Chris Covelli found his way into farming through his interests in plants, weather and natural systems. For the past 19 years, Covelli has been trying to make a living growing vegetables on his 12-acre Tomato Mountain Farm, south of Madison.

It hasn’t been easy. He’s juggling a lot — raising vegetables for a CSA, farmers’ markets, stores, and making jarred salsas, soups and sauces. But that’s not the biggest challenge.

“It is super hard to make money. Food is not particularly valued,” Covelli said. “To have it support itself is the biggest challenge. Look what you’re competing against.”

At the same time as he’s trying to master the art of growing certain vegetables, like carrots, tomatoes and lettuces, Covelli is trying to educate consumers about the importance of buying local.

“Keep the money in our economy and get to know who you buy your food from. Supporting the local economy replaces the 5,000-mile-away economy,” Covelli said. “Supporting the local economy, for economic and social reasons, makes the community stronger.”

You can find Tomato Mountain Farm products at your favorite Outpost.