Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm Recognized for Sustainability Efforts
Frederick County Government recognized Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm for our sustainability efforts as part of their 2026 Sustainability Awards.
Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm has been engaged in sustainable agriculture in Middletown, MD since 2019 farming 7 acres of our 11-acre property; we think of it as partnering with the environment. In 2025, we grew and sold 4,500 pounds of fruits and vegetables, primarily through our on-farm summer Saturday markets where locals and community visitors purchased 35+ types of fruits and vegetables.
We have been continuously nourishing the soil since 2019 when we spent our first year here converting the farm from traditional to sustainable agriculture. Throughout each year, we plant cover crops (buckwheat, winter wheat, clover, and peas) and tillage radish, bring in organic matter from local farms (cow, sheep, and horse manure), rotate and grow diverse crops, refrain from using chemicals, and row-till only so we can keep as much soil undisturbed as possible.
Pea cover crop end of season 2025 Soil amendments waiting for spreading (cow poo) Row till, drip tape, cover crop March 2026
We started an orchard in 2020 which now has 500 trees and a permanent meadow area. The trees are a mix of peach, nectarine, plum, apple, pear, cherry, and apricot trees plus some oak trees with truffle inoculated on the roots. When we purchased the property, this field was originally planted in soybeans using traditional agricultural methods.
Tractor in orchard field in 2019 before it had trees Tree tubes showing first 100 trees planted in 2020 Apple trees at sunset in 2024 A maturing orchard in July 2026
In 2022, Mark Mills and Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm joined the founding cohort of the Soil & Climate Initiative, a program of the Soil & Climate Alliance. In 2025, Mark, lead farmer and co-owner at Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm, was recognized as using advanced regenerative practices, helping SCI build their verification standards, and serving as an important peer mentor. See article here: https://www.thepacker.com/news/sustainability/new-farmers-partner-regenerative-ag
In addition to maintaining sustainable practices, we educate people about the types and importance of sustainable agriculture practices through our blogs, website, and at the market. You can see some of our sustainable practices in more detail in these blogs:
Thank you to Frederick County for their recognition. And, an even bigger thank you to the hundreds of people who purchase produce from the farm each year. We appreciate the commitment to small, regenerative agriculture!
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