Our Story

First Fruits Farm_Carol and Rick Bernstein

First Fruits Farm was born in 1998 when the Bernstein family moved to a farm in northern Baltimore County. The idea was that they would plant and harvest their fields using a volunteer work force and donate the resulting fresh produce to organizations serving needy families and individuals in their community.

Hereford United Methodist Church backed the farm until 2004, when First Fruits Farm, Inc. was granted its own tax-exempt status, organized a board of directors and officers, and began operating as an official nonprofit organization. Rick and Carol are quick to give all the glory to God and are grateful for the many volunteers who support the farm.

In 2019, after many years of prayerful consideration and gracious benefactors, First Fruits Farm moved to our current home on Middletown Road in Freeland. This 203-acre property allowed us to expand the ministry even further. We were blessed with another addition to the Farm in 2023...acquiring a 78-acre neighboring farm bringing our total acreage to 281 and increasing our ability to GROW MORE - GIVE MORE - SERVE MORE in Jesus’ name.

The Farm's story has inspired many over the years, and word of our ministry has spread thanks to articles in numerous publications, media coverage, and accolades given in acknowledgment of the Farm's good work. And while it does take a village to keep First Fruits Farm running and productive, the Bernsteins rely on God to advance each aspect of the ministry.

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VISION
To cultivate the sustainable miracle of food to meet each person’s hunger for nourishment, service, and inspiration.

VALUES

First Fruits Farm exists to advance the Kingdom of God on earth by:

Growing and giving food to those in need in Jesus’ name.

Bringing together volunteers from diverse backgrounds to share a time of service and blessing others.

Providing a fellowship opportunity for people from all backgrounds without regard to race, socio-economic classes, and religious affiliations in a natural setting that demonstrates God’s grace and the love of Christ.