Recently, a vandal defaced Farmer Jawn, a 123-acre farm in West Chester, by spray painting a large swastika on a barn floor, according to farm workers and local police.
The farm’s founder, Christa Barfield, revealed that the antisemitic symbol was discovered by the livestock manager on the property on Tuesday, Aug. 6. Westtown-East Goshen police were then called to the scene at 1023 Westtown Road two days later, and the investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
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Barfield expressed her dismay in an Instagram post, stating that this was the “second hate crime against Farmer Jawn this year.” The first incident involved racial slurs being written on the barn’s walls in May.
“This hateful symbol has no place in our world, and we are deeply saddened that such an act has taken place at our farm again—a place where we strive to grow love, unity, and respect regeneratively and organically,” she wrote. “We cannot and will not allow hate to take root here. Our team, made up of amazing people from diverse backgrounds, deserves to feel safe and respected. We’re taking immediate action to stand against this hate alongside key partners and community members.”
To combat the hate, the farm will launch a community campaign featuring yard signs that read, “Only Love Grows at Farmer Jawn.” Additionally, a special pop-up event will be hosted on Saturday, Aug. 24, to promote community, education, and solidarity.
Farmer Jawn first began leasing the land in West Chester from Westtown School in 2023. Prior to this partnership, the farm was primarily based in Elkins Park, with its origins rooted in Barfield’s backyard garden in Germantown.
Known for its community-supported agriculture program and farm market, Farmer Jawn is recognized as the largest Black woman-owned, regenerative, organic produce farm in America. Barfield’s mission to provide organic food to underserved communities has garnered praise, with her recent James Beard Award for emerging leadership.
While Westtown-East Goshen police declined further comment on the incident, the community is rallying behind Farmer Jawn to combat hate and spread love.
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