Urban Farming Institute Purchases Historical Fowler Clark Epstein Farm

We are proud to announce that we, the Urban Farming Institute (UFI), have purchased the 1786 Fowler Clark Epstein Farm at 487 Norfolk Ave in Mattapan - a property redeveloped by Historic Boston Inc. (HBI) for UFI in 2018. The restored property serves as headquarters and the now-permanent home for UFI’s mission of building healthy communities through the development of urban farms and food production. 

The Urban Farming Institute of Boston  (UFI) along with staff, board and the community celebrated the January 2024 purchase of the historic Fowler Clark Epstein Farm in the heart of Mattapan.

“The farm is home to us and has become a special center for our farmers and our neighbors,” said President & CEO, Pat Spence. “Fresh food is vital to a healthy community and from this place we share our bounty and teach the principles of cultivation and growth. The future of this historic place is bright because so many people gave selflessly to do more than we’d have been able to do by ourselves.”

The purchase was finalized on January 12, 2024 for the sum of $1.4 million. The property includes an educational center, a greenhouse, office space, a farm stand, classrooms, and a teaching kitchen. UFI actively grows a wide variety of food on the site, such as, okra, collard greens, tomatoes, kale, and callaloo; all items in high demand in our community.

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our partners, our funders, and to you, our UFI family. As Pat said, "the future of this historic place is bright because so many people gave selflessly to do more than we’d have been able to do by ourselves.” We couldn't do this without your continued love, support and generosity. 

To read more about the purchase of FCEF, click here.