soil testing to help member farms grow efficiently and sustainably. FAB distributes seasonally appropriate, high-performing seedlings in spring, summer, and fall, with additional donated seedlings when available, and plans to expand greenhouse space in the coming years. Soil testing is facilitated biannually, including sample collection, lab analysis, and coaching from soil experts to help members implement best practices for soil health and composting.
Collective Sales supports members through the Waverly Market Program, a collective farm stand at the 32nd Street Waverly Farmers Market. Members receive refrigeration and shared transportation, marketing support, pricing and merchandising guidance, and referrals to buyers or donation outlets, helping them increase income and expand market access.
Member Engagement fosters connection, peer support, and professional growth through on-site technical assistance, mentorships, monthly meetings, crop mobs, study sessions, work groups, guest speakers, and social gatherings. Members also receive referrals to key agricultural resources such as UMD-Baltimore City Extension, FSA, NRCS, and MDA.
Outreach & Education offers experiential learning through field days, classes, and cooking demonstrations. Field days provide outdoor, on-farm professional development for members, beginner farmers, and the public, building skills and community knowledge. Cooking demonstrations, led by our partner Holistic Wellness and Health, feature seasonal, plant-based recipes, highlight members’ produce, and give participants the chance to taste prepared dishes. These programs engage hundreds of participants annually.
Central to these efforts is our Black Butterfly Teaching Farm, which is being built out as a hub for hands-on training, shared infrastructure, and incubating new farmers, while producing tens of thousands of pounds of fresh produce for collective sales and community distribution.
Some 2024 highlights:
* 18,000+ seedlings distributed to member farms, strengthening growth and productivity.
* $20,000+ in collective market sales, empowering farmers with income and expanded market reach.
* 13 field days and classes hosted annually, with over 200 participants.
* ~30,000 lbs of produce harvested at Black Butterfly Teaching Farm, feeding families across the city.
* Provided vital resources like cover crop seed and organic fertilizers, forged new partnerships with local food banks, and hosted sold-out community events including flower happy hours and inspiring film screenings.