With our series At the Market, we’re highlighting some of our favorite farmers market vendors from the Nashville area.
You can grow a whole lot of food on just an acre or so of land, and Una Acre Farm is proof of that. The organic Madison farm, run by husband-and-wife duo Tonya and Michael Bradford, grows enough produce on 1.25 acres to sell at two different farmers markets, distribute in CSA boxes and supply food to local restaurants.
Tonya was a chef and Michael worked in business development and digital media in New York City before they eventually ended up in Nashville and started the farm in 2019. Both were ready to leave the fast pace of the city for a more rural area — they point out that they’ve since had tomato patches as large as their Manhattan apartment.
Tonya took an interest in farming, and after moving to Nashville she worked with locals like Lost Weekend Farms and Sugar Camp Farm before starting her own operation.
“It’s not a competitive spirit — we’re not out to outsell each other,” says Tonya. “Truly we are there to help other people, and pivot and brainstorm ideas. That’s something that I’ve never really had, especially in the restaurant world in New York, where it can be really cutthroat.”
At Una Acre Farm, the Bradfords prioritize practices like covering crops and planting flowers to divert insects, spraying only organic-approved pest deterrents when it’s absolutely necessary. They’ve learned a lot through trial and error, and after breaking her foot this year, Tonya’s major lesson has been “letting go of perfection and control.”
“It’s her company, I’m just trying to get an employee-of-the-month parking spot every month,” jokes Michael. Tonya notes that he is in fact a co-owner and has been picking up the slack on the farm while her foot heals.
Both put in hard work and long hours to grow everything from strawberries and fennel to tomatoes, broccoli and more. Tonya also sells items like jams and salsas. You can find Una Acre at the 12South and Amqui Station farmers markets, and check out their website for information on CSA boxes and recipes.
