AgInnovation names co-founder Margie Brennan education director

The student-led farm program is expanding beyond its own classrooms to help other schools build farm-to-school models; students’ produce reaches cafeterias this fall

by Ryan Belmore

Margie Brennan has taken on an expanded role as education director for the Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District, which runs the program.

Margie Brennan, who co-founded the AgInnovation Farm Program, has taken on an expanded role as education director for the Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District, which runs the program.

Brennan, a science educator and curriculum specialist, will work with schools and community organizations on curriculum-aligned agriculture programs and help other schools build their own farm-to-school and place-based learning models. The conservation district said the aim is to grow AgInnovation into a regional resource for agricultural education across Rhode Island and New England.

“AgInnovation has shown what can happen when students are trusted to lead, teachers are supported, and community partners are part of the learning process,” Brennan said. “I’m excited to help others build programs that fit their own schools, students, and communities.”

Sara Churgin, executive director of the conservation district and the farm’s other co-founder, said Brennan’s leadership has been central to the program’s growth.

Starting this fall, produce grown by AgInnovation students will be served to their classmates through taste tests and cafeteria meals.