Farmer Jawn

Date Funded: September, 2023

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, builds on FarmerJawn's track record of increasing access to healthy food and promoting representation of Black ownership within the agriculture industry. Owner Christa Barfield launched FarmerJawn on urban plots across Philadelphia, where she served an 80-member CSA and hosted community and educational events. Before stepping into the agriculture industry, Christa worked in the healthcare system, where she became familiar with the health concerns of her community and the ways social, environmental, and physical factors significantly impact well-being. FarmerJawn utilizes regenerative practices such as meadowing the land, drip irrigation using pond and well water, leaf mulch and compost, and using weeds to extract heavy metals and toxins from the soil. The vegetables grown are sold through multiple distribution channels such as CSAs, farmers markets, and wholesale partners like Philabundance, Aramark, and the Philadelphia 76ers. Foodshed Capital is incredibly proud to have supported FarmerJawn with a 0% interest loan to renovate and stock their new retail storefront on the West Chester property, where Christa has significantly expanded production and launched a hub to support and connect BIPOC food businesses and farmers.

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, builds on FarmerJawn's track record of increasing access to healthy food and promoting representation of Black ownership within the agriculture industry. Owner Christa Barfield launched FarmerJawn on urban plots across Philadelphia, where she served an 80-member CSA and hosted community and educational events. Before stepping into the agriculture industry, Christa worked in the healthcare system, where she became familiar with the health concerns of her community and the ways social, environmental, and physical factors significantly impact well-being. FarmerJawn utilizes regenerative practices such as meadowing the land, drip irrigation using pond and well water, leaf mulch and compost, and using weeds to extract heavy metals and toxins from the soil. The vegetables grown are sold through multiple distribution channels such as CSAs, farmers markets, and wholesale partners like Philabundance, Aramark, and the Philadelphia 76ers. Foodshed Capital is incredibly proud to have supported FarmerJawn with a 0% interest loan to renovate and stock their new retail storefront on the West Chester property, where Christa has significantly expanded production and launched a hub to support and connect BIPOC food businesses and farmers.