Our founding Idea: Focus on food not feed

Chesapeake Fields Farmers, LLC was created in 2003 by our founding organization, Chesapeake Fields Institute (CFI), a non-profit organization, concerned with saving our farmlands.

Based on early feasibility studies, CFI determined that enhancing profitability for farmers could be achieved by capturing a greater share of the consumer’s dollar. And greater share meant involving farmers in all aspects of the food creation chain.

As a for-profit entity, Chesapeake Fields Farmers, LLC (CFF) was launched to act upon this research, focusing in on the development, manufacturing and marketing of consumer food products. Our organization is partnered with community members as investors who we believe have a strong interest in preserving the “sense of place” agriculture creates in our Chesapeake region and who will support Chesapeake Fields in its mission of improving the financial health of the Delmarva agribusiness sector."

Our Mission: Develop wholesome foods that taste great

With this support we have now launched a line of artisan breads, soy snacks and popcorn using Identity Preserved (IP) crops sourced from our regional network of farmers, the Chesapeake Farmers Cooperative. A great deal of research has been conducted by the President and Director of Operations, Dr. Joseph Bauer, to create wholesome food products with nutritional assets that also have the appeal of gourmet flavorings.

Our Approach: Create unique product attributes

CFF works closely with CFI to develop cultivars that most effectively produce product attributes desired by the consumer.

Seeds and grains are tested to withstand various food preparation methods, from blanching to soaking, to roasting. As they are shaped into products for the consumer, they are analyzed for their ability to withstand the manufacturing process while maintaining qualities important for freshness and shelf-life. In this process, CFF has made some innovative product development discoveries. For example, ongoing research with the University of Maryland Nutritional Laboratory has helped to identify a wheat variety conducive to optimum bread baking.

Our Brand: Establish a quality brand

We are in the process of establishing the Chesapeake Fields Brand: "Wholesome Foods - Identity Preserved - Regionally Produced" combining the quality and security of our regional Identity Preservation (IP) farming methods with wholesome ingredients and delicious taste. Distribution is regional but will expand as the brand grows.