"My approach to farming is to create an living interdependent system that is regenerative in which everything we grow, whether plants, animals and soil, has a role in the vitality and long term sustainability to the farm as a whole and that the food we produce is nutritious and healthy for the good and well being of all. The farm, in my view, is a living organism with an individuality unique unto itself."

 

I was always interested from a young child to be a farmer. My grandparents were farmers and some of my aunts and uncles so I had a lot of exposure growing up. I went to an agricultural school out of high school and applied that to my first job as a gardener on a private estate which lead me to managing the estate where I learned as much as I could about plants and horticulture. It's where I had my first CSA [Community Supported Agriculture] in 1994 before leaving and going to work at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute where I was Program Director for their farmer training program and education. I was realizing that I needed to learn more specifically about the soil and expand my world to growing food and the larger context of our food system.

 

Absolutely, a farmer's market is the best way to educate the public about food, how it is grown, and the importance of supporting small family farms.  

Farmer's markets also make locally produced food accessible to all communities.  

Farmer's Market's provide a local economy for small family farms and other food based entrepreneurs.

 

Join a CSA, buy local when you are able from farmers markets and/or stores that carry local, buy from small independent companies-brands.