Our Story
In our rural East Tennessee farming communities, the very places where crops are grown to feed the world, many face food insecurity and the issues associated with it. Century Harvest Farms Foundation grew out of the desire to fill that gap. After almost a decade of sustainable farming and producing grass-fed beef, owner of Century Harvest Farms, Chris Burger, wanted to share the farm with his community. In 2017, Chris met then homeless service coordinator, Jen Patterson, and they shared the belief that all individuals and families deserve access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food.
Upon result, they piloted a small-scale program that taught agricultural skills and gave participants access to fresh produce. After piloting the program, they knew that the needs of the community were far greater than just food. During this time, they decided to expand past the program to create Century Harvest Farms Foundation that is focused on empowering and engaging with people from all backgrounds to improve the health and wellness of our rural East Tennessee communities through work centered programming and access to fresh produce.
The Farm
The Fields
Century Harvest Farms Foundation has 350 acres of pasture and farmland located in Greenback, TN. The farm serves as an experiential classroom for volunteers and program participants to learn sustainable farming techniques. The produce grown on the farm helps in eliminate food insecurity in our region by providing donations to local food banks, giving produce to program participants, and providing revenue to support continued programming efforts.
The Herd
The farm is home to pasture-raised, heritage breed cattle which provide our grass-fed beef and artisan charcuterie products. Properly managed pasture land is an integral part of our sustainable agricultural practices. Perennial pastures require no mechanical tillage, planting, or harvesting, sequester atmospheric carbon, and balance the natural emissions of livestock.
The Kitchen
We are proud to offer a state-of-the-art, FDA approved kitchen for rent, which provides our community with an affordable space to grow their own small business. By renting our facility, you are able to produce food for resale in an approved facility that makes quality and cleanliness an absolute priority. You’ll have access to premium equipment, including commercial ranges, ovens, bread baking ovens, mixers, scales, and other tools.
Our Values
RESPECT
We value the differences that are in our community and celebrate them.
INTEGRITY
We engage in agricultural practices that are ecologically sustainable and strive to create sustainable programming that benefits all participants, no matter their background.
INITIATIVE
We strive to lead by example in our community, both through our agricultural practices and educational programming.
TEAMWORK
We are one team and one voice.