Written by Rebecca Champagne, PhD, OFRF Conservation Scientist

OFRF is currently working with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on a cooperative agreement to help build institutional knowledge of NRCS staff and equip them to better support the unique needs of organic and transitioning-to-organic farmers across the country. As part of this work, we are helping tell the stories of organic farmers and their experiences working with NRCS. We hope other farmers can use this information to learn more about NRCS and feel inspired to pursue conservation programs for their farm. For more information regarding our cooperative agreement with the agency, please reach out to Rebecca Champagne, OFRF Conservation Scientist, at rebecca@ofrf.org.

Meet April Joy Farm

April Joy Farm is a 24-acre certified-organic farm located in Ridgefield, Washington, owned and operated by April and Brad Thatcher since 2006. The Thatchers run a diversified crop and livestock operation, growing organic vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers, as well as layer hens, cows, and goats. Some of the vegetables they grow include beets, cabbage, kale, greens, cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, and squash, among many others. The fruit they grow includes apples, plums, pears, and table grapes. April Joy Farm was also the first Pacific Northwest pork producer to receive the Animal Welfare approval, and while they no longer raise pigs, the farm’s logo was inspired by their former farm pig, Rosie.

“I have dedicated myself to caring for our precious soil and restoring relationships between agricultural lands and humans. I love farming because the work is fascinating, challenging, inspiring, and—let’s be real—I love to eat,” said April.

Over the last two decades, April Joy Farm has sold its produce to restaurants, grocers, and through a CSA. Currently, the majority of the farm products are distributed through Farm to Heart, April’s food justice initiative. 

Source: April Joy Farm

“Farm to Heart is a matchmaker – we connect farmers, families, and community partners to reduce food waste and create an equitable food system,” April described. The initiative buys from 22 area farms to make local, organic food available to families experiencing hunger while also paying farmers fairly.

April Joy Farm achieved USDA organic certification in 2007, just one year after the farm started. April wanted to become certified as soon as possible, saying, “I considered organic the baseline if I was going to farm. I wanted to be a responsible steward of the land. Yes, there were market value considerations, but that was secondary.”

When April started the farm, she found many opportunities to create a more functional operation, such as soil compaction, broken drainage tiles, and restoration of previously logged land. “I had the time, energy, and passion to do the work, but needed the financial support and technical assistance,” April said. This drive to be a steward of the land led April to pursue assistance from NRCS, whose various programs and technical assistance can help farmers implement conservation practices to improve their crops and land while conserving natural resources.