Chris Corbin is one of four young locals who wants to make a difference by planting vegetables.

Corbin, senior in community and regional planning, along with Nicholas Leete, junior in agronomy, and former students Alice McGary and Ellen Walsh, are in the process of starting a farm the group has named The Mustard Seed Community Farm.

Corbin and his friends are attempting to promote sustainable agriculture with their farm by providing local food directly to consumers, rather than producing crops that will be used to feed livestock.

Locally grown vegetables, Corbin said, can save money and fuel since they do not have to travel from distant states to make their way to supermarkets.

The group has rented land in Boone County to grow their vegetables, along with some other products, and plans to plant this year, Corbin said. They also have honeybees this year, he said, and plan to make honey.

“We are a collective group of farmers and gardeners inspired by the examples of the Catholic Worker, Gandhi, Buddhist teachings, Fukuoka, and many others,'” Corbin said, quoting the group’s mission statement. “The community seeks to create an environment in which everyone can participate in growing, distributing