Farms Do No Harm: An Introduction

On a Saturday in June three years ago, when I finally had a day off from selling mulch, soil and plants at my regular job for the first time in months, I decided to visit the Boyertown Farmers' Market.

Being new to the farm food scene back then, I remember walking around, stopping to talk with each vendor, amazed at what great eats we were lucky to have just outside of our own backyards, raised by those who call it their life's work to bring fresh produce and purpose to their neighbors.

But what struck me even more poignantly that day was the devastatingly bleak turnout. I couldn't believe other locals weren't out appreciating this food gem, and I found it even harder to believe that these farmers were pouring their everything into an empty market.

This soon propelled me to venture into the task of writing about local farms and how integral they are in our regional landscape. My first story began with a woman quitting her position as a lawyer, commuting north a few days per week in practicing commercial litigation on Park Avenue in New York City — to instead baking pies in a rural sweep of Berks County at her family’s more than two century-old farm. The ongoing experience of discovering the very personalities of these individuals quickly taught me that behind every person who raises our food is a story worth telling and hearing.

Today, I've written about dozens of farm operations, highlighting the sometimes incredibly progressive endeavors pushing forward through the passionate farmers tending to the land for the good of us living out our lives in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

When the main Patch.com site launched in late 2007, it began populating hyperlocal community-specific news sites all around the country, which it continues to do. It lends to the idea that each community is all its own, made up of the fabric of all the unique neighbors who bring their talents and generosity to the table, reaching out to everyone. Agriculture is certainly a vital component to a healthy and mindful community.

And with this, please stay tuned: a 10-week series giving attention to the agricultural treasures of our region. Keep your eyes peeled each Wednesday as we focus on the intrinsic good of our local farm operations.