The Martha Growers program is coordinated by Martha Justice Ministry on the Bethany Property. The program focuses on sustainable farming and gardening education, supporting young farmers, and local food security.

The program stems from the Congregation's commitment to sharing values and resources with youth, empowering and developing people, as well as living in right relationship with the land. Since 2013, young people have been working the fields, gaining experience and confidence in small-scale market gardening under the mentorship of experienced organic gardeners, Jen and David Greenberg. Now, the program is co-managed by David Matheson and Meghan Johnny, who work with summer students, offer workshops, and are part of the Lochaber Growers Cooperative.

BRIEF HISTORY

2011 - Sister Florence Kennedy, inspired by the documentary “Dirt! The Movie”, wondered how to connect the Bethany property, once a flourishing farm operated by the Sisters, with Martha values of with Martha values of collaboration, service, justice and stewardship as well as the congregation's commitment to empowering the development of people, sharing the resources, and living in a right relationship with the land. Together with Sister Donna Brady, they explored the idea of putting in place a vegetable garden that would attract youth passionate about gardening. collaboration, service, justice and stewardship.

2013 - Sisters of St. Martha provided a 1 acre plot and engaged Jen and David Greenberg, two experienced organic gardeners, as managers and mentors of the newly established apprenticeship program. The soil was prepared and the infrastructure for season extension put in place.

2014 - The first participants, Michael Overmars and Sean Saunders, learnt organic gardening.

2017 - Sisters opened another acre to allow for more growers.

2024-2026 - A transition period to facilitate restructuring of the program and exploration of innovative farming techniques, ensuring it can better serve the community. 

2026 - The program was renamed Martha Growers, reflecting its continued growth. Farmers David Matheson and Meghan Johnny stepped into leadership roles as Farm Manager and Program Manager, helping guide both the farm and the broader program.

Between 2013-2025, seventeen young people participated in Martha New Growers Program, gaining experience and confidence in running a farm business.