Bruce Kaufman and Judy Jarvis owned and operated Riverside Farm in East Hardwick Vermont. They farmed for over 30 years, 20 of those as certified organic, producing for a CSA, their farmstand, farmers markets, local retail and restaurant sales, and wholesale through Deep Root. They also contributed to food banks and food shelves. They farmed approximately 20 acres of their 180-acre diversified farm, with close attention to the health of the soil and the health of their community.
Bruce grew up in Yonkers, New York, and got into farming and composting early. He first became an organic farmer in New Hampshire, and then later Vermont, working with pioneers of the organic movement. He worked with the founder of NOFA Samuel Kaymen, and with Joey Klein at LIttlewood Farm. He then started his own farm, Riverside Farm, in East Hardwick. He was one of the many early organic farmers who took over abandoned dairy farms for their rich soil.
Bruce was a founding member of Deep Root in 1985, and was an active member till his passing. Not only in shipping veg throughout the year, but serving on the board, guiding the co-op in the purchase of land and building of the dock facility, and serving as treasurer.
Bruce loved skiing and spent every winter on the slopes as much as possible. When he got his first cellphone, he realized he was able to ride the lift but still look at financial documents and make plans with the bookkeeper at Deep Root.
Even as he scaled down his farming operations in later years, Riverside remained a central part of the Hardwick and wider Vermont communities, coaching new growers, participating in the farmers market, and hosting a yearly plant sale. Bruce and Judy would also grow food for themselves in their greenhouses year-round, including a fig tree and a persimmon tree. As organic became more mainstream in the 2010s, Bruce was among many Vermont farm activists who fought to keep the integrity of the organic label and protect the soil.
Even after Bruce was diagnosed with cancer, he continued to farm and be an active part of his community. Riverside Farm had major crop losses in both 2023 and 2024, in historic flooding events, which affected so many farmers and producers in Vermont. He not only continued farming, but also spoke with elected officials and the press about the challenges of climate change. He gave great support to Deep Root during this time, and also to other member farms, including his long-time friend and skiing pal Tony Lehboullier at Foote Brook Farm.
Bruce passed in July of 2025. Deep Root started a fund in his name to support new member farms. Judy held a huge memorial at the farm for him. People brought food, played music, and shared stories of Bruce on a beautiful summer day. His body now rests on the property at Riverside Farm, which is still in the family.
