The Farmers:James Berntson and his partner Sydney, Sarah Berns, Allie Leiser, and Willy, the Golden Retriever

Year Founded:2014 (Central Oregon) 2017 (Seattle)

Acreage:1

What they Grow:Rainbow Chard, Turnips, Radishes, Spinach, Mixed Greens, Carrots, Brussels Sprouts, Leeks, Squash, Beets, Garlic, Tomatoes, Snap Peas, Kale, Peppers.

Farming Practices:A commitment to healthy soil, only organic practices, never using any synthetic fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. Work on the farm is done by hand or with technology like the paper pot transplanter and Quick Cut Greens Harvester. Unheated high tunnels are used to extend the growing season.

Quote: "As we continue to grow our farm we strive to increase production through better crop planning and intensive spacing rather than increasing acreage and relying on a tractor for the majority of farm chores. As the famous market gardener, Jean-Martin Fortier says, "Grow better, not bigger."

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Small farms like Radicle Roots are the reason we do what we do.

Radicle Roots is a farm getting the most out of everything they grow in the heart of Snohomish, Washington. Operating on only an acre of land, manager James Berntson is a gentle soul farming alongside his partner Sydney, a small crew, and Willy, the happiest Golden Retriever you’ll ever meet. Collectively, they are committed to sustainable growing practices by embracing ethical stewardship of the land with permanent beds, limited tilling, and a high tunnel to produce organic, nutrient-rich foods for the local food system. The “radicle” in their name refers to the primary root that reaches down and anchors the seedling. As they put it, this “represents the youthful energy and passion that we put into growing food for our community.”

This connection to the local community is what resonates so strongly with us. You can always find Radicle Roots selling at the Snohomish Farmers Market, and their produce is always exquisite: vibrant Rainbow Chard, leafy Claytonia Miner’s Lettuce, crispy Baby Bok Choy, Spinach, Green Garlic and so much more. On a spring day, you might even be lucky enough to try one of their Hakurei Turnips, which are sweet enough to eat raw—a delight we experienced when visiting the farm! Like them, our local MilkRun team is just as passionate about creating relationships with our customers through the amazing food grown in our region.

We’re so happy to know that farms like this can be such a boon to their communities. If you’re ever in the Snohomish area, stop by to see what Farmer James and his crew are up to. Of course, being a small farm means there’s only so much Radicle Roots produce we can get our hands on, but it’s always a treat to be working with them, so keep an eye out for their truly “rad” offerings in your local produce subscription!