A federal/provincial funding announcement Friday revealed that the O’Brien Farm Foundation will undertake the development of the 200-year-old O’Brien Farm to preserve its history, advance public education on sustainable agricultural practices, encourage innovation in agriculture, and enhance cultural and experimental tourism at the farm to preserve the history of urban farming and Irish settlement in St. John’s.
The project will involve interior and exterior renovations to Thimble Cottage and improvements to the grounds and parking area, as well as the construction of a learning centre, the creation of a community garden and and the development of farm incubator infrastructure such as a barn, fencing and equipment.
The federal contribution of $600,000 will come from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The province will contribute $263,750.