Farmer Lee Jones always wears his trademark overalls and red bowtie as a symbol of his commitment to regenerative agricultural practices. Ever since the early days of The Chef’s Garden’s creation over thirty-five years ago, he has remained tirelessly committed to not only ensuring that the family’s three-hundred-acre farm remains one of the most innovative and pioneering in the world, but to fostering a nuanced conversation with the chefs in our industry who look to the farm to grow vegetables that are as aesthetically pleasing on the plate as they are flavorful to the palate. He is devoutly committed to the chefs he works with in all corners of the world and takes great pride in the relationships he has with the people who have become his mentors, guiding light, and inspiration. These are the bonds that have inspired the highest quality, most flavorful, and extraordinary vegetables in the world—and for Farmer Lee Jones, every day promises a new opportunity to connect with the chefs who have helped to make the farm the pioneering leader in regenerative agriculture that it is today.
Using regenerative farming techniques, the team at The Chef’s Garden farms in harmony with Mother Nature for healthy soil, healthy crops, healthy people, and a healthy planet. Crops grown in this healthy soil have the maximum of flavor and nutrition. The farm has its own cutting-edge agricultural research lab, which was the brainchild of Farmer’s Lee’s father, Bob, Sr. Through our research, we confirmed that our flavorful, farm-fresh vegetables have 300 to 600 percent more in nutrients than the USDA baseline—results that have been independently verified.
Farmer Lee Jones works alongside brother Bob Jr. on the farm—and both of them are inspired daily by what they learned from their father, Bob, Sr., who was affectionately known as Mr. Bob. This in turn allows them to inspire The Chef’s Garden team to perpetually discover innovative ways to become more sustainable while at the same time producing the highest quality ingredients possible. He is committed to rediscovering, saving, and telling the stories of the unique heirloom products that are grown on the farm. Farmer Lee considers every person on the farm team members of his extended family. He loves spending time with his wife Mary, walking in the woods with his beloved Golden Retrievers, fishing in Lake Erie, and caring for his team of Belgian horses. Here’s more about Farmer Lee.
Farmer Lee Jones is an in-demand speaker and expert on regenerative agriculture and has presented at national and international conferences and seminars, including at The Culinary Institute of America’s Greystone Flavor Summit, The American Culinary Federation’s National Convention, the Women Chefs and Restaurateurs National Conference, and Chef Raymond Blanc’s American Food Revolution in Oxford, England. He was honored to receive the James Beard Foundation’s award for Who’s Who in Food & Beverage, making him one of the first farmers to receive it. In addition, Farmer Lee:
He can’t reveal which vegetable is his favorite. That would be like having to name your favorite child. (You can try asking him! He’ll never commit to just one.)