Kane County is celebrating local farms that received support from the 2024 Food and Farm Resiliency Program, funded by the American Rescue Plan. This initiative helps farmers recover from the challenges posed by the pandemic and strengthens the food system in the area.
Meet the Farmers: Heritage Prairie Farm
Heritage Prairie Farm in Elburn has been growing organic vegetables since 2006. What started as a small four-season operation has expanded significantly. They now offer microgreens, host events, and sell produce year-round. The farm has been USDA Certified Organic since 2013.
Jessica Impson, the farm’s owner, has made some smart changes over the years. She took over the business in 2010 and shifted from having an on-site store to a convenient online market, allowing customers to easily place orders for pick-up.
Now, Heritage Prairie Farm grows over 30 organic crops each year, ensuring fair wages for its workers. You can find their produce at the Geneva French Market on Sundays and the Wheaton French Market on Saturdays.
Aside from selling directly, the farm partners with Northern Illinois University’s Husky Harvest food recovery program, donating unused prepared foods.
Agritourism at Heritage Prairie Farm
Agritourism is key for the farm’s success. Each month, they host special farm dinners featuring seasonal ingredients from their fields. These meals are served family-style and often include local beverages.
Guests can even experience farm tours and learn about organic farming when the weather permits. These events not only enhance visitor engagement but also provide crucial additional income for the farm.
The Food and Farm Resiliency Grant
The 2024 grant has been instrumental for Heritage Prairie Farm. It funded a new chicken coop and upgraded essential equipment. Jessica shared, “These updates strengthened our foundation. They help us continue providing high-quality organic food to our customers.”
The new coop will soon allow the farm to sell fresh eggs, broadening their offerings. Repairing greenhouses and increasing wages for workers were also vital impacts of this grant.
Looking Ahead
To thrive, Heritage Prairie Farm needs more customers. Regular attendance at farmers markets and continued online orders are vital for their year-round operation. With robust community support, the farm aims to enhance its agritourism efforts and make organic food more accessible.
This initiative reflects a broader trend in agriculture, where local farms are increasingly turning to online sales and community events to adapt to changing market conditions. According to a recent survey by the USDA, 72% of local farms have embraced some form of direct-to-consumer sales since the pandemic, highlighting a significant shift in how food is sold and consumed.
For those interested in fresh, organic produce, Heritage Prairie Farm products are available at the Geneva and Wheaton French Markets and through their online store.
With continued support, Heritage Prairie Farm is poised to remain a vital part of Kane County’s agricultural landscape.
For more information, visit Heritage Prairie Farm’s website.
