Living Roots Farm and Organic Farm School — Attraction in Paoli

I apprenticed at Living Roots for 7 months in 2013. My younger brother (who joined the apprenticeship for the last two months of my stay) and I wanted to start our own farm. Aside from an eagerness to learn organic farming, we had very little farm-life experience. I have found that which I put into life is what I get out of life. In this case, I challenged myself to step out of my comfort zone, work hard, and grow. That which I received in return was an invaluable life experience.

I learned how to live a mostly off grid, holistic farming lifestyle through this apprenticeship. We were taught to balance the yang of farm work with the yin of healing arts, such as, Yoga and massage. Michael is a great friend, farmer, and mentor, who grows high quality food in a way that focuses around sustainability, soil health, and supporting our ecosystem. We learned how to run a Farmers Market, CSA, and how to prepare the food we grew into delicious meals! Farming can be challenging on many levels but, it is the most rewarding work I've ever done. There are many skills I've learned from this apprenticeship which I still apply to my work/life today.

Since leaving Living Roots, I have continued my education and have stayed friends with Michael. I call or message him whenever I need some farming advice or want to catch up and he always shares his wisdom and experiences with me. Rob and I have both been back to visit the farm on a few occasions to see the progress of this beautiful community. We were always warmly welcomed back with great food, a place to stay and a chance to meet the current apprentices :-)

Today, I am happy to share that my brother and I will be planting our first crop this fall on our own Farmland in NJ!! The crop will be four different varieties of garlic, and has been donated to us by Michael and his farm crew!

We are so very grateful for the experiences we had at Living Roots. We made great friends and had the chance to learn from one of the best Farmers around! Please check out their website or pay a visit to their community. You are guaranteed to have a unique and fun learning experience! ...

I've been a Living Roots CSA member for several years and opted for Produce, Meat, and their Egg add-on. I've done both Full Share and Half Share over the years. This has made my busy life less hectic, since I can get all essentials from one local source, and at a convenient pickup location in Bedford. Michael and the rest of the Living Roots Farm provide great service and products. I started out with their CSA just to try them out, but over the years I've also bought their high quality meat in bulk and even produce to can/ferment and store for winter. Each year has new items in their CSA, for example real popcorn. Its a great way to try new things conveniently. If you're like me, you'll be amazed at how much produce you actually get each week and wonder how in the world will I be able to eat all of it. I've shared with friends and family, and have shown them the benefits of my CSA membership. I have a lot of trust in their products and that's why I continue to be a member. Hopefully you'll be like me and give...

We have been with Living Roots Farm for over a year and half. It has been an advanture and life transforming. I became a vegetarian and an ultra runner during that time. For the first time in my life I came to this new awareness of the utmost importance that the food plays in our well being. The foods from LRF are amazing; it is therapeutic from the moment I see them. They are a pure joy in every sense. They draw me to handle them with love and care. In the process of eating local and seasonal I learned new dishes that otherwise I would not have thought of. Good nutrition is an integral part of my training. The LRF food enables me to train hard and recover fast. Feeling well itself makes everything I do turns into play, whether be it cooking, training or house work. We are grateful to Michael and his team for their dedication and hardwork to make healthy eating possible; for bringing out the chef and athete in me; for the joy of eating and well being. Thank you...