Maryland-based and family-owned and family-run, JFRAI Family Farms grows fresh produce while building farm experiences around sustainable agriculture, education, and emerging technology. Its work combines greenhouse growing with interactive tours, hands-on workshops, and learning games, while planned tools such as AI crop monitoring and autonomous robotics point toward the farm’s future-facing approach. The farm also connects its community with wellness activities and agricultural resources, including grant and education support for other farmers.
Lockbriar FarmsSince 1993, family-owned and operated Lockbriar Farms has grown fruit on Maryland’s Eastern Shore near Chestertown, pairing a working farm with u-pick fields and farmmade ice cream. The multi-generational Lockwood family also sells fresh produce and value-added foods through its farm stand and regional farmers markets, while using integrated pest management, cover crops, crop rotation and trickle irrigation to reduce inputs and protect the land.CHESTERTOWN, MD
Greenway Farms, LLCGreenway Farms is a family-owned Maryland farm that uses recirculating aquaculture and agriculture systems to raise fresh fish and grow leafy greens and herbs year-round. Based in Gaithersburg, the farm draws on its founders’ international experience in food safety and agricultural technology while supplying restaurants and retailers across the DMV with food grown without antibiotics, pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers. Its USDA Harmonized GAP+ and Maryland’s Best Local Farm & Fish certifications underscore the farm’s focus on safe, sustainable local production.GAITHERSBURG, MD
South Side Family FarmsSince 2014, South Side Family Farms has been a family-led community farming effort rooted in Columbus’s South Side, founded by Minister Aaron and Antoinette Hopkins after 35 years of living and raising their family in the neighborhood. Its urban gardens grow fresh food for underserved residents while creating places where neighbors learn about growing and caring for their health. The farm’s work is shaped by faith, food justice, and the Hopkinses’ focus on passing agricultural knowledge to younger generations.COLUMBUS, OH
Hansel Hill FarmFounded by first-generation farmers Brian and Vickie on two acres in 2019, Hansel Hill Farm is a Millersville urban micro-farm growing local food and raising animals while welcoming the community for hands-on farm experiences. The disabled combat veteran- and woman-owned farm uses natural, pesticide-free growing methods and turns its working farm into a gathering place through educational programs, seasonal events, and its local Harvest Hub.MILLERSVILLE, MD