Much like its sister restaurant Founding Farmers, Farmers & Fishers serves only the highest quality products. We strive to source from sustainable agriculture from family farmers and the farmers of the sea as often as possible. Our chefs continuously seek out local and regional partnerships with family producers and artisan purveyors to ensure fresh, unprocessed foods and high quality ingredients in respect of the environment and the earth.
What is “Sustainable Agriculture?”
Sustainable agriculture is a way of raising food that is healthy for consumers and animals, does not harm the environment, is humane for workers, respects animals, provides a fair wage to the farmer, and supports and enhances rural communities.
Characteristics of this type of agriculture include:
- Conservation and preservation
What is taken out of the environment is put back in, so land and resources such as water, soil, and air can be replenished and are available to future generations. The waste from sustainable farming stays within the farm’s ecosystem and cannot cause buildup or pollution. In addition, sustainable agriculture seeks to minimize transportation costs and fossil fuel use and is as locally based as possible. - Biodiversity
Farms raise different plants and animals, which are rotated around the fields to enrich the soil and help prevent disease and pest outbreaks. Chemical pesticides are used minimally and only when necessary—many sustainable farms do not use any form of chemicals. - Animal welfare
Animals are treated humanely and respectfully. They are well cared for. They are permitted to carry out their natural behaviors, such as grazing, rooting, or pecking, and are fed a natural diet appropriate for their species. - Economically viable
Farmers are paid a fair wage and are not dependent on subsidies from the government. Sustainable farmers help strengthen rural communities. - Socially just
Workers are treated fairly and paid competitive wages and benefits. They work in a safe environment and are offered proper living conditions and food.
Family farmers who are hardworking, honest, and sincere people who run the vast majority of sustainable farms. They work all hours of the day and night to bring you the freshest, tastiest, best quality food available.
Excerpted from www.sustainabletable.org, an organization that celebrates the sustainable food movement, educates consumers on food-related issues, and builds community through food.
Farmers & Fishers is proud to be a Green Living Consulting Certified Green Business, and we’re also proud to partner with EarthAid, where DC residents can track their own energy usage and savings on a monthly basis and earn rewards (like gift cards to Farmers & Fishers!) for incremental energy reductions. Visit EarthAid to learn more.
