WTF Is Happening at Johnson's Backyard Garden?

We heard rumors, you know? Of trouble at Johnson's Backyard Garden. Of the sort of antics that would give even Hunter Thompson pause. (And, certainly, JBG is no longer at the local Farmers Markets, and all their home deliveries have ceased.) But we don't report rumors, of course, so we reached out.

How you gonna keep 'em down on the farm when the farm is up in the air?

We reached out, and we've yet to get a response from JBG owner Brenton Johnson. But we do have this statement (a very careful statement) from the "collective ex-employees" of that local farming and delivery operation, that CSA. Regardez:

"We, the collective ex-employees of Johnson's Backyard Garden, regret to inform our beloved community in Austin and beyond that several of us were abruptly fired and the rest of us found it necessary to resign from our jobs at JBG due to unsafe working conditions. In the interest of personal privacy we won't go into those conditions, but we would instead like to express our gratitude for being able to serve Austin and the greater Central Texas community for so long and to express our desire to find a way to continue to do so in the future.

"Now more than ever we see the importance of local farmers, farmer's markets, community supported agriculture, and sustainable and equitable farming practices. We encourage everyone reading this to continue to engage with, promote, and support all local agriculture. Go to those markets, subscribe to those CSAs! For our numerous concerned customers who have been left in the dark these last few weeks, we share your disappointment. However, since we no longer work for the farm we cannot fill, amend, refund, or change any existing orders in any way. All questions and concerns about the farm can be sent to the owner, Brenton Johnson, at brenton@jbgorganic.com

"Whether we are able to one day work the same land under safe and cooperative conditions, or we are able to acquire funding to start something new, or we branch out onto different paths, we look forward to continuing our holistic agricultural journey with the greater Austin community. If you would like to reach out to us or support us in any way, we welcome you to write us at, ATXFarmFriends@gmail.com."

You got that? We wish the best to all involved in this, ah, unfortunate situation. And we'll be sure to keep you informed as the story continues.