Rancocas Creek Farm

Rancocas Creek Farm was established in 2020 on the grounds of a former soybean farm in Southampton, NJ. The farm is a venture started by the Pinelands Preservation Alliance (PPA) with the mission to transform a 72-acre conventional soybean farm into a diverse, chemical-free, regenerative farm. In its first year, the farm grew produce on 3.5 acres and sold to restaurants, markets, wholesalers, and donated to food pantries and soup kitchens. By 2021, the farm expanded to 9 acres, established a CSA for 150 families, and raised 7 pigs on pasture. In 2023, the CSA grew to over 300 families, 12 pigs were raised on pasture, and the first crop of Asian Pears was harvested from the orchard started in 2020.

The farm employs regenerative farming practices focused on biodiversity, building soil health, protecting the watershed, and providing habitat for birds and pollinators. They avoid the use of chemical or synthetic herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, or fertilizers. Soil health is enhanced through the use of plantings, mulches, composts, cover crops, and crop rotations. The farm also manages stormwater effectively to support these goals.

Rancocas Creek Farm is partnered with the Pinelands Preservation Alliance, a non-profit organization protecting New Jersey’s Pinelands since 1989. The farm offers apprenticeship positions to train the next generation of farmers, providing hands-on experience in various farm tasks and educational opportunities through farm tours, workshops, and conferences. Apprentices are involved in PPA meetings and campaigns, and receive training in sustainable, regenerative agriculture principles, crop planning, and farm budgeting. The farm is part of the NJCRAFT network and collaborates with organizations like NOFANJ, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, and PASA.