First Fruits Farm

Based in Louisburg, North Carolina, First Fruits Farm was founded by former NFL lineman, Jason Brown, to share the love of Christ and aid in hunger relief in eastern North Carolina.  Originally known as Harris Farm, this land had two conservation easements on 110 acres that had been donated to North American Land Trust 4 years prior. The easements protected an important network of scenic open spaces and riparian corridors along a tributary of the Tar River, as well as a forested stream corridor, while the remainder operates as a working agricultural area. The area supports a number of native plants, birds, and amphibian breeding habitat.

Historically, the property had been one of the largest working farms in the region, providing tobacco, wheat, peppers and corn since 1825. Despite being completely new to farming, Jason picked up the reins and got the farm back into shape before naming it First Fruits Farm. Partnering with other community groups, the farm donates almost all of its produce—including corn, sweet potatoes, blueberries, cucumbers and so much more—to their local food bank.