Supporting local farms is one of the most impactful ways to live sustainably, eat healthily, and support your community. But for many people, finding these farms – and knowing what they offer – can feel like a challenge.
Whether you’re looking for fresh vegetables, pasture-raised meat, or small-batch dairy products, connecting with a local farm can transform your kitchen and your lifestyle.
Here’s how to discover farms in your area, with a special focus on the rich agricultural communities of New England!
1. Farmers’ Markets: Start Small
Farmers’ markets are like little hubs of local food and community. They’re also the perfect place to meet farmers face-to-face, ask questions, and even hear about other farms or programs they’re involved in.
To find a market near you, check out:
In New England, local favorites like the Portland Farmers’ Market or the Dover Farmers Market are great places to start.
2. Sign Up for a CSA
CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture programs) are basically farm subscriptions – you pay upfront and get a weekly or monthly share of whatever the farm is harvesting. It’s a win-win: farmers get support, and you get ridiculously fresh food. Many CSAs also offer extras like eggs, cheese, or flowers.
Find a CSA that fits your needs with:
3. Use Farm Finder Tools
There are tons of websites that make finding farms easy – whether you’re looking for pick-your-own blueberries, grass-fed beef, or heirloom tomatoes. Some great options include:
- Farm Fresh Rhode Island – Ideal for southern New England farms.
- PickYourOwn.org – Perfect for finding pick-your-own options like strawberries or pumpkins.
- EatWild – Focused on grass-fed meats, dairy, and eggs.
4. Check Out Your Local Extension Office
This is one of those hidden gems not enough people talk about. Many state universities run agricultural extension programs that connect communities with local farms and sustainable agriculture resources. In New England, for example:
5. Look for Co-Ops or Farm Stores
Food co-ops and farm stores are another great way to find local produce and learn more about the farms in your area. They often work directly with farmers, so you know your dollars are going straight back into the local food system.
6. Follow Farms on Social Media
A lot of small farms are active on Instagram and Facebook, sharing what’s fresh, what’s happening on the farm, and where you can find them. Try searching hashtags like #NewEnglandFarms or #LocalFood to get started.
7. Don’t Forget the Seasons
If you’re used to grocery store shopping, you might forget that food has seasons. In New England, that means berries and greens in summer, apples and squash in fall, and hardy root vegetables and storage crops in winter. Learning to eat with the seasons will help you make the most of what local farms offer – and it’s often a lot fresher and tastier than something shipped cross-country.
Why It Matters
At the end of the day, supporting local farms isn’t just about the food. It’s about building connections – with your community, your region, and the people who work hard to grow your food. When you buy from a local farm, you’re making a choice to invest in something bigger: sustainability, better food systems, and a more intentional way of living.
So, next time you’re wondering where to find good produce or how to eat more sustainably, start local. Talk to a farmer. Visit a market. Pick your own apples or berries. It’s not just about finding fresher food – it’s about rediscovering the connection between what’s on your plate and where it comes from.
What are your favorite ways to support local farms? Drop your tips or favorite spots in the comments – we’d love to hear them!
Fiddlehead Homestead 
Leave a comment