For more than three decades, Steve Smith has been stationed about 20 miles due south of Carbondale growing fruits and vegetables on about 16 acres of low-lying land - or a “hollow” as it‘s sometimes called.

He keeps about five of the 16 total acres of that land in production, growing a wide variety of mostly vegetables using sustainable methods free of synthetic chemicals and fertilizers.

Steve can be found at the Carbondale Farmers' Market on occasion, but his main market is a CSA, which is now in its second year.

Like many farmers of his ecological ilk, Smith recognizes first and foremost the importance of his soil in growing the freshest, tastiest and heartiest produce possible. Smith’s relationship to the land is deep and probably difficult for many people to relate to. Over the years, he has become something of a connoisseur of compost and developed a keen sense of the soil that could be best described as simply … metaphysical.

Steve professes a profound sense of knowing and feeling good soil when he’s around it - like a painter, musician or other artist who has spent years mastering the nuances of his or her particular craft.

Perhaps most importantly to Steve, however, is that people get involved with growing good food directly.

“More than anything what I think is that people have to look at themselves and turn around and grow something,” he said. “More people need to be involved in growing their own food.”