Social Responsibility begins with the belief in the inherent goodness of people and the importance of family. Our desire is to be a blessing to others through the resources God has given us. Whether it be an entrepreneur, a student, or a migrant farm worker, our goal is to give back to those who are the backbone and future of agriculture. In addition to providing a safe, secure, enjoyable working environment to the Wild Goose family of workers, we also support non-profit organizations sharing our same vision.

The migrant lifestyle can be a disruption to the education of our seasonal employees’ children. We partner with local schools and the Redlands Christian Migrant Association(RCMA) to ensure the children are well cared for and continue their studies while the parents are working. Our partnership with FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA, brings dental, optical, and medical treatment to those who struggle to receive care. We also facilitate community donations of clothing and assist in finding safe, affordable housing for our migrant employees. Following each blueberry harvest, Wild Goose Farms hosts a charity event with 100% of the proceeds benefiting RCMA and FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA.

 

Community Partners:

RCMA:

Redland Christian Migrant Association’s (RCMA) mission is to provide to opportunities through quality child care and education from crib to high school and beyond. RCMA works to prepare children from rural, low-income families for leadership. Their Early Head Start centers accept infants as young as six weeks. The after-school programs serve children ages 6 to 16. RCMA also offers programs for parents too – so they can improve their English fluency, adult literacy and school completion.

FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA:
Beginning in May of 2016, Wild Goose Farms partnered with FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA to provide free clinical services to over 100 farm workers. FreeD.O.M. Clinic USA was formed to address the growing need for dental, optical and medical care to the indigent, uninsured and under-insured in America. The clinic’s unpaid volunteers are motivated by their love of people and their passion to share their specific expertise with those who would not ordinarily be able to afford such care.

Nehemiah Project International Ministries, Inc.(NPIM):
Wild Goose Farms was honored to host NPIM. In 2016 NPIM brought International Business Plan Competition participants to our farm to tour and learn about entrepreneurship and technology in agriculture. NPIM is a business development and support organization which works in partnership with churches, marketplace ministries, educational institutions, associations and individuals around the world. They train and support Kingdom-oriented companies through Biblical Entrepreneurship training, coaching and access to capital.

Australia Vegetable Grower Association:
Wild Goose Farms also hosted the Australian Vegetable Grower Association (AVGA) . In February 2018 Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association facilitated a visit with vegetable growers from around Australia. An excellent exchange of information on farming techniques, conservation, and advancement in technologies as applied in agriculture.

Youth and Educational Programs:

Wild Goose Farms supports local school programs including the National FFA Organization, 4-H and Pathways-2-Prosperity – a Marion County high school program devoted to preparing students for future employment. We are here to introduce tomorrow’s leaders to the dynamic business of agriculture.

To learn more or support any of these groups, please use the links below.

Environmental Stewardship

Being good stewards of our resources is one of our core values and we pride ourselves on leaving this land better for the generations to follow. Environmental Stewardship refers to responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices. At Wild Goose Farms, we use a multitude of tools and practices to better manage our resources. Lab monitored nutrient levels of the plants and soil assure a healthy crop and sustainable land. Computer-driven technology manages farms water use. We work closely with St. Johns Water Management District to implement good water usage and conservation practices. Additionally, we participate with the Florida Department of Agriculture Best Management Practices for management of nutrients, irrigation and protection of water resources. Our timber lands are certified with the Florida Forestry Service Best Management Practices program.

Protecting Bees For Florida
Crop management can pose risks to native and managed bee colonies. Wild Goose Farms takes pride in our program of balancing good management practices with protecting nature’s pollinators, because both are vital to the success of Florida agriculture.

Water Usage
We take a responsible, proactive approach to protecting our natural resources. With the use of soil moisture probes, weather stations and extensive data analysis, we irrigate only as necessary to plant needs and evapotranspiration (ETo) – the loss of water to the atmosphere via evaporation and plant transpiration.

FFVA