The soil ecosystem: where health begins
There can be no plant health without soil health, and no human health without plant health.
Soil contains macro- and micro-nutrients that are essential for humans. In other words, a vegetable may look vibrant, but it may not contain necessary nutrients if they are missing from the soil in which it was grown. Plants depend on a thriving soil ecosystem to cycle nutrients and make them bioavailable. Fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides and pesticides damage the complex soil ecosystem. The plant may look vigorous on the outside but on the inside, it may be nutritionally lacking.
At Holcomb Farm, we work hard to support the health of our soil ecosystem by planting cover crops; spreading compost, mulch and biochar; resting fields; reducing soil disturbance; integrating amendments, microorganism inoculants and trace nutrients; conducting soil tests; and avoiding chemicals. Everything is connected and by using farming techniques that align with and rely on nature, we prioritize land and human health.
Biodiversity and habitat loss
Across the country, we are losing farmland and open space at an alarming rate. Communities can save land from development by supporting small farmers. All types of wildlife call the farmland home. Supporting farms that prioritize safe growing practices provides habitat opportunities for native wildlife and keeps our open spaces protected.
CSAs are trending for a reason
In Japanese, community supported agriculture translates to teikei, or “food with the farmer’s face on it.”
In the early 1900s, 40 percent of Americans lived on farms. Today fewer than two percent do. As transportation improved, refrigeration expanded and industrial agriculture grew, food became a commodity. Lower cost often beat local connection, and our relationship with food—and the people who grew it—changed. But there’s a shift happening.
Today, Holcomb Farm is one of 10,000 CSA programs in the U.S. that is supported by community members choosing to invest in local farms. And our CSA is uniquely impactful: we also supply fresh food to our greater community through our Fresh Access program.
Be part of something bigger
When you join Holcomb Farm’s CSA, you’re doing more than buying vegetables. You’re investing in a local farm, strengthening community food access, nurturing healthy soil, and investing in a more equitable food system and a more sustainable future.
We hope you’ll join us for the 2026 season. Sign up today at holcombfarm.org