Since 1998, Future Harvest – a membership nonprofit – has been proud of its role in moving the Chesapeake region’s agriculture forward. We have grown our voice and deepened our trainings for sustainable agriculture. Our member farms continue to be leaders and practical laboratories for developing and championing practices that lead to commercial success through the lens of protecting the bay. Rotating animals through pastures, for example, leaves grass in place to protect against erosion, draw down carbon via photosynthesis, and produces a healthier animal. Fertility is added with crops grown only to add organic matter to soil. Insects and weeds are managed with mulch and crop rotations; synthetic pesticides and other chemicals are used only as a last and carefully calibrated resort. Turning produce and meat into jams, jellies, sausages, and other products adds value and brings more money to the farm and keeps it in the region.

We build on our experiences and believe that the most effective way to spread these and other practices throughout our region is through farmer-to-farmer education, beginner farmer training, and building community, awareness, and collaboration among farmers, food businesses, policy makers, and consumers.

Just like agriculture in our region, Future Harvest continually strives to ensure our work translates into real change on the ground.