n 1982, there were two Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiatives in the United States, the Indian Line Farm in Massachusetts and the Temple-Wilton Community Farm in New Hampshire. In 2013, the industry estimated that number to be in excess of 6,500. In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture registered 8,144 farmers markets in 2013, a 3.6 percent increase from 2012. As more people begin investing in healthy and organic eating, these numbers are likely to increase their upward trend. Although the CSA movement began on the East Coast, it is currently thriving in the Red River Valley thanks to organizations like Moorhead’s Legacy Gardens.
Legacy Gardens began as a dream cultivated by Toni and Randy Bach; a dream built upon the pillars of Dream It, Believe It, Do It. “With years of experience in gardening, we chose to take it to the next level and share that dream with others,” explained Randy. “We imagined the possibilities and came up with a plan.” Now in its second season, Legacy Gardens has established itself as an important part of the area’s organic farming initiative. “We are not a huge operation (we farm 4-5 acres), but we are excited!” Randy said.
Located in North Moorhead on part of the Probstfield Living History Farm (PLHF), Legacy Gardens currently has 16 CSA families, several business partnerships, and their own farmers market. Although they are located on PLHF land, they are a separate entity. “We were fortunate to be offered the use of the Randolph Probstfield family land in north Moorhead as our base of operations,” Randy said. “The Probstfield Living History farm board wanted a gardener who would adhere to the mission statement: ‘We are not only gardeners, but stewards of the land. We are deeply committed to the past, present, and future of organic, diversified farming and its message of hope for a sustainable future for all,’ and we believe in this mission!” In return for the opportunity to use their land, Legacy Gardens provides PLHF with services such as tilling the garden plots and mowing. The partnership is another example of the kind of shared vision that is making sustainable and organic farming a reality all over the Red River Valley.
Traditional farmers markets have existed since our ancestors. When the first farmers had excess crops that they were not using to feed their families, they would gather, typically in the town square, to trade their excess harvest. Times have changed, however, and participants in today’s farmers markets are as concerned about providing a healthy product as they are with making a profit. In addition, the atmosphere is unlike that found in any traditional supermarket. Often times, relationships are developed between farmer and consumer that last for decades. “We work hard to build relationships with our clientele,” explained Toni. “We very much enjoy having people come out to the farm to see the operation, taste, and/or buy our produce. The ultimate compliment is having those same people come back for more and/or send their family/friends out to do the same.”
According to Farmers Markets of America, customers are drawn to farmers markets for three main reasons: food quality, better prices, and a great social atmosphere. Evidence seems to show that overall, prices at a typical farmers market are lower than prices at a supermarket because the process of production is more concise, there is less distance to travel, and fewer intermediaries are involved. Farmers markets also benefit the community around them. Based on a 2012 study conducted by Farmers Markets of America, 90% of the money gained at farmers markets stays in the community.
For people like Randy and Toni, the labor of love that comes with operating a CSA/organic farm is more about a commitment to the society and the environment as a whole than it is about money. “We feel strongly about leaving a legacy for the future, hence the name of our business, Legacy Gardens,” Randy explained. “To us, what we do is labor of love and we do it because we are passionate about paying it forward to the next generation of farmers and gardeners.” Those sentiments are echoed by Toni. “We love everything except weeds, bugs, and critters that like to sample the produce.”
As the movement towards organic farming and healthy eating continues to raise awareness within the public consciousness, farmers markets and community supported agriculture initiatives will continue to thrive. “With more people wanting fresh garden-grown produce and the trend towards more healthy lives through eating more vegetables and fruit, we see what we do as a growing opportunity,” Toni said. “For people with busy lives and no time to do their own gardening, we provide the missing link.”
In addition to their CSA and farmers market opportunities, Legacy Gardens also operates the Old Trail Market on Oakport Street in North Moorhead. “Currently we have the following produce for sale at prices which will beat any farmer’s market in town: beets, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, eggplant, green beans, onions, green bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, sweet banana peppers, Swiss chard, tomatoes, watermelon and zucchini,” Toni explained. “We also take private orders for vegetables; all people have to do is give us a call, let us know what they are looking for and we will get it together for them to pick up within 24-48 hours.” Those interested in learning more about products available at the market can call 701-361-3028.
Legacy Gardens prides itself on its steadfast commitment to the environment. “We believe in the concept of sustainable agriculture and have chosen to raise our vegetables and fruit without harming the earth,” Randy explained. “We maintain national organic growing techniques by using all natural ways of growth production with no chemicals, vertical growing technology, crop rotation, raised beds and symbiotic plant grouping.” In laymen’s terms, that means you can trust that Legacy Gardens products are not only healthy, they were made with the deepest respect for the environment. Not every production venue can honestly make that claim.
For more information about Legacy Gardens or the Old Trail Market, contact Toni or Randy Bach at 701-361-3028 or 701-361-2111.
