LIFE Farm, LLC Offers Locally Grown Certified Organic Produce

For many years, organic produce was the focus of health conscious individuals; making it the number one food trend in the United States. As concerns over food safety and preserving our environment continue to grow, there has been a shift in consumer preference from organic foods to local foods. Local foods are considered safer, fresher, tastier, and more environmentally friendly by hose who prefer them. But not all local food is organically produced. The best of both worlds for those who choose to eat local but want organic? Locally grown certified organic food.

Jeff Evard and Art Sherwood are business partners in LIFE Farm, LLC and produce locally grown certified organic food in Morgan County, Indiana. Their approach to farming and their customers can be summed up in one word "accountability". The primary reason Jeff and Art chose to become certified organic was to give customers assurance that their produce is grown, handled, processed, and shipped under strict USDA guidelines that govern organic farming operations. According to the USDA, organic farms do not use "conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation." Additionally, organic farmers are stewards of the land and use "renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations."

Only farmers who adhere to the strict USDA guidelines are allowed to label their food "certified organic". Some farmers may use organic principles but choose not to apply for the certification because of the paperwork involved with the certification process. But for Jeff and Art, the additional time is well worth it for their customers' health and peace of mind.

At LIFE, produce is grown in both environmentally controlled greenhouses and open fields. As Jeff and I walked through the operation, I saw several varieties of tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, basil, summer and winter squash, lettuces, and beets thriving in healthy soil. In 2008 they will begin to offer organic strawberries.

After the tour, Jeff and I sat on his front porch and talked about the journey that led him from Purdue to an early career maintaining world class golf course landscapes to his organic farm. It was obvious that this is a man who cares deeply about his products, his customers and the environment. When you purchase LIFE produce you can be confident that it has been grown and handled with the utmost care.

Art and Jeff's produce is sold at Traders Point Organic Farmers Market, The Bloomington Farmers Market, Bloomingfoods Co-op, Wild Oats Market in Indianapolis (both the 86th Street and Clay terrace locations) and is used by the Center Valley CSA.

                  

Try Life Farm's summer squash in my Warm Couscous Salad with Feta, Caramelized Summer Squashes and Onions. Download warm_couscous_salad_with_feta_caramelized_summer_squashes_and_onions.pdf 

LIFE Farms, LLC

Morgan County, Indiana

Mailing Address: 4540 S Old State Road 37

Bloomington IN 47401

Phone: 812-361-5816

Email: eatlifeup@earthlink.net