Conscientious agriculture - a Certified Naturally Grown family farm in the beautiful hilltowns of western Massachusetts
We are a small family farm located in the Pioneer Valley hilltown of
Ashfield in Western MA. We grow culinary herbs and produce "the way
nature intended," without the use of 
harmful
chemicals, pesticides and herbicides. We also raise registered Nubian
Goats and purebred Finn Sheep. Treading lightly on the earth is important
to us; we are working on becoming "oxen powered."
We apply biodynamic preparations to our soil and are working toward organic certification.
"Healing the world through conscientious agriculture,"
Derek, Maribeth, Maia & Jayden Ritchie
Farmers' Pledge
From NOFA-NY (Northeast Organic Farm Association)
We pledge that in our farming, marketing and processing, we will:
- Serve the health of soil, people and nature by rejecting the use of synthetic insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers;
- reject the use of GMOs, chemically treated seeds, synthetic toxic materials, irradiation, and sewage sludge in our farming, and all synthetic substances in post-harvest handling;
- treat livestock humanely by providing pasture for ruminants, access to outdoors and fresh air for all livestock, banning cruel alterations, and using no hormones, GMOs or antibiotics in feed;
- support agricultural markets and infrastructures that enable small farms to thrive;
- maintain and build healthy soils by farming practices that include rotating crops annually, using compost, cover crops, and green manures, and reducing tillage;
conserve
natural resources by reducing erosion and pollution of air, soil and
water through responsible farming practices; - maximize the nutritional value of food and feed by practicing careful post-harvest handling;
- practice minimal processing for all food products to preserve the natural nutritional value of food: NO use of irradiation, ultra-pasteurization, excessive heat, synthetic preservatives, or GMO processing agents or additives and include all ingredients on labels;
- reduce the ecological footprint of farms and homes by limiting energy use and converting to renewable sources of energy;
- reduce food miles by selling produce locally and regionally;
- create a beneficial habitat for wildlife and encourage biodiversity;
- help preserve farmland and farming know-how;
- ensure food safety by using potable water for washing crops;
- handle raw manure and soil amendments with care;
- use ethical business practices;
- pay a living wage to all farm workers and acknowledge their freedom of association and their right to collective bargaining;
- treat family members and farm workers with respect, and ensure their safety on the farm;
- work in cooperation with other farmers and with the neighboring community to create a more sustainable way of life;
- encourage the distribution of unsold but edible food to people who need it;
- sustain the land in healthy condition for future generations.
