In search of affordable organic produce, Cynthia Hall, an associate professor at West Chester University, and her husband, Micaiah, have started their own farm in Camden County, N.J., writes Kevin Riordan for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Three years ago, the pair started Free Haven Farms in Lawnside, N.J., a historically black community founded as a refuge for free or formerly enslaved Africans.

“All this started out of necessity,” said Cynthia. “We were living in Atlanta after we got married, had a kid, and wanted to eat organic but couldn’t afford it. He said, ‘I can grow food,’ and I said, ‘What?’”

The family moved back to Pennsylvania and has been using artisanal agriculture to make a living, share their extensive knowledge, and build a community.

The farm is focused primarily on growing produce. It is a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) cooperative, delivering fresh produce each week to more than 20 shareholders. The family also sells the goods at farmers’ markets. The Halls also offer educational programs for school kids.

The farm’s motto is “sustainable and attainable.”

“Waste nothing, recycle, and reuse as much as possible,” said Micaiah.

Read more about Free Haven Farms in the Philadelphia Inquirer here.

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