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The Farmer

To me, organic farming is not just a method of growing fruits and vegetables, but is more like a way of life, dedicated to preserving and protecting our agricultural lands, enriching our understanding of natural biological processes, and creating a more vibrant community centered around the food we eat every day.

The true meaning of organic agriculture begins and ends with the health of our soil. The earth has, over millennia, provided us with all the nutrients and minerals we need to grow spectacular produce, and, as an organic farmer, it is my job to preserve the biological processes already present in the soil, so that we can enjoy the bounty of the harvest for generations to come.

By avoiding pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals, I can allow the hardy ecosystem of earthworms, good bacteria, and other parts of our living soil to thrive and work their magic in giving us delicious crops to enjoy at our dinner tables. Several techniques, including good crop rotation, well-timed plantings, minimal tillage, cover cropping, efficient irrigation, and the incorporation of organic compost into the soil, all contribute to building a robust organic farming system.

One of the most essential aspects of being a farmer is the opportunity to help foster community around the food we provide. So while we build our soil, we also share the fruits of our labor with all our friends and neighbors at our local farmers’ market. If I can introduce a customer to vegetables they have never tried before, and get them to take those vegetables home to their families, where they cook new meals, share different tastes, trade stories, and create stronger bonds over the food I produce, it makes the hard work, effort, and dedication I’ve put into becoming a good farmer all worthwhile.

Jay Cuff

Hearty Fork Farm