Our Local Connections

Being part of the local farming community is a joy for us. Over the past few years, one of our main objectives has been to cultivate culinary lavender and promote it as a unique herb. Initially, we faced challenges in selling lavender to the public, but introducing it in chocolate proved to be an excellent way to entice people to give it a try. Since we embarked on this venture, we've expanded our range of culinary lavender products, and it continues to grow. Our approach to lavender farming is different; we view it as a comprehensive agricultural endeavor rather than just a typical u-pick farm. This perspective has underscored the importance of building connections within our community.

At J & C Local Farms, we focus not only on lavender but also on producing various herbs and crops that reflect our passion for farming.

Our home is on a picturesque 38-acre pasture, surrounded by creeks and trees along a remote dirt road, showcasing an untouched natural landscape. The land is alive with native wildlife and diverse plants, including goldenrod, blackberries, elderberries, and other indigenous trees. In the background, you can hear the sounds of cows mooing, chickens clucking, and a few dogs barking. The sunrises and sunsets paint the skies in breathtaking colors that are truly mesmerizing. It's as if we live in a dome encircled by nature.

In one section of our farm, we've planted fruit trees, while the back area is dedicated to our growing culinary lavender fields. Once we started expanding our farm, building community networks became the next step in our growth. We began with Sweet Grown Alabama to strengthen our ties within the farming community. We also recognized the importance of Homegrown for Heroes, given my husband's transition from military retirement to active duty. Furthermore, we connected with the Women’s Economic Development Council (WEDC) to support woman-owned businesses, and we reached out to the Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network (ASAN). In 2025, we branched out to The Farm Food Collaborative, which operates out of the Food Bank of North Alabama since September 2014. The mission of the Collaborative is to cultivate a robust local food system that supports thriving family farms, a strong economy, and a healthy population. We are committed to deepening our connections with this program. Our primary objective this year is to advance our Natural Certified program within the farming community. Achieving this certification is definitely on my bucket list for 2026! So, stay tuned because we’re just getting started.