On March 20, 2021, Farmers Jam distributed 50 fruit and nut trees to Georgia farmers at High Hog Farm in Grayson, Ga. Farmers from across the region gathered for a tree planting demonstration led by drummer and arborist Robby Astrove. Following the demo, farmers took home fruit trees for their farms, which will provide a sustainable source of food and income for 50-70 years
Originally formed as a band of farmers who performed on local farms, Farmers Jam pivoted to producing and selling delicious, hand-crafted jams using local, organic or wild foraged ingredients due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jam recipes were designed by plant-based culinary artist Chef Zu and sold at local farmers markets such as Freedom Farmers Market, Grant Park Farmers Market, and Oakhurst Farmers Market. Proceeds from jam sales were used to purchase trees for local farmers.
“After such a challenging year, it was incredible to see this vision come to life,” said Farmers Jam founder James Carr. “Our purpose is to spread joy and raise awareness about the critical importance of local food systems and sustainable farmers. This weekend truly exemplified that mission and I feel blessed to have grown our business and vision during a global pandemic.”
The application for farmers opened in late February and closed on March 12. Preference was given to Black-owned farms who had strong ties to the community and participated in programs that make fresh, healthy produce more affordable, such as Wholesome Wave Georgia or Concrete Jungle.
Farmers who won fruit trees include High Hog Farm, Phoenix Gardens, Bread and Butter Farms, Nature’s Candy Farms, Adderson's Fresh Produce, Growing Augusta, H7HP Farms, Farmer Musician Urban Farm, I Got U Farms, HABESHA Gardens, Outdoor Fresh Farm, Historic Westside Gardens, and Your Faith Farms.
Varieties of trees included Plum, Asian Pear, Apple, Fig, Loquat, Blueberry, and Chinese Chesnut, and were purchased from local growers at Community Foodscapes and Servescape.
Farmers Jam looks forward to gathering and performing on local farms in 2021, this time with added flavors and fun.