One Straw Farm

Founded in 1983 by Drew and Joan Norman, One Straw Farm has grown from a small operation into the largest Food Alliance Certified vegetable farm in Maryland. Drew's passion for farming was ignited during his youth, despite not growing up on a farm. He and Joan met at the University of Maryland, where Drew's experiences with agricultural professors shaped his commitment to organic farming. Initially focused on the wholesale market, the farm shifted towards a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model in 2004 under Joan's leadership, fostering deep connections with the local community. Today, the farm is a family-run operation with their children, Andrew and Sarah, actively involved.

One Straw Farm adheres to organic farming principles, emphasizing soil health as the foundation of their practices. They avoid GMOs, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides, focusing instead on nurturing the soil microbiome. The farm is certified organic by the Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Real Organic Project. They also comply with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and are trained in food safety protocols outlined in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The farm's commitment to growing everything they sell ensures a single-source CSA program, reducing handling requirements and enhancing produce safety and freshness.

One Straw Farm distributes CSA shares through over 30 drop-off locations and farmers markets in the Baltimore metro area. They also engage in direct sales to area restaurants and maintain regional wholesale relationships. The farm's CSA program runs seasonally from June to November, providing families with fresh, locally grown vegetables. The farm's dedication to food safety and organic practices underscores their promise of delivering nutritious and delicious produce.