Chris Newman is a farmer, land protector, and an outspoken evangelist of ecological, economic, and social sustainability in food. He’s garnered both criticism and praise for advocating a moderate, pragmatic approach to sustainable food systems that recognizes the complementary roles of both ecological farming and technological innovation; frank discussions of the intersection of race and agriculture; and blunt, unsparing criticism of the “clean food” movement’s often-elitist values and aversion to self-reflection.

An enrolled member of the Choptico band of the Piscataway Indians, the former software engineer started farming when his wife insisted he abandon his tech career following a health scare. Today, Newman sells his pastured eggs, poultry and meats from his farm, Sylvanaqua, at five farmers markets, retail establishments, and restaurants.