Farm to Front Door Living

Olivette Farm is a project that purposefully preceded Olivette’s residential development, affirming the community’s commitment to re-localizing food production in Western North Carolina.  Berry and fruit orchards, edible and native landscaping and community gardens are part of our “plough to pantry” philosophy. Daniel Pettus and Lauren Penner, Olivette’s veteran full-time farmers, work to grow clean, nutrient-dense produce that connects people to the food they eat and the land where it grows. Active members of the local farming community, they share methods, tools, and growing practices while educating interns to become farmers.

Olivette provides organic produce for residents and the greater Asheville community through its Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, local farmer’s markets, area restaurant sales and the Olivette Farm online store. Within the community open space, Olivette has established an Asian pear orchard, a cherry orchard, and even a “blueberry patch” containing hundreds of bushes for the residents to enjoy.

“When a farm is a part of a community it is experienced with all senses and food takes on a deeper significance.   Sustainable farming allows people to come together and forge relationships through learning, working, harvesting, and to enjoying delicious local food grown with care.”  -Paige Witherington, Pitch Pine Organic Farm