Paper Crane Farm Needs a Market Van by Joe Evans

Remind me

We are a small-scale diversified vegetable farm, cultivating 2.5 acres. We sell our produce through farmer's markets and a CSA.

Nice To Meet You:

Paper Crane is a small farm in the Big Laurel Valley of Madison County, North Carolina. Started in 2011 by Joe Evans, Tara Jensen has jumped on board this season and together they consciously cultivate 2.5 acres of vegetables with an emphasis on heirloom and open pollinated varieties.

Joe’s passion for agriculture took root while working in the coffee fields of Central America. Witnessing families farming out of necessity planted a perennial purpose in his life’s work. This love for growing food was further nourished working alongside several local vegetable farmers.

Tara fell into farming by way of baking. Having been a bread baker for many years, she broadcast a field of wheat one evening and has been hooked ever since.

Paper Crane's Mission:

We believe that it’s the vitality of the soil that sustains us. Our farming practices strive to respect and nourish the soil through thoughtful tillage and the steady incorporation of organic matter. We utilize a sustainable approach that relies upon crop rotation, diversity, and cover cropping. We do not use any synthetic/chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides on our farm as this does not coincide with our role as stewards. We work to preserve the integrity of the land and grow nutrient dense food for the people of our community. We let the land guide us in our work.

What We Need:

The farm is in need of a Market Van to get us into Asheville, and the surrounding areas, so we may provide access to affordable and healthy food. This year we will also be offering our first CSA , which stresses further our need for a trusty Road Warrior. We are asking for your support with this needed piece of equipment so that we may fulfill the ongoing project of farming, and all that entails.

Why it's So Gosh Darn Important:

As farmers we labor to grow food so that you may be fed while carrying out your own meaningful work. We are honored to do this. Our duty as food producers stretches beyond weeding, transplanting, cultivating and harvesting. We have also had to become teachers and activists.

Many people need to be introduced to the idea that particular foods grow in specific seasons and in distinct locations and climates. In a culture where you can walk into any grocery store and purchase all kinds of produce year round, we help to educate our community about what is in season and empower them to prepare it.

In order to provide this kind of education, people need to have access to the food we grow. The D.C. based, Food Research & Action Center released a study that found Asheville the 3rd worst metropolitan statistical area in the nation for food security. Generally, households are food insecure when they cannot access healthy, affordable food. Our purpose is lessening that gap. We want to not only provide our community with sustainably raised food, but we want our food to reach all demographics.Last season we were able to donate over 500lbs. of food to food banks and gleaning projects in the Asheville area. Also both of the farmer’s markets we vend at accept EBT/ food stamps, making healthy food far more accessible for all people.

Many Hands Make Light Work:

So please, if you can, donate to our cause! Spread the word! We step into the fields each day and are so thrilled about what's growing. Help us get this hand crafted, healthy food onto plates and into mouths. And please take a moment to watch our video.

Help Us Get This Grub to Market!