Honey Brook Organic Farm is one of the oldest operating organic farms in New Jersey, and the oldest certified organic Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in the Garden State. In 1991, farmer Jim Kinsel established Honey Brook Organic Farm’s CSA program. Since then, Jim and his staff have consistently produced some of the finest quality, best tasting and affordable organic produce available anywhere. Farmland we manage are certified organic, which means our fields and growing practices meet strict federal standards. Those standards are upheld through rigorous inspections by third-party inspectors and conducted under the strict purview of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture every year. Our CSA program is one of the largest in the nation with over 2,700 memberships providing seasonal, locally grown organic produce to over 3,500 individuals.
Goals of our CSA Program
- To grow produce in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, using methods which build the fertility of the soil. The fields are certified organic, which means, for instance, that we do not use sewage sludge (biosolids), animal manures and genetically engineered crops in our production system.
- To provide the highest quality organic produce at a reasonable price. We harvest and handle our produce using methods that maximize freshness, flavor and nutritional value, so you can enjoy the full benefit of locally-grown organic produce.
- To provide safe working conditions, comfortable housing and livable wages to the people working on the farm. Since the farm is organic, field staff is not exposed to the harmful effects of synthetic fungicides, pesticides and fertilizers. In addition, the CSA provides comfortable, free housing and transportation to a portion of its staff and salaries of farm staff are well above the state and federal minimum wage.
- To preserve genetic diversity of food crops. We grow many rare heirloom varieties, including richly flavored Pink Brandywine tomatoes, the crimson & white candy-striped Dolce Di Chioggia beet and a wide range of beautifully colored and extraordinarily flavorful peppers, eggplants, beans and squashes. We specialize in growing varieties renowned for their unusual beauty and flavor.
- To provide members with a healthy, sustainable connection to the farm where their food is grown. Whether by harvesting pick-your-own crops or volunteering for a special project, members can reestablish a responsible, healthy connection to the land.
- To serve as advocates of the continued viability of agriculture in the Garden State. We believe that it is our duty, as agricultural leaders, to raise public awareness with respect to issues that affect the future viability of family farms in New Jersey.
