FarmerJawn is making waves in the regenerative agriculture space as the largest Black-owned, verified Regenerative Organic vegetable producer in the United States. This relatively new enterprise, located on 123 acres in West Chester, PA, is committed to increasing access to healthy food and promoting representation of Black ownership within the agriculture industry.

Owner and farmer Christa Barfield understands how transformative nutritious food is to health. Before stepping into the agriculture industry, she worked in the healthcare system where she became familiar with the health concerns of her community and the ways social, environmental, and physical status had signficant impacts on communities.

“All people need and deserve chemical-free foods, and we at FarmerJawn believe that Food is Medicine,” says Christa. FarmerJawn utilizes regenerative practices such as meadowing the land, drip irrigation using pond and well water, leaf mulch and compost, and weeds to extract heavy metals and toxins from the soil. The vegetables grown are sold through multiple distribution channels such as CSAs, farmer’s markets, and wholesale.

To increase her understanding of agriculture business management, Christa received training through the SCORE Program and the PowerUp program from the city of Philadelphia and CCP. Outside of selling vegetables, FarmerJawn is a hub supporting and connecting BIPOC food businesses and farmers. Christa provides educational spaces where aspiring farmers can advance their skills and youths can establish a relationship with farming. Through collaborative efforts, FarmerJawn has partnered with large corporations and nonprofits throughout the state, including Philabundance, Aramark, and Philadelphia 76ers. The partners rely on FarmerJawn for produce to be used in their culinary departments and distribution hubs.

Foodshed Capital is incredibly proud to have supported FarmerJawn with a 0% interest loan to renovate and stock their new retail storefront.