If you live in or around Ohio or Pennsylvania, you may benefit from an organic Amish farms directory. This way you will know where the farms are that have the wholesome, fresh produce you are interested in. Many farms have times set aside throughout the week when you can visit and purchase tasty fruits and vegetables.
The Amish
The Amish are a people who have chosen to live in communities that shun modern technology and conventional ideas. Historically, many fled Europe to avoid religious persecution. In the 1720s they settled in regions across the United States, and in the Canadian province of Ontario. The most conservative group is known as the Old Order Amish. Commonly called the Plain Clothes People, because of their simple style of clothing, they are famous for lush farms and horse-drawn buggies. Between 16,000 and 18,000 of the Amish live in Lancaster County, a farming area in Pennsylvania.
Amish Farms
According to studies done by scientists at the Rodale Institute in Berks County, which has been working on organic and sustainable farming issues for 60 years, Lancaster County has the highest density of organic farms in Pennsylvania. There are over 100 U.S.D.A. certified organic farms in this area of the state. The farmers use no pesticides, insecticides or chemicals on their crops and refuse to feed growth hormones or antibiotics to their cows. Their chickens are free-range, not housed in coops. The produce is grown with organic fertilizers. Farmers take pride in maintaining farms that treat animals humanely and strive to protect the soil and environment.
Organic Amish Farms Directory for Pennsylvania
Below is a listing of organic Amish farms and the crops they make available for consumers. When you are searching for organic farms keep in mind that the Amish will not use the computer to advertise their produce because they do not own computers. Do a search of organic web sites to locate a farm near you.
While Pennsylvania and Ohio have the largest selection of organic Amish farms, New York, Delaware, and Maryland also have Amish communities that produce organic vegetables and cattle.
Lancaster Farm Fresh
Lancaster Farm Fresh is an organic cooperative, consisting of over 22 Amish and Mennonite farmers. Some of their produce includes:
- Broccoli
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Green onions
- Eggplant
- Garlic
- Butternut squash
- Spinach
Spring Water Farm
At Spring Water Farm, which is located at 694 Country Lane, Paradise, in the heart of Lancaster County Pennsylvania, they are proud of raising:
- Organic pastured pork
- 100 percent grass fed beef
- Pastured chickens and turkeys
Dutch Meadows Organic Dairy
Connected to Spring Water Farm, this dairy has Dutch Belted cows that produce raw milk and cheese for local raw-milk enthusiasts. The raw milk is certified organic and bottled in glass bottles according to strict regulations at Dutch Meadows Organic Dairy.
Wil-Den Family Farms
Wil-Den Family Farms, found at 195 Limber Road, Jackson Center, is proud of their pastured pork, which includes:
- Ground pork
- Regular bacon
- Saint Louis ribs
- Pork tenderloin
- Hot Italian rope sausage
Bridge View Dairy
Bridge View Dairy, at 5158 Forge Road, Oxford, Pennsylvania, has:
- Free range eggs
- Raw milk
- Grass-fed beef
- Organic maple syrup
Amish Farms Directory for Ohio
Green Field Farms is a co-op in Ohio that is made up of many organically-certified farms, including Amish farms. Their products include:
- Cheese
- Brown eggs
- Maple syrup
- Maple water
- Seasonal vegetables
Certified or Not
There are farms that use organic methods but have not yet become certified, also known as Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO). To see a listing of all PCO farms, visit the Pennsylvania Organic website.
Additional Local Information
You can find more information on organic farming and Amish farms in Pennsylvania and elsewhere from websites like Local Amish Farms, Pennsylvania State University AgMap Businesses, and the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association. If you aren't in Pennsylvania or Ohio, contact your nearby Local Harvest, who may be able to direct you to a certified organic Amish farm, or check out your state's Eatwild website.
