Our Struggle with the Food Police in 2021 -

While we've been hesitant for a long time to make this story public on our website, we've had numerous people ask us how we're doing in light of Amos Miller's debacle with PDA and USDA, as well as other farms around the US who have attempted to defend themselves against erroneous regulation. 

The reason we hesitated was twofold. One, it was one of the darkest times in the history our farm, where the future of the farm and our ability to maintain a livelihood look quite bleak, and to place it front and center in our farm story speaks of a victimhood mentality that we don't want. True, we were targeted by multiple government agencies in an attempt to take us out, but we don't want that fact to be our legacy.

Two, never do we want to appear boastful because we managed to deter the regulators who came after us. It still strikes us as a miracle from God, and we're forever grateful to Him and to the private counsel we found. God is good!

Nevertheless, we finally decided to share the story in the form of a series of emails we sent to our patron base at that time. It's a diary of sorts that shares not only the facts of the story but also the feelings we personal struggle that went along with the saga. 

The following emails are shared in the order they were sent, beginning on February 18, 2021. It's a lengthy read, but here goes:

February 18, 2021 -

In Full Disclosure - we're under fire

Good afternoon Freedom Acres Family,
In the midst of yet another winter storm, we have good news and bad news to share with you. Listen up, this letter concerns all of you and your/our future as lovers of food freedom.

In this open letter to all of you I will first share the bad news, explain the position we now find ourselves in, rant about the status quo food police, and then I’ll end with the good news. So stick with me to hear me out and then feel free to share your thoughts and opinions with us.

The Bad News –
Yesterday we had visitors here at the farm store. They were from the Chester County Health Department (CCHD) and came to inspect our store and products. As expected, before leaving they issued a “Stop Operations” order. As many of you know, since the inception of Freedom Acres, we have been producing pastured meats and dairy "under the radar" of local health departments and departments of agriculture. As a small farm and passionate producers of integrity food, we knew an attempt to comply with the erroneous rules and regulation would be a killer to our tiny farm and retail store, due to the extensive costs involved.

So…what does the “Stop Operations” order mean? As of now we’re not sure but are making a number of phone calls to attorneys, to other farmers who have dealt with the food police, and to the Health Department.

What can you do? Not much as of right now, but please pray for wisdom and guidance on our behalf while we work through weighing our options. (depending on the direction this takes us, we may be open to financial investments in the near future to support legal counsel).

The Status Quo Food Police –
After a conversation with the inspector from CCHD this morning, I’m steaming out of my ears, to say the least. While we’re not charged with anything, we are in violation of the law on at least 4 counts. They are: unlicensed raw milk, unlicensed food facility—both as food processor and food retailer, uninspected meat (USDA), and unlicensed canned goods. I know this may sound scary to you—given you’ve been consuming these products—but let me explain each of these violations in context of the letter of the law as best I can.

Unlicensed Raw Milk –
Here in Pennsylvania, we have the option of state-issued raw milk permits. However, it only allows for raw fluid milk and 60-day-aged raw cheese. That means no butter, no unpasteurized yogurt, no kefir, and no raw sour cream, cream cheese, or cottage cheese. I won’t go to a lot of detail here, but in addition to limiting several high-demand dairy products, state issued raw milk permits require unnecessary testing for small dairies like us (no variables regardless of herd size), add expense for the end user, and are another tool for government intervention in private transaction. Feel free to ask us for details on why we’re opposed to conforming to this requirement.

Unlicensed food facility –
This is a case of simple government control. The Health Department is assigned to inspect any facility selling perishable food, and any such facility is required to have a license to sell said food. The license will be revoked or withheld if the inspector finds food at the facility not licensed by the state. This ranges from mom-and-pop stores to restaurants to gas stations to big box food retailers. All will comply with the same rules. Un-inspected food = no license. No license = inability to sell food. Simple, but unyielding.

Un-inspected meat –
I covered this subject in a blog post last spring, and I’ll not repeat it all here. Click here to read my views on this David vs. Goliath law. More now than ever, timely access to USDA plants is the greatest limiting factor farms like us face. Try calling one to schedule your backyard beef or pig in a year from now. You will be disappointed.

Unlicensed canned goods –
As you know, we began offering a line of canned goods—both fermented and pickled products—in the last few years. Because they’re not produced in a government sanctioned kitchen, they are not legal for you to eat. In fact, when I asked the health inspector about our un-inspected meat inventory—and whether or not we could give it away, he intimated that we couldn’t do so legally because it could sicken someone and invite litigation against us. Sir, I appreciate you using the law to protect me—while also using it to quell my ability to provide integrity food to those who desire it. Thank you very much.

You know, in a time when four corporations control 80+% of our national red meat supply, the thought that I can’t sell you a pound of un-inspected hamburger with incurring the wrath of government is mind-boggling at best. I know some of you may think the easiest thing to do is to comply and make our food “safe”. However, this is NOT an issue of food safety. We may be a small farm—even tiny in comparison to many farms today, but we know how to produce safe food. We have stainless steel. We have contemporary freezer and cooler storage. We have local butchers who know how to safely handle meat, cut it, vacuum seal it, and immediately freeze it for your safety. Plus, we have the advantage of working with nature instead of against it. Folks, this type of food has been around much longer than the now-sanctioned commercialized supermarket fare. Goodness, the idea of supermarkets is not yet eighty years old.

More than ever, what is called food safety turns out to be control of commerce. It’s big vs. small, craft vs. commercial, integrity vs. bigger-fatter-faster-cheaper. The proof is in pudding that integrity food cannot be produced on a large scale, and that the food police—both local and federal—will always side with corporate Big Food. But…be it what it may, I will leave off my rant before I say anything that will get me into (more) trouble. On to better subjects.

The Good News –
What to do? After making several phone calls this morning, we are more optimistic than we were. We have options—more than we knew. I won’t say at this point what they entail, because we’re not exactly sure ourselves. But we’ll keep you in the loop in the next days/weeks. We are deeply grateful to all of you in this moment. Some of you totally made our day yesterday (after CCHD was here) with your presence and kind words. Thank you.

As of now, we will not be allowing customers in our farm store but ask that you place an order here in advance. Interestingly, as of early this week our website now boasts full-color product pictures and descriptions. We will then fill your order and will bring to your car when you arrive. Unfortunately, we will not be accepting new customers until we are through this situation. Please bear with us while we work our way through, and again, feel free to call or email us with feedback.

Thanks for listening.
Samuel Fisher
Freedom Acres LLC

February 20, 2021 -

A Freedom Acres Update

Good Morning Freedom Acres Family,
What an excellent winter morning. What a great time to be alive! Looking out my office window the ground is covered with a thick layer of snow. The eastern sky is illuminated with the pink hue of predawn light. The world around me is quiet in the slumber of a weekend morning, and overall, I am blessed to live in this time and place. God is on his throne, and surely it is as Lamentations says “It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

As you know, we had unprecedented events at Freedom Acres this week when local and state governments shut us down for the private selling of unlicensed meat and milk to our tribe of informed eaters. Of course, these events caused a great deal of uncertainty and frustration for our farm and family as to whether or not we could continue serving our loyal customers. However, after a few days of many hours on the phone seeking legal advice and speaking with other farms who have been through what we’re now in the midst of, we now know we have options. Great options, actually.

In addition to having discovered options, we’re also surrounded by what we know to be the best local community of eaters in the world. Allow me to take a moment to give you a from-the-heart THANK YOU for the support you’ve shown in the past days. It has been overwhelming—and certainly heartening—to have you, whom we have become acquainted in the past months and years, voice your support in the past days. Perhaps more than anything, the outpouring of prayer support carried us through this week. Thank you again. It is deeply appreciated. You truly are the best.

While we aim for total transparency, we must be careful how much information we release in this moment because we are still under a “Stop Operations” order by Chester County and as of yesterday, The PA Dept. of Agriculture as well. However, we have sources of excellent counsel that are willing to help us see this through. We will be required to make a few relatively minor changes in our business structure in order to circumvent the one-size-fits-all laws the county and state wants to place us under (essentially the same laws big box supermarkets and grocery stores fall under). While I cannot disclose all the changes required, it will probably entail a re-branding because we cannot continue to operate under the Freedom Acres name. Watch for news on this in the near future.

One of the big hurdles we’re experiencing now is the cost of legal advice. From what we now know, we’ll be faced with about $8000 to $10,000 in legal fees necessary to combat the government agencies we’re facing. Many of you kindly offered financial assistance, which we deeply appreciate. Those of you who have been with us will remember the 2019 prepayment investment programs that helped us finance several necessary improvements in our cold storage and store facility. We were no planning on doing this again at this time, but with spring—and this year’s production investments— being just around the corner, this week’s turn of events puts us in a financial position we didn’t anticipate.

Here's how it works.

For those who are willing and able, we invite you to make a $2,500 (minimum) food prepayment which we apply to your prepayment credit. This credit is applied to each purchase you make—either in our store or online.

You use from your credit at whatever speed you like. Whether it takes 6 months or several years to use it is at your discretion. Your kickback is a 5% discount applied to each purchase. To get started, simply mail us a check or deliver it in person to the store. Make it out to Freedom Acres LLC and we'll create a credit account complete with a detailed spreadsheet to track your purchases and credit. It's really that simple.

Mailing address: 1043 Compass Road, Honey Brook, Pa. 19344

If you have any questions or comments just reply to this email. We hope this offer doesn't seem bold, reckless, or of poor taste. If it does strike you that way... please accept my apology and just ignore us. We know it's not for everyone. Please don't feel pressured to partake just because we opened the opportunity. And certainly don’t feel that if you don't pre-pay we will somehow undervalue your support. Nothing could be further from the truth! We appreciate and need each one of you no matter the level of support or investment.

In closing, let me assure you that we intend to stay in business despite the opposition we now face. According the legal instruction we have, this is not the end-all-be-all. Fortunately, the changes we’ll be making will not affect how you do business with us, but are primarily internal modifications to advertising, labeling, and legal language.

We are aware that though our work as regenerative farmers is important, our efforts would be futile if it weren't for you. Your conscious choices to opt out of the abusive, destructive, disconnected industrial food system are the primary drivers in this grassroots effort toward food revolution. Carry on!
Thank you again for your prayers and support,

Samuel Fisher

February 24, 2021 -

A Freedom Acres Update

Good morning friends,
It’s another beautiful spring-like morning on the farm, and we’re enjoying to the fullest.

I’ll try to keep this short and sweet but want to keep you informed on the newest developments in our struggle for food freedom. As most of you know, last Wednesday we were served a “Stop Operations” order by the Chester County Health Department (CCHD), and later in the week were issued a “Cease and Desist” order by the PA Department of Agriculture (PDA). This turn of events has, of course, made for several days filled with consternation and frustration while we sorted through our options. For example, yesterday we met with a team of legal consultants and spent the majority of the day discussing legal terms and court jargon. I don’t wish this situation on anyone, but it has sure been enlightening.

While we cannot reveal all our plans yet, we want you to know that we intend to remain in business to serve you. However, due to details in corporate law (and our desire to privately serve you outside of the corporate world), Freedom Acres LLC will be dissolved. In its place you will see a new brand that will allow us to operate as a private farm-to-table venue. Watch for a new business name and brand to replace Freedom Acres in the next few days.

I open this subject with reluctance, but many of you have offered financial aid. As you know, we opened a prepayment/investment offer on Saturday where you can prepay/invest a minimum of $2500.00 to help with our legal costs. That offer still stands. However, many of you also said you are not in a financial position to invest but would like to help. After grappling with this subject—and my pride—for nearly a week (plus having friends and family reproach me for being too stubborn), I will say we accept donations. I admit, this goes directly against my masculine nature and my desire to make my own way in the world, but I digress. 

If you have the means—and want to help—we will gratefully accept donations of any amount to help finance our legal battle. At this point our foremost challenge is the cost of legal counsel, and we hope and pray it will not progress to actual court costs. That said, please don’t put yourself in a precarious position by donating. If you want to donate simply send a check addressed to The Fishers to: 1043 Compass Road, Honey Brook, PA 19344.We feel unworthy, but are deeply appreciative of the community surrounding us during time. And please do not feel that we will value you according to your ability or inability to contribute. We love and appreciate all of you.

Be assured, we are working to re-open as quickly as possible and hope to be able to do so soon. Until then, we are accepting online orders from existing customers to either pick up at the farm or at one of our pickup locations. As I mentioned in our weekend update, we’ll be required to make a few internal changes to the way we do business, but do not foresee any major changes happening in the way we interact with you. Please bear with us during this time.

Thanks you for your support during the past week. We value you more than we ever have.

Samuel & Esther Fisher

March 3, 2021 -

A Pasture to Fork/Freedom Acres Update

Good afternoon Tribe,

What a beautiful day! I’m definitely coming down with an acute case of spring fever. Being on the crux of spring is certainly one of the most exciting times of the year. See nature resurrect itself after a season of dormancy is nothing short of amazing. "For the LORD is good; His loving kindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations." Psalm 100:5

Going into what is now the third week of opposition from government officials, I have a few new events to share with you. I’ll try to keep it short for your sake—and mine. I apologize for the lack of communication this week. Our computer (yes, we are a small one-computer enterprise) was down with technical issues from Monday PM until this morning. While that was annoying in itself, it was not as frustrating as what I’m about to relate. Hang in there—and read on.

First, as you know, since two weeks ago we’ve been harassed by county, state, and township officials in what appears to be a coordinated effort to take us down. Monday morning this week an investigator from USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) stopped by and threatened seizure of our meat inventory due to the lack of USDA inspection. We were given the option to destroy it ourselves, and if we choose not to within five days, they will/may send US Marshalls to confiscate it. While that was a blow in itself, he didn’t leave any legal paperwork so we are left to guess whether or not the threat will be carried out.

After the county and state authority’s issue of “Stop Operation” orders two weeks ago, we—along with our legal counsel—wrote a legal document to clarify our position as a private company catering to private citizens. This was mailed to officials in various positions within the county and state, and thus far we haven’t heard from them again. But it appears as if it has been handed over to federal officials now, for better or for worse. 

As an aside, we see this more clearly than ever as not a food safety issue. Unlike many other farms who have had run-ins with the law, no one became ill from consuming our food. The underlying cause behind government overreach in the food sector—and likely in other areas of exchange—is control of commerce. 

Believe it or not, the largest players in Big Food are heavily invested in government policy making for good reason. They essentially control the lawmaking process through tireless lobbying and fraternity with the governing agencies. For example, president Biden’s appointee for the Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, is a long-time employee of Monsanto. See the revolving door? If you believe Departments of Health are interested in keeping you healthy, or Departments of Agriculture are concerned about helping farmers, guess again. 

Speaking of private commerce, I find it interesting that during this time tech giants such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter—among others—are doing as they jolly well please in terms of censuring folks who speak their mind. When held to the fire about this, they hide behind the guise of “private companies” and get off scot-free. Yet folks like us are told that private vs. public commerce doesn’t matter. Don’t tell me size doesn’t matter.

The unofficial threat levied by the USDA (we were given no legal documents) is (at this time) the most frustrating turn of events in all of this. We have tens of thousands of dollars in inventory that’s at risk, and we don’t know whether or not they will seize. If they follow due process—as the law requires—they will need to serve us with legal documentation prior to confiscating. But we’re told they may or may not follow due process. Maybe it’s a bluff and maybe it isn’t. As always, not knowing what will happen is more difficult than knowing something bad will take place.

With that being said, what can you do?

First, pray for us. We see this as nothing less than an assault on our freedom to choose (as well as yours), and above all we want to respond to it in a courageous but Godly manner. Matthew 5 instructs us to: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you”. This is our desire. We are believers in specific prayer, so pray that we can counter this attack in an honorable manner without compromising our commitment to righteous stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us.

Second, pray for Mr. Flanigan (the investigator at the USDA) that his eyes would be opened to what he is doing to small business and informed eaters. He is the one individual on whom the decision hinges whether to ensue with the investigation to seize inventory and proceed to court, or to honor The People’s right to private commerce. The USDA stamp has little to do with food safety—and nothing to do with how well meat is raised. Pray that he would lay down any pride in authority and allow us to continue in our mission unhindered.

Third, if you want stock up on meat, now is the time. We’re relatively confident that we can serve you from now through the end of the week. We have ongoing bulk bundle offers to allow you to save on volume purchases, so if you have freezer space, fill it while you can. Bulk bundles will likely be unavailable after this week, for obvious reasons. I know this is a shameless plug for our products, which I always try to avoid, but extreme events call for extreme measures. For this purpose, we decided to keep the order window open for tomorrow’s delivery until 9 AM tomorrow. Feel free to place orders online or to just stop by unannounced. By the way, we are open again for shopping, as of now.

Fourth, do not contact government agents at this time. We are advised by our legal counsel to say as little as possible in person and ask for all communication to be in writing. We want to be as respectful as possible while consistently sticking to our position.

Fifth, in future email communication with us please send it to info@pasturetofork.com instead of sam.freedomacres@gmail.com. We're rebranding to Pasture to Fork due to legal implications that come the LLC that Freedom Acres was under. Please change your contact info to the new email address.  All phone numbers will stay the same.

In closing I want to thank all of you for the generous support you have shown in the past few weeks. Our faith in man being created in the image of God has been strengthened during this time because of your support. You reached out with encouraging and kind words and gave both moral and monetary support. Thank you. We trust you will be richly rewarded for your generosity.

We'll keep you updated to the best of our ability in the near future.

Samuel & Esther Fisher

March 10, 2021 -

A Pasture to Fork Update

Good afternoon Pasture to Fork Tribe,

On this fine spring-like day with sunny skies and a warm breeze, let’s just say it’s good to be alive.

As you know, we’ve had a bit of a hiccup in our lives recently in the form of local and federal officials who are levying laws and license requirements at us for selling “uninspected” and “unlicensed” food to “the public”. While their laws and interpretations thereof jeopardize our farm and livelihood, we have reason to be encouraged and inspired regardless of the ridiculousness of the situation. We have several reasons for our optimism. Number one is our hope in the provision of God—and his power to redeem otherwise catastrophic circumstances. A close second is the response of our surrounding community, who has been incredibly supportive. After USDA threatened confiscation of our inventory last week you folks stepped up to the plate in ways that we couldn’t have possibly imagined. Thank you! We believe God worked through you to redeem the situation.

As of now we haven’t heard from any officials again. As far as we know, the confiscation threat still stands, but like we mentioned in last week’s update, we don’t know whether or not it will be carried out. We have no legal documentation from USDA, only a verbal threat to seize inventory. We continue to trust in God’s providence day by day and are grateful for your prayers. After a surreal week last week, we find ourselves cautiously hopeful that perhaps they may respect our written position as a private farm catering to private people—outside of their jurisdiction.

We continue to be open for “private transaction to private people”—although some of our inventory is drastically decreased after last week—thanks to your support and caring. Feel free to either place an order online or stop by unannounced. With some items being out of stock, we’ll do our best to keep the online store updated as to which products are available and which are not.

If perhaps you have questions as to why we’re reluctant to apply for the licenses and permits the government asks of us, read on. To say we’ve learned a lot about laws and governing powers recently is a vast understatement. To be clear, let me say that we’re not anti-government per se, but are opposed to the rampant overreach and control tactics seen in so many factions of government today. We believe in the necessity of civil government, but the various measures of control over all aspects of the people’s lives can hardly be categorized as “civil authority.”

Thank you again for your support during this time of trial. We are indebted to you for your kindness and caring.

Samuel & Esther Fisher

March 24, 2021 -

The "Success" of Federal Food Policy -

Good evening Pasture to Fork Tribe,

How are you on this rainy day in late March? Wishing for warmer weather, or perhaps for sunshine? That’s understandable. However, I am grateful for the moisture, and anticipate warmer temps later this week, which will likely bring the much celebrated (on this farm, at least) spring green-up.

At Pasture to Fork, green-up is the harbinger of a new growing season and is exciting. I haven’t always been a farmer, but I now know from experience that working with the land and the animals—especially in regenerative food production—has a way of creating passion that’s renewed every spring. Although I must say the excitement has been somewhat tempered this spring given the adversity from the government agencies we’ve been dealing with. It’s brought a cloud of uncertainty that has obliged us to live day by day. That’s not a bad thing overall. It has helped us to more fully say “Yesterday is gone and we don’t know what tomorrow holds so Lord help us to take one day at a time. Help us to enjoy today and trust you for tomorrow.”

As for the status of the legal battle, we have not heard from or seen anything of the USDA since their verbal threat to confiscate inventory more than three weeks ago. For that we are grateful. We continue to get mail from the county and state citing violation and requesting compliance and contract. We remain steadfast and consistent in our position as a private farm catering to private people—essentially claiming our right to private commerce with our fellow citizens. 

We don’t know what their next move will be but maintain our hope and trust in God’s providence. Thank you for your continued prayers. It is deeply appreciated. BTW, we are open for shopping as usual. No need to preorder. If you question why we hesitate to contract with the state and county for oversight of our farm and business, take the time to watch the documentary Farmageddon. It’s a great work documenting the atrocities of government overreach toward small farms and food producers in the past several years. It’s well worth the hour and a half run-time.

Another short five-minute expose’ titled How the Government Made You Fat uncovers the fallacy behind government food policy, and how it has not served Americans well. Why would we want to contract for their oversight in the regenerative food movement? Thomas Jefferson is quoted to have said "If people let the government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny." Quite a statement, and we have only to look around for abundant evidence of its truth. And that's The View from the Country.

April 15, 2021

Good morning Folks,

Here’s to a grand spring morning that’s perfect in nearly sense of the word. Almost perfect, in terms of the natural world around me. But I confess that I’m struggling a bit. Here’s why.

Earlier this week a Pennsylvania State Police cruiser pulled in here at the farm bearing two officials from the Chester County Health Department—along with the police officer. Upon meeting me outside the door of our little on-farm store they presented a search warrant to take pictures of our store and its contents. After taking their names and badge numbers and handing them a copy of our statement (which states our position as a private farm), I said that although they are not welcome I obviously cannot bar their entrance. 

Taking a photo of the sign on the door that says “Open for private transaction to private people. No public sales”, they open and pass through the door (regardless of the sign!) and proceed to take pictures of the food in the displays. I follow and take notes, which helps to hold government officials accountable. After taking about 10 pictures, they answered a few questions I had and left. Mission accomplished.

While this was a relatively minor encounter compared to the USDA confiscation threat levied at us several weeks ago, I must say it both shook me up, and raised many questions.

Here’s the part that gets my dander up when I think about it. Every private person I spoke to about this in the past weeks and months—including many of you—expressed their upset about this and consider this type of government intervention to be usurpation of authority. I agree. That our government uses its guns—such as the PA State Police—to force compliance (I prefer the term contract) on a private family farm for making food available to the local community is just beyond me. We know they have far bigger problems than this. Remember, no one fell ill from consuming our food. There was no violation or proven threat to public health. Besides, we’re not open to the public and our buyers are educated eaters who make a conscious choice to purchase food they know is not “approved” by the powers that be. All involved are consenting adults.

On our statement of privacy we make it clear that we are not asking to contract with them in any way, shape, or form. We state that we take full responsibility for the food up to the time of sale when we lose control of the custody, care, and sanitation of the product. Why is this not allowed to take place, outside of their jurisdiction? Must the government control everything? While we are aware that many people do not prioritize this type of food, we do. And many of you do. Why are we denied access to the food of our choice by bureaucracy? Why are all Americans expected to eat only food that’s sanctified by the government? Why must everyone be channeled into the status quo schools of thought regardless of beliefs and priorities? As you can see, I could rant about this for a long time. In the past few days many thoughts crossed my mind that I will not record here. 

But thankfully my indignation has cooled and I digress. Here’s some of the positive takeaways that came to mind. 

We believe there is no such thing as healthy or junk food, only real food and poison. The basis of food freedom is the ability to regenerate life. How is that best served? I would suggest it starts with the recognition of truth, which is defined in the dictionary as; A quality of state of being true. That which is in accordance with reality. A fact or belief accepted as being true. That last one is a bit pithy and could be twisted to mean many things I probably wouldn’t agree with. I know this is a little recognized fact, but the status quo food system is far removed from truth. Real truth is sustainable, and constant, and it’s questionable whether we have food system that is any of these.

Interestingly, when the food police arrived this week I was doing office work while listening to a speech by Niti Bali (aka Niti the Farmicist). Quite frankly, Niti is one of my heroes in the regenerative food movement. After her daughter’s cancer diagnosis at age four—which eventually lead to death—Niti educated herself about food and nutrition, which led her to become a maven for food truth, including the formation of her organization Farm to Fork Meat Riot, which she lovingly called her “Food Church”. To learn more, follow her on Youtube here.

What I find inspiring about Niti is that regardless of losing her daughter to cancer, in spite of facing severe opposition from local, state, and federal government for distributing farm fresh food from her North Carolina home—CSA style, she refuses to be a victim, and that’s the position I would like to take. What if the highest powers in the nation pursue us for doing nothing more than raise and sell true-and-transparent food to people who really want it? While I get upset—even angry—at the injustice, at the end of the day I would like to respectfully, consistently stick to the truths we’re called to adhere to. Ephesians 6:12 says it well, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” 

Allow me to quote Niti Bali in her powerful and inspiring speech at the inaugural Rogue Food Conference; "Institutionalized programing requires an emotionally based psychological operation to be created and effectively communicated to the masses. And that is exactly what our media and institutions are doing. These structures—the media and institutions—were originally created to operate as our servants, over time however, they have become our masters. The corporatocracy has been given institutionalized strength and power, and the current institutions are operating with a conflict of interests. The institutions were designed to work for the people, by the people, but now the people have been replaced by the financial benefactors, which are the corporations. Hence my determination not to participate. Institutions will be the first to rebuke anyone who goes against their proclamation. And they will defend their stance until the people who created them decide to change. So be brave!" 

Folks, this is the stuff of substance—of empowerment of the people, outside of the elite class. This lady, as you can hear, has had experiences that served to strengthen her resolve. She goes on to say: "I decided to be the catalyst for change. To effect social change that I wish to see requires integrity. Emotional integrity is in alignment with freedom, knowledge, empowerment, cooperation, joy, love, and appreciation. This is the opposite of the current state of our society which is ruled by competition. The emotional competition is in alignment with unworthiness, insecurity, fear—or anger, division, grief and depression. I will not defend life-giving force because the truth does not require a defense.

Most of you would agree, I think, that we can either participate in the rampant victimhood of today and blame the force and power the institutions-that-be wield, or we can choose not to."

Niti continues; "As for me, I would rather focus on revealing the truths of the infallible and powerful abundant life-giving forces entrusted to us by God. We can see how the institutions have programmed everyone into a state of defense and anxiety. People have their guard up at all times. They wander around tirelessly consuming, blaming, defending, fighting. This is not an intelligent or efficient use of my time and it’s not in anyone’s best interest.

My wish is to uphold morals to freedom…empowerment, truth, and integrity. We don’t have to worry about the systems that are failing us—they’re collapsing. Perhaps the most important thing is to stand for truth—for integrity…and to use our influence in whatever small way we can to create change. But I know, to do that takes courage. It may be a hard path, but truth-bearers on it are needed."

Join us, and let’s carry on. And that’s the View from the Country.

April 27, 2021

I Apologize -

As you may know, we’re embroiled in a de facto legal battle with local, state, and federal governments who insist we apply for a slew of licenses and permits In order to bring you “safe food” (their term, not ours). While this has been a source of frustration–even anger at times, our deepest desire is to handle it in a professional and respectful manner in keeping with our beliefs.

In an enews article nearly two weeks ago, I blew off a lot of steam regarding this battle and my in-the-moment feelings of what we were experiencing. After writing and sending the article to several hundred enews subscribers, I realized it was over the top and too harsh. One of our subscribers was kind enough to gently remind me that while it’s easy to steam off about “the government”, we must realize that in a democratic republic such as ours, the government is made up of people like us who may or may not see things as we do. It was an excellent reminder, and along those lines let me say that if you found the article offensive or off-puttish, please accept my apology. While all I wrote was factual, I am sorry I allowed myself to be carried away in the heat of the moment. Our goal is to keep the content of these articles positive, informative, and not self-centered in any way, and I failed to do so.

Please continue to pray that we may be given the wisdom and discernment to know what avenue is best to combat the measures taken against us. While we do not expect to win this David vs. Goliath battle per se, we intend to continue pointing the officials back to our constitutional right to private commerce until they leave us alone. Like most Americans, our desire is to be left alone. We do not ask for any subsidy or assistance from the powers that be, but only to be allowed to pursue the American dream outside of any over-reaching regulatory measures. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. It is deeply appreciated.

May 24, 2021

Court Hearing Tomorrow-

For most of my life I’ve been a very independent person who tends to convince myself I can handle things, being loath to ask for help. But I’m learning thanks to Esther, my wonderful wife and queen of my life. She has demonstrated to me over and over the power of synergy—of working together toward a common goal. That said, I’m asking for your assistance in the battle we’re in with the food police.

As you know, this legal battle is a classic David vs. Goliath scene with Goliath being the giant food establishment who virtually creates food laws that in turn are enforced by county, state, and federal branches of government.

Because of where we are in this battle, I have a new appreciation for the story of David and Goliath. The only way David was able to succeed in taking down the Philistine giant was by taking measures Goliath was not expecting and was not familiar with. Goliath was trained in warfare using sword, spear, and shield and expected the enemy to come out to fight using his terms of weaponry. David, on the other hand, chose to do combat from a distance via stones hurled from a slingshot. In Goliath’s type of combat brawn and size was an advantage, but David elected to use methods he was familiar with, using brains and skill. This is a classic tale of outside-the-box thinking.

As some of you know, the Chester County Health Department (CCHD) has a court case against us—actually two separate dockets—for selling the increase of the land (they call it food) without a license (said another way—without contracting with them for oversight). A court date is set for tomorrow May 25th at the local district court. At the risk of revealing too much via electronic communication, let me just say that we do not plan on appearing in person, but will appear in writing according to the provision of Pennsylvania Rule 1012. The reason for this is because much like David, our strength is in doing battle from a distance—on our terms, not theirs. If you have questions about this, feel free to ask. We’re careful how much we say electronically.

How can you help? The simple answer is, pray. The hearing is set for 10:30 AM tomorrow May 25th. In that hour, let’s cover Magistrate Judge Thomas Gauby Sr. in prayer. He is the one figure who has the power to throw the case out of the courts for CCHD’s failure to follow due process. Pray that Judge Gauby would feel the weight of his God-given authority to punish all evil and uphold that which is good and honest. Pray that he would be given a Godly sense of justice in ruling this case. Thank you in advance, we deeply appreciate the prayers and support of the community and feel indebted to you for standing with us during this time.

Because we will not be appearing in person we ask that you too, refrain from showing up in the court room. While we appreciate your desire to support us in this time of trial, our legal counsel thinks it best for us—or anyone associated with us—to not be physically present. 

Let me reiterate that we do not expect to “win” this case, because the courts will never allow it to go on record that they lost to “David”. However, we do expect to stay the course until the powers that be leave us alone and allow us the right to private commerce with private people who desire to support their own bodies with regenerative food. And for this week, this will have to suffice for The View from the Country.

June 2, 2021

Legal Update-

After the update last week of our ongoing legal battle, many of you have been asking what the courts decision was on Tuesday. To clarify, the case was brought by the Chester County Health Department (CCHD) for operating a “retail food facility” with a license. In response to our Motion to Dismiss they tacked a second charge for “advertising and distributing food via an internet website without a license”. We then responded with a revised Motion to Dismiss to include the second docket.

At the hearing last Tuesday, the magistrate judge in the district court simply ignored all our paperwork and found us guilty on all counts (it's called rubberstamping). We were disappointed but not surprised. Although we filed Motions to Dismiss, our counsel did not expect they would honor or recognize them because they almost never do. However, our desire is to allow the opposition the benefit of doubt at every step and open the door for them to do the right thing, which in this case would have been the judge dismissing the case on the grounds of CCHD’s failure to grant an agency hearing prior to making a case in court.

So as of yesterday we filed a Mandamus to the PA Supreme Court, which mandates that they intervene and rectify the offenses of the lower court, as well as those of the agency. The involvement of the Supreme Court is in our favor on two fronts. One, they recognize our language more than the lower court does—and respect it more. And two, it causes the lower court to tread more carefully and handle the situation in due process. I realize most of this may be meaningless legal jargon to you—as it would have been to me a few months ago—but it’s the least we can do to keep you updated.

I must admit that I was frustrated and at least slightly indignant yesterday. By necessity I spent almost all of a beautiful spring day haggling over legal verbiage, court procedure, and the law when the day could have been far better spent contributing to the farm and your food supply. I was indignant that a bunch of bureaucrats could find nothing bigger to concern themselves about than a tiny farm in rural Chester County Pennsylvania. But we want to accept the situation as it is, and I regress. We are, after all, not promised a bed of roses.

As the case progresses, Esther and I are continually reminded that the battle is the Lords’. We couldn’t possibly find our way through the maze of legalities without the assistance of good legal counsel. What’s more, the support and prayers of a surrounding community of people like you has never failed to uphold us when the way was dark and dim.

At this point we don’t know exactly what will happen to the case in the future, but rest in the faith that if we can place our trust in God, he will continue to show us the way and will lead us in this conflict if we hand it over to Him. That’s our prayer request for this week, that we would be given the grace to release the battle to the Lord and not attempt to take it into our own hands or depend on human wisdom. Thank you for your continued intercession on our behalf. It is deeply appreciated.

October 15, 2021

The State of the Legal Conflict -

As most of you know, we've been in a conflict with the Chester County Health Dept. (CCHD), the PA Dept. of Agriculture (PDA), and Honey Brook Township since February of this year. 

In the past eight months, we have learned a lot about not only the above-named agencies and their agendas, but about how the judiciary system works as well. In this time period, CCHD issued Stop Operations orders once, filed citations in the District Court for failure to apply for their Retail Food Facility contract (er, license) six times, and argued every possible front except the jurisdictional issues we repeatedly pointed to.

Our position is this; we are a private farm raising food for private individuals outside of the public food arena, and we have the right to private commerce. But somehow, they have a problem with not being able to control what you and I eat.

Long story short, we were blessed to be put in contact with a few excellent students of the law who were able to assist us in drafting court documents to rebut the powers that be. After filing numerous documents in the district court, as well as bringing the injustices of the lower court before the PA supreme court (lack of proper jurisdiction), it looks like we may have garnered some respect from CCHD and Honey Brook Township. We didn't--and still don't--expect to "win" the case in court, only to gain enough respect to keep doing what we do without government harassment.

As for the local township, they filed a citation against my father (who owns the farm) citing a decade old storm water infraction as a violation to a seven-year-old ordinance. The charges, to which we filed a simple affidavit of truth and facts, were then rescinded at the last minute the day before being heard in court. Unfortunately, it appears we have government agencies who are willing to band together to force someone out of business, even to the tune of bogus court cases.

That said, I do not want to demean anyone or resort to name-calling of any kind. We believe in the power of the truth, and also believe civil disobedience is a necessary thing in our day, with emphasis on "civil". We believe in the necessity of a civil government, but their authority must be restricted to, as 1 Peter 2 points out "punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right." With that, I will close with a request for your prayers. We are human with the base desire for retaliation and "and eye for an eye". That desire must be suppressed, and to do so requires that we master the human spirit. Thanks to all of you for your support during the past eight months. We couldn't have done it without you.

The Last Word -

And with that last installment on October 15th, we never heard from Chester County Health Department, the state, or the township again. Like our counsel predicted, we didn't necessarily win anything as far as the court record shows. And of course, the powers that be will not allow "David" to go on record as having won against "Goliath". 

We don't know if the county, state, or township will ever take up this fight again, but neither do we worry about it. To be honest, we feel freer now than we did before this saga occurred, simply because we know that they know we're here, we didn't hide the fact that we plan on continuing serving people in the private capacity, and we simply stood for what was true and factual. And that feels good.

While it was a terrifying time for our farm and family, it was helpful in the sense that we learned how the system works, and that has made us stronger and more resilient than ever.

Thanks for reading. We appreciate you.