Future Harvest: Growing a Better Chesapeake Region

At Our Common Table, we are rooted in the belief that food is a powerful connector between people, places, and the planet. That belief stems from our home, the Chesapeake region, a vibrant and vital network of waterways, farmland, and communities that transcend state lines. The health of our bay depends not only on what we do here in Maryland, but also on decisions made throughout the broader watershed, from Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware to West Virginia and Washington, D.C. Every farm, stream, and kitchen across the region shapes the health and future of our shared environment.

That’s why our founder, Chef John Shields, has long championed Future Harvest, a nonprofit that shares our commitment to sustainable agriculture and the Chesapeake’s well-being. John was part of the early efforts to help shape this impactful organization. Future Harvest’s mission—to advance agriculture that sustains farmers, communities, and the environment—beautifully mirrors our own: promoting respect and conservation efforts that protect the Chesapeake and its bounty. Over the years, Our Common Table has proudly supported Future Harvest’s programs, especially the Beginner Farmer Training Program, which cultivates the next generation of sustainability-minded growers.

Since its founding in 1998, Future Harvest has become a beacon of innovation and resilience in regional farming. Their member farms act as testing grounds for practices that protect the Bay while ensuring farms remain viable and productive.  That includes rotational grazing that strengthens soil health and carbon capture, or low-chemical crop systems that protect both biodiversity and food quality. They also emphasize adding value on the farm, turning fresh produce and meat into locally made products that bring additional income and stability to our local food economy.

Education is at the heart of their approach. Through the Beginner Farmer Training Program and the Field School, Future Harvest passes down knowledge farmer-to-farmer and equips participants with real-world tools for lasting success. Their annual conference gathers hundreds of farmers, educators, and advocates for an exchange of ideas that continues to shape the region’s sustainable agriculture movement. They’ve also built a strong voice for policy through their Voice 4 Change program, contributing to landmark wins like the Maryland Healthy Soils Act and advocating for broader support of regenerative agriculture.

From promoting grassfed farming through multimedia campaigns to launching long-term soil health studies with on-farm research, Future Harvest continues to grow its impact. Their Million Acre Challenge is a bold, collaborative effort to scale regenerative practices across the region, and their community-building efforts knit together a diverse network of farmers, food businesses, consumers, and educators—all dedicated to a shared vision of a healthier Chesapeake region.

At Our Common Table, we believe that cooking a meal, sharing food, and advocating for our region’s future are deeply intertwined acts. Future Harvest shares that vision—and is helping ensure that a resilient, nutritious, and environmentally responsible food system is within reach for all of us. We’re proud to stand with them and to continue building a future where the Chesapeake and its communities thrive together.

Future Harvest: https://futureharvest.org/