Down to Earth Farm

Brian and Kristin Lapinski started Down to Earth Farm in November of 2007.

Brian always felt a calling to the sustainable food movement. After graduating from the University of Florida (UF), where he earned a Bachelor's Degree on Sociology, and a Master's Degree on Community Development, he travelled as far as New Zealand and Australia in order to internship and learn more about organic agriculture. The Lapinskis then returned to Jacksonville, their hometown, and moved into 2.5 acres on the Westside, where they started their farm.

Brian is committed to farming sustainably; he uses cover crops and composted animal manures for fertilizers, uses no synthetic pesticides, and practices crop rotation to improve the soil and fight bugs and disease. All of Down to Earth's planting, weeding and bug squishing are done by hand. Down to Earth is not certified organic, but if you visit the farm you will see for yourself how their food is grown- as opposed to relying on labels and stickers. I have visited the farm, picked and eaten straight from the plants, as well as purchased eggs from them. Their vegetables, and eggs, are beautiful, tasty, and grown with care.

It is well worth it to take a trip, on Saturdays, to the Riverside Arts Market, and find Brian and his assistants there between 10am to 4pm... or the Beaches Green Market, from 2 to 5pm.

Brian will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. And he is willing to discuss- and educate those interested at any time, on the different kinds of kale selections;  beet, sweet potato, turnip and collard greens... radishes, green beans, broccoli... arugula, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes... eggs and flowers.

I am grateful for the work of farmers like Brian that make it possible for us to enjoy the bounty, and beauty, of locally grown vegetables.