The Fern

The Food & Environment Reporting Network (FERN) is a pioneering nonprofit newsroom dedicated to exploring the complex intersections of food, agriculture, and environmental health. Founded in September 2010 and launched in January 2011, FERN was created by Samuel Fromartz, Tom Laskawy, Naomi Starkman, and Paula Crossfield to address gaps in investigative reporting on the food system. Its mission is to make the food system more equitable, sustainable, and transparent through rigorous, multi-format journalism that reaches national and regional audiences. FERN’s reporting spans the entire food supply chain, from farms and feedlots to the consumer’s plate, highlighting the consequences of agricultural practices, corporate concentration, systemic inequities, and environmental impacts. By partnering with major outlets such as The New York Times, Bloomberg, NPR, and The Washington Post, FERN amplifies stories that illuminate vulnerabilities, expose inefficiencies, and showcase sustainable solutions. The organization emphasizes “projects” rather than isolated stories, ensuring that issues receive sustained, multi-platform coverage that can influence public discourse and policy. FERN’s journalism has directly impacted government actions on topics ranging from toxic chemicals and child labor to COVID-19-related food system challenges. Its work has been recognized with National Magazine Award nominations, James Beard Media Awards, and SPJ awards. Committed to elevating marginalized voices, FERN combines investigative rigor with innovative storytelling, shaping a more informed, engaged, and empowered public.