The Challenge
With much potential growing land tied up in nursery and landscape (including turf farming), only about 1% of Rhode Island’s food is grown in-state.
The Approach
This family-owned farm relies on sustainable growing practices such as cover crops, crop rotation, low till, and natural fertilizers and pesticides in order to increase Rhode Islanders’ access to locally grown fruits and vegetables by distributing across as many avenues as possible.
By The Numbers
Since establishment in 2014, this farm has brought organic produce to Rhode Island residents via grocery stores, Pick-Your-Own berries, the South Kingston Farmers Market, weekly CSA boxes, and partnerships with various hunger relief organizations (including the North Kingston Food Pantry and Hope’s Harvest).
- 150,000 Pounds of food grown per year
- 100-180 CSA share members each week
- Highest yield crop: Tomatoes
- 8 employees in the summer
Preserve and Grow Agriculture Industries
To grow the best and freshest produce both organically and sustainably.
Program Description
Statement of Impact
Brandon Family Farm grows food that takes care of people and the planet
Statement of Changes
With two pieces of land in Kingston, Brandon Family Farm is feeding Rhode Island with produce that is both delicious and nutritious. Although organic farming is significantly more labor intensive than conventional methods, it’s important to Alby and Heather that they aren’t applying poisonous chemicals to the food they sell to people. As one member of their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program put it, “If the bugs like the sweet corn, I’m sure I will too!” Through partnerships with other farms, connections that run deep within Rhode Island’s Food system, and a Pick-Your-Own program that allows families to harvest their own strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries during the summer, the Brandons have found many ways to engage the community. They hope that at the end of the day they can feed as many people as possible with as little food waste as possible.
Future Plans
Brandon Family Farm will open their Farm Store in April 2026, furthering their goal of increasing access to fresh produce and decreasing environmental impact from food miles. Visit the new store at 262 Liberty Ln, West Kingston, RI 02892 this spring!
This Rhode Island Story was prepared by Rho Bloom-Wang