Why Organic & Sustainable
Taproot Farm strives to be a lasting source of local, healthy produce built on the principles of Organic and regenerative agriculture. At Taproot Farm we’ve always employed agricultural practices meant to regenerate the soil, for the benefit of the soil ecosystem, the fertility of the lands we are working with, and the health of our customers.
One of the main sources of fertility on our farm are its cover crops. We use cover crops to keep the land protected with living cover for as much of the year as possible, shielding the soil from erosion. Their roots provide habitat for soil microbial life and insects, and the terrestrial growth provides seasonal habitat for wildlife. These cover crops build soil organic matter, sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and build the soil’s capacity to hold its sequestered carbon even when the ground is tilled for planting. Sowing cover crops under our vegetable crops helps us to reduce tillage at various times of the season as well.
We use Organic products made from natural materials that do not persist in the environment when we need to target pests to stop a crop from being damaged or ruined. These pest control products are pest specific and are not not broad spectrum, meaning they don’t kill various types of insects, but rather focus on the pests doing the damage. Lastly, we avoid using this type of pest control method when pollinators are likely to be harmed.
Eating locally gives us appreciation for the seasonality of food. Strawberries, tomatoes, and well, frankly, just about everything, tastes best when eaten fresh. When food is shipped, it is proven to lose flavonoids that not only give us more flavor, but are an essential component of a food’s health benefits, such as preventing cancer and preserving brain function. Notably, every season has its delicious produce specific to that season, even in the fall and winter, the sweetness of fresh spinach, the sweet orange of carrots and winter squash, are a sign of their nutritiousness.
Food is meant to be consumed close to where it was grown. In return, we better understand the natural abundances and scarcities of the seasons that can create a deep appreciation for the natural rhythms around us, the flavors of seasons and the richness therein. Eating locally gives us a sense of place. Everything benefits from that.