LISBON – The Country Garden Restaurant at Clements Agricultural Research Institute’s Iroquois Farm, Rt. 37 is having an open house and fundraising kickoff from 2 to 4 p.m. May 29.

Local food providers are welcome to visit with local maple syrup and honey producers, representatives of River Myst Winery, and they hope to have a local coffee roaster present.

Fundraising for The Iroquois Farm Project, with the support of the Rodale Foundation, is aimed at developing a hands-on farm training program for returning military veterans with emphasis on organic and sustainable farming and gardening.

They hope to have enough money raised by July to permit CARI to proceed with the project.

While assistance is sought from the USDA and the Army, and New York Department of Ag & Markets and the VA, private funding is also sought from local donors and from foundations and other private sources, in order to reach a goal of $1 million.

Any contribution of $100 or more will receive dinner for two at the Country Garden Restaurant, and one year membership in CARI. Donations of $1,000 or more will receive a weekend stay at the Tilden Stage B&B, three meals for two at the restaurant, and a lifetime membership in CARI.

Iroquois Farm will also be offering CSA sharwes in its vegetable crops at the open house.

For information call 375-6789.