Behind the rise of farm-to-table "agrihood" communities

ASHBURN, Va. -- It's a beautiful day in the "agrihood" – neighborhoods built around farms. Neighbors can work on fully-functional community farms and bring fresh produce home.

It might look like work, but for some kids, picking bushels of blackberries and ripe tomatoes is the perfect way to spend a summer day on the farm.

Their harvest soon becomes lunch, reports CBS News correspondent Chip Reid. 

"We are going to have an awesome tomato and cucumber salad," Willowsford Farm culinary director Bonnie Moore said.

"Ohhh, that sounds good!" one child responded.

That's what Moore loves to hear. 

She has introducing the kids to the 300 acres of working farmland right in their backyard. With those 300 acres and 2,000 acres left for conservation, it's one of the largest agrihoods in the country. 
 
It's part of a rising trend in housing, with over 200 agrihoods across the nation. From Dallas, Texas, to outside of Atlanta, Georgia, even inner city Detroit and Southern California, they're bringing families back to a more rural life.

"Why do you think this is a booming idea for how to live?" Reid asked.

"People want to know where their food comes from," Moore said. "I think parents want to know what their kids are eating and they want their kids to be able to identify their food."

The farm-grown food is also a source of pride.

"I just feel like proud that I know I grew it, I picked it, and now I get to cut it and eat it," Nicole said.

And it's not just about growing veggies. They're also managing the land – and no lawnmower is as much fun as a herd of goats.

The kids know Deborah Dramby as Farmer Deb. She's an expert on goats, healthy eating and the importance of getting outside in nature.

"Remember when you were out of school because you spent the summer working on a farm, right? … And instead of being inside and on a device playing a video game about farming, or you know whatever exists, they can actually come and do it," Dramby said.
 
For the goats to do their job, the kids have to do theirs – making sure they have fresh water. Unlike veggies, the goats give back.

"You get to hug animals and you get to take care of them, and that's really satisfying," David said.

"This could have been a golf course, but it's not. It is a farm, it way better," Moore said, adding, "It's so much more interactive… They want their families to identify with something that's real. Real food, real farm."

Melissa Miller said her children love being off their phones and video games and on the farm.

"It's just so exciting. They're seeing where their food's coming from and they are having a healthier lifestyle because of it and I think they will agree it's so fresh," Miller said.

It's literally farm to table – and the benefits go beyond food.

"Just the peaceful nature. We all have stressful lives with work and families and friends, but just to drive down the street you kind of have your ahh moment," Miller said.