Photo courtesy of Tomten Farm
Tomten Farm: (434) 392-1896 or tomtenfarmva.com
Location: Green Bay (Prince Edward County)
History: Tomten Farm, launched in 2012 by Brian Garretson and Autumn Campbell, sits on 18 acres that have been farmed since the mid-1800s. Garretson and Campbell, both of whom have experience in the food industry and with farming techniques, are continuing the tradition of farming through vegetable cultivation and raising livestock for meat production. The Tomten Farm CSA offers seasonal products, as well as a “work share” option. “One central thing for both of us is an interest in things we like to cook and a diversity of crops to cultivate a customer base that has a passion for making food and challenging themselves with new ingredients,” Campbell says.
Specialties: The farm grows hundreds of varieties of vegetables, including more than 20 types of tomatoes and peppers. Tomten is also known for its poultry production using Red Ranger chickens.
Production Methods: Tomten Farm uses organic methods, although the farm is not certified organic. “We have a direct connection with our customers, — we can talk about our methods and answer questions,” Campbell says, “so we don’t feel that certification is necessary.”
Where to get it in RVA: South of the James Market, Byrd House Renegade Market.
