The Future of the Daufuskie Community Farm

Daufuskie Community Farm is a 501(c)(3). To donate directly to us, visit our website here: Daufuskie Community Farm Donate Page

Over the last dozen years, the Daufuskie Island Community Farm has established itself as one of the “must-see” stops when visiting the island. Gradually evolving out of 8 acres of property that had been leased to the Farm at an amazing rate, Pat Beichler’s (“Miss Pat”) vision became the place where children could walk among the goats and the geese and adults could learn about what sustainable farming might look like on a bridgeless island. There has been seemingly something for everyone, with the garden, orchard, goat dairy, chickens for eggs and meat, guinea hens, ducks, Sir Simon the pig, and even a sawmill for those who enjoy the big toys. Island residents from all corners of the island have come together at the Farm, volunteering and making fast friends, all the while sharing their efforts with tourists and visitors alike.

Unfortunately, events beyond the control of the Farm over the past year now put the existence of the Farm in jeopardy. The owners of the Farm property needed to sell, so the Farm board arranged for a bridge loan to help acquire the land and keep the Farm where it is. Then, in a tragic twist, migrating birds brought Avian Influenza to some of the fowl located at the Farm. The Farm was forced to depopulate every bird on property, and close down infected areas for 120 days. You can read more about it here: Daufuskie Community Farm Loses 170 Birds to Avian Flu and Pastor's Perspective November 10th, 2022 . For more information about avian influenza, link here.

The bottom line is that the Daufuskie Island Community Farm now needs to raise $100,000 to address maintenance needs on some of the buildings and infrastructure, repopulate the flocks that were lost to the bird flu, and address the loan that was required to purchase the Farm property. If we are unable to raise these funds, the Farm will be unable to continue, and it will be necessary to close the Farm and sell the property.

Would you please consider donating to help keep the Daufuskie Island Community Farm going? Every dollar gets us one step closer to keeping the Farm open. We have until April 15th to raise the needed funds.