Maharishi International University’s Regenerative Organic Agriculture Program (ROAP) is hosting its Second Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 28, 3–10 p.m.
ROAP students Muna Askar and Abby Cy planned the inaugural festival in 2023 and are looking forward to celebrating with everyone again. “Last year,” Cyr says, “I wanted to introduce people to regenerative agriculture and put a spotlight on our farm and the ROAP program. This year, we’re focused on celebrating the farm and the work it takes. The farm tours show people where their food comes from. And we all get to enjoy some good music, good food, and have a good time.”
Free and open to the public, the Harvest Festival takes place at the MIU ROAP Farm, located just north of the old Reiff Grain & Feed site, at 1917 Highway 1. Plenty of off-street parking is available. Featuring live music, guided farm tours, outdoor games, food trucks, Taco Dreams tacos prepared with vegetables from the farm, and ice cream, the festival promises to be a perfect early fall outing.
The ROAP trains students in regenerative organic agriculture, with MIU’s two-acre farm providing hands-on experience. Classes range from ecology and regenerative systems to holistic farm management and tiny-home building. The program ends with an internship at a regenerative farm.
The farm grows a huge variety of produce, supplementing food supplies at local charities like the Lord’s Cupboard and Golden Magnolia’s soup kitchen, as well as MIU’s cafeteria and at local businesses.