LaFarm is a distinctive asset to both Lafayette College and the surrounding Easton community. Early conversations with community members well versed in the workings of LaFarm made it clear that there are many inefficiencies in the current supply chain of the farm. LaFarm is operating at a much higher capacity than it was when the majority of its infrastructure and processes were established.
While many previous engineering studies capstone projects have focused on in-depth analysis of specific inefficiencies and improvements to LaFarm, our capstone project is comparable to that of an outside consultant firm. The goal of this report is to provide a set of recommendations to improve the functionality of LaFarm through conversations with community members, an examination of the social movements impacting LaFarm, and a critical analysis of its current operation. Our research has developed into a series of recommendations to optimize the storage and packaging, wash area, shed and overhang, farm vehicles and transportation, and outdoor classroom and greenhouse areas.
Our first recommendation is to add an educational space and greenhouse, two spaces that do not currently exist on LaFarm. A greenhouse, which has been analyzed significantly in previous capstone reports, would greatly improve the supply chain of LaFarm. Its addition would mean that the entire supply chain would be present on site at LaFarm. Lisa Miskelly would not have to travel to Lafayette’s main campus or her own home to tend to the seedlings. The addition of a curricular space would greatly add to LaFarm’s ability to intertwine with Lafayette’s academic programs.
The supply chain as it transitions to the shed and overhang area could be vastly improved with the installation of a taller and longer overhang, more storage, gate relocation, and a potential handwashing station. Each of these components in their current state limits the efficiency of the supply chain. A taller and longer overhang will allow for a LaFarm vehicle to be parked in the shade so produce can be directly loaded for transportation to the wash station. Shifting the large gate entrance will provide ease of access for the tractor to be parked under the overhang.
LaFarm’s current 15-person van works well for large produce distribution trips and to transport large groups of students. But, the school’s insurance policy states that students are not allowed to drive it. To accommodate this, we recommend that LaFarm invests in a minivan so students have the ability to transport produce between the field, storage area, and local community. This will mean that the burden of transporting produce does not always fall on Lisa and she can use her time more efficiently. A smaller vehicle would also be safer to drive up the hill that lies between the field and the distribution center, as 15 passenger vans have a significant tipping hazard.
The current wash area is disjointed and its supporting infrastructure is split up between the storage and packaging area and the shed and overhang area. Our proposal is to make the wash station a more formal and cohesive space outside of the storage and packaging area. We recommend relocating the mesh wash table from the old wash station, which is currently located adjacent to the shed, to the new formal wash station area. This will allow for more functionality and ease of washing, as the special table lets water and dirt fall through to the ground and provides more space to spread out while washing. Our second recommendation is to install a permanent shade structure. Because the overhang structure attached to the shed adjacent to the farm is inadequate in size and height, we propose that it could be moved to the new wash station permanently. A coat of paint on the wood portion of the structure and green roofing shingles to match the storage and packaging garage will make the structure much more permanent and purposeful in appearance. A LaFarm sign would complete the area and provide a much-needed welcome to visitors.
The current storage and packaging area is a significant improvement from a few years ago when LaFarm had no designated storage and cold storage space. The oversized garage bay that is dedicated to LaFarm is currently not organized to maximize the small space. In order to better organize the space, we propose that LaFarm is provided the funds to invest in a storage shelving system. The key aspect of this addition is that the storage system is both adjustable and moveable. In order to improve the space, the system must have the capacity to adapt to various harvest seasons and store potentially heavy items.
In developing recommendations for each area, there have been a few challenges. The vast extent of the report, time constraints, and specificity of the current infrastructure at LaFarm has made it difficult to provide in-depth economic figures for the estimated cost of each recommendation. While the COVID-19 pandemic has created a unique opportunity for LaFarm to increase its consumer base with the rise in demand for locally sourced produce, it has also caused the College to significantly restrict its spending. This means that the College is unlikely to invest in major LaFarm improvements until the College is back on secure financial footing. To speed up this timeline, we recommend that the sustainability and development offices work in partnership to find donors to invest in LaFarm. This will ensure that funding is provided directly to LaFarm, so the College does not continue to push off improvements for an indefinite period of time.
The goal of this report is to provide an overview of the existing conditions of Lafarm and recommendations to improve its functionality. The next step would be for Lisa Miskelly and the LaFarm Advisory Board to meet and discuss the priority of each of the recommendations. For improvements that are just reorganizing the functions that occur in each area of LaFarm, adjustments can be implemented at Lisa Miskelly’s earliest convenience. For improvements such as the greenhouse and curricular center, additional research into the technical and economic feasibility of the space should be completed, so funding can be secured.
We believe the benefits of these improvements would greatly increase LaFarm’s ability to support Lafayette’s sustainability initiatives and provide an engaging experience for the greater Lafayette community. Thus, the proposed LaFarm improvements should be seen as an investment in an important College asset, not just as costs on the College’s balance sheet. The proposed improvements have tremendous value to bring to the College in building a more sustainable community and enriching the academic and co-curricular experience of both students and faculty.