AgInnovation Farm

EST. 2020

Our Story

2019 | Planting the Seeds

AgInnovation began with a conversation between Margie Brennan, Portsmouth's K–8 Science Instructional Coach, and Sara Churgin, Executive Director of the Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District (ERICD).

When local farmer Martin Beck of New England Grass Fed Beef offered an opportunity to use part of the land he leased for educational purposes, an idea took root.

With support from Portsmouth Middle School Principal Mr. Arruda and the Portsmouth School Department, 25 students spent eight weeks researching and designing their vision for a working farm.

Their plans explored:

Sustainable food production and soil health
Irrigation and solar energy
High-tunnel growing
Raising chickens

What started as an idea for a school garden quickly grew into something much bigger.

2020 | Breaking Ground

Z Farm Family, LLC, the property owner, leased four acres to ERICD, making the students' vision possible.

On Father's Day in June 2020, 13 families gathered to plant the farm's very first garden bed.

Three weeks later, they returned to find three-foot-tall ragweed covering their work! Undeterred, the families pulled the weeds and uncovered the beginnings of a beautiful garden.

Although COVID-19 restrictions delayed in-person programming, the foundation for AgInnovation had been laid.

2021 | Growing Our Roots

AgInnovation welcomed its first afterschool program in spring 2021, followed by its first summer camp.

The farm also began taking shape with:

Prepared planting areas
A storage shed
A seasonal high tunnel
Family garden plots
Farm signage and plans for a pollinator garden

Students were finally able to put their ideas into action and experience hands-on agricultural learning.

How Our Farm Has Grown

Each year, student ideas, community support, and strategic investments have helped expand what AgInnovation can offer.

2022 | Protecting Our Crops

Deer fencing was completed to protect growing crops after deer damaged the previous year's corn harvest.

2022–2023 | Building Infrastructure

Irrigation was installed, and BankNewport supported outdoor shade improvements and tractor attachments.

2024 | Expanding Our Facilities

A new tractor shed was completed with support from the Champlin Foundation, BankNewport, and Bank of America.

Additional Farm Improvements

Over time, the farm has also added:

Solar power to reduce electricity costs
Walk-in refrigeration
An orchard
Expanded community gardens
High-tunnel improvements
Cooking equipment for food education

These improvements have helped transform AgInnovation into a more versatile, year-round learning environment.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

What began as a Portsmouth afterschool club has expanded into a growing network of educational opportunities.

Today, AgInnovation connects students with hands-on learning through:

Afterschool Programs: Exploring agriculture, sustainability, and environmental science
Summer Camps: Learning through gardening, farming, and outdoor exploration
School Field Trips: Bringing classroom lessons to life on a working farm
Family & Community Gardening: Connecting families with the experience of growing food
Cooking & Nutrition Education: Teaching students how to prepare and enjoy what they grow
Educator Professional Development: Helping teachers bring outdoor learning into their classrooms

Growing Our Reach

2022: A six-week summer camp was offered alongside afterschool programming and community garden plots.

2023: High school students and Thompson Middle School summer visitors joined the farm's activities. Middletown Public Schools also began participating in afterschool programs and field trips.

2024: Newport Public Schools joined through field trips and summer camps.

Partnerships with FAB Newport, Newport County YMCA, and the Boys & Girls Club have helped bring agricultural education to students from additional communities.

Milestones Worth Celebrating

2022 | National Student Recognition

AgInnovation students received the President's Environmental Youth Award for their environmental work.

2023 | Excellence in Environmental Education

Margie Brennan received the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators.

2026 | Investing in Our Future

AgInnovation hired its first full-time farm manager, strengthening daily farm operations and educational programming.

2026 | From Our Farm to the School Cafeteria

Following food-safety certification in spring 2026, AgInnovation reached an exciting milestone.
On October 1–2, Portsmouth Middle School students sampled Margherita pizzas prepared by Chartwells using student-grown tomatoes, basil, and garlic.
This marked an important step toward connecting the food students grow with the meals served in their schools.

Rooted in Community Partnerships

AgInnovation is made possible through collaboration.

ERICD and the Portsmouth School Department established the program's foundation, with early support from Martin Beck, Cloverbud Ranch, and Z Farm Family, LLC.

Our growing network of partners includes:

Portsmouth, Middletown, and Newport Public Schools
FAB Newport
Newport County YMCA
Boys & Girls Club
University of Rhode Island
Farm Fresh Rhode Island
Chartwells
Local food pantries

Students, families, volunteers, donors, and local businesses have also played an essential role in developing the farm.

Through the Farm and Sea to School team, AgInnovation works with Farm Fresh Rhode Island, Portsmouth School Department, and Chartwells to connect agricultural education with school food systems.

Students at the Heart of Everything

From the first 25 students who helped design the farm to today's student leadership council, AgInnovation has always been built around student participation.

Returning students now help mentor younger participants, creating opportunities for leadership, responsibility, and continued learning.

AgInnovation is more than a place to grow food. It's a place where students see their ideas become reality, develop practical skills, and discover how they can make a difference in their communities.

Looking Ahead: Our Vision

Our vision is to strengthen AgInnovation as a student-led, living learning laboratory serving Rhode Island.

We want more students to experience the full journey of food: from planting and harvesting to preparing, sharing, and seeing it served in their schools.

With dependable staffing, funding, and strong community partnerships, we aim to expand accessible programming, strengthen school collaborations, and help educators bring meaningful outdoor learning into their own communities.

Together, we're growing more than food. We're growing knowledge, leadership, and a more sustainable future.