river friendly farms certification

Crops growing at Green Door Gourmet, a certified River Friendly Farm.

In 2021, the Cumberland River Compact launched the River Friendly Farms certification program to showcase farms in the Cumberland River watershed that utilize river-friendly management practices to enhance the health of the land and waters that we all rely on.

Through the River Friendly Farm certification, the Cumberland River Compact recognizes farmers who are exemplary stewards of land and water resources, supports their conservation journey through marketing and partnerships, and educates the public about the importance of river-friendly practices.

Each River Friendly Farm completes an application and on-site evaluation in coordination with the local NRCS representative to certify stewardship standards in the following areas:

●  Soil Health & Erosion

●  Nutrient Management

●  Pest Management

●  Farmstead Management

●  Waterway Protection

Farms that meet program criteria use the River Friendly Farm Certification to exemplify their commitment to stewardship, differentiate their products, strengthen their brands, and support credible claims for environmental responsibility. Certified River Friendly farms stand out as model land stewards in Tennessee and Kentucky communities, showcasing stewardship practices that build soil health and protect valuable water resources.

The Cumberland River Compact has certified five farms in Middle Tennessee as part of the pilot launch of the program: Green Door Gourmet, Harpeth Moon Farm, Reggie’s Veggies, Heniscity, and By Faith Farm.

Sylvia Gainer of Green Door Gourmet

“We have worked really hard to put conservation into everything we do here”, said Sylvia Ganier, owner of Green Door Gourmet. “So when I saw the certification, I thought, ‘Wow, finally someone is thinking about how to give a nod to people that are trying to farm the right way.’ I just couldn’t resist reaching out.”

For Reggie Marshall, owner of Reggies Veggies, the certification was a testament to his work to build a healthy and thriving farm from scratch. “I wanted everybody to see how hard I worked to build something from nothing, creating an area where vegetables and fruits can be grown from what most people would consider impossible,” he says.

Reggie Marshall of Reggie’s Veggies

The Cumberland River Compact has worked to enhance our watershed for 25 years through educational programs, restoration projects, collaborations, and volunteer work. Together, the Cumberland River Compact and River Friendly Farms promote clean water, healthy soil, biodiverse wildlife habitats, and climate resiliency.

To find out more about the River Friendly Farms certification program, visit cumberlandrivercompact.org.