A PLACE WHERE
YOU CAN BE YOU
We are a “care farm” working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Difference* (ASD)
A “care farm” is a communal place for people of all abilities to participate in farming. Our goal is to maintain and improve participants’ physical and mental health by offering farming activities including seeding, watering, delivering farm products, and enjoying the grown produce.
*We use “difference” instead of “disorder” as we believe Autism should not be looked at as a deficit or a shortcoming. By using “Difference” we acknowledge that those on the spectrum have different ways of communicating, socializing, and approaching situations.
New Year’s Greetings and Leadership Announcement
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Happy New Year!
The activities we began in 2020 are now entering their seventh year. In 2025, we were honored to welcome over 300 participants from the autism spectrum and the broader community.
Through our farm work, we have seen participants demonstrate incredible unique strengths. We are truly grateful for the connections, learning, and meaningful moments shared together under the open sky.
Announcement of New Leadership
After serving as President since our founding six years ago, Noriko Ochiai Oka will be stepping down. We are pleased to announce our new leadership team:
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New President: Akiko Ono (A dedicated member since our inception, deeply committed to our mission.)
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New Board Members: Two additional members will join us to bring greater flexibility and strength to our organization.
We express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support. Please stay tuned for upcoming announcements regarding this year’s programs—we look forward to seeing you in the fields soon!
A Message from Our Former President
“It feels as though it were only yesterday that we began this journey in March 2020 on the precious land in Sudbury, clearing grass and stones together.
During the pandemic, working under the open sky became a deeply comforting and meaningful experience for all of us. I was especially touched when so many of you called it ‘our’ farm.
I hope this place will continue to be a safe and welcoming space where everyone can gather. Thank you sincerely for your continued support.”
— Noriko Ochiai Oka
With warm regards and best wishes for the New Year,
PLANET Boston
WHAT’S NEW
Welcome to our website! Explore our blog for the latest updates on our activities, insightful articles, and more. Dive in and discover what’s new!
WE LOVE VOLUNTEERS!
Join us on the farm!
Looking for a fun way to get fresh air and sunshine, meet new people, or learn organic farming? Everyone is welcome to join our current volunteer days! Volunteer work is primarily farm chores including seeding, weeding, etc and changes with the seasons and the day.
More About Us
Recent Customer Reviews
Being at PLANET Boston’s farm made me feel relaxed and my son was so happy to run around the field, water the plants, and pick tomatoes.
Parent of a child with ASD
PLANET Boston’s pilot program has been such a great opportunity for my son to be social with others in the community while learning about farming skills. We particularly appreciated that he was able to take things at his own pace. Not to mention the farm is a beautiful place to be!
Parent of an individual with ASD