From the Farm Connects Utahns With Local Food Producers

Do you know where your food comes from? From the Farm is on a mission to make sure you do. The Utah-based business is dedicated to connecting communities with the hands that feed them, including local farmers, ranchers, and food artisans.

In partnership with the Veterans Business Resource Center (VBRC), From the Farm was selected to receive a $1,000 grant from Cyprus Credit Union in 2024. The VBRC is Veteran-run organization helping Veterans to start and grow their businesses.

"We are an online, digital, two-sided marketplace for family-owned food producers,” says A.J. Richards, founder and CEO of From the Farm. “Farmers, ranchers, and homesteaders can build a store on our website and we'll do the marketing to drive customers to their farm-direct stores."

The inspiration for a platform where consumers could conveniently buy food from local producers came to A.J. in 2020 as food shortages became more common during the COVID-19 pandemic. The concept would not only allow customers to be in the know when it came to where their food is sourced but also promote regional business.

"Small family farms all over our great nation need the direct support of the consumer," says A.J. “We offer a wide range of products, including organic produce, dairy, artisanal meats, and more — all sourced directly from trusted, local producers.”

But it isn’t just local farmers who are sustained by doing business with their neighbors. It’s also healthy for the environment.

“Sustainability is a core value. We practice this through supporting local agriculture, reducing food miles, and promoting eco-friendly packaging options.”

From the Farm sees itself as part of a movement to revitalize the food supply chain and bolster smaller, local farms rather than large corporate conglomerates. A.J. and his team believe this is an essential part of maintaining healthy, sustainable agriculture at a time when the number of farms in the U.S. is rapidly shrinking.

"When we succeed, we will have paved the way for an entire new agrarian movement to emerge.”

To learn more about From the Farm, visit FromTheFarm.org or find them on Instagram (@fromthefarmus) or Facebook.

A.J.’s Advice for Future Business Owners

"Dig in and buckle up. It took 3.5 years of [research and development] before we broke ground on the platform software. It's important to build personal resilience so that you can handle the challenges that you will be laced with in business."