I have been a proponent of organic and sustainable growing since I was very young. My grandparents were interested in the concept of organics and as a child, when I spent time with them, I had access to books on growing things in this manner as well as a very nifty little magazine titled "Rodale's Organic Gardening". At an early age, my interest was also piqued.
Growing up in the 60's, I also developed a strong social conscience. Reading "The Silent Spring", by Rachel Carson, influenced my care and concern for the Earth and what was happening to it because of irresponsibility on the part of corporations. Love Canal, Three Mile Island, Chernobyl and other man made disasters served to strengthen my resolve to try to make a difference in the world and I have spent much of my adult life striving to do just that. I have tried to live as sustainably and organically as possibly for the last 40+ years and will continue to do so until I am not longer able.
For the last 11 years, I have made my living solely as an organic grower. Along with my husband, we operated the first certified farm in central North Carolina (under the NOP). When we started there were only a tiny handful of local organic growers in our demographic. We began with a tiny 1000 square foot plot and expanded it to 17 certified acres in less than 3 years. Diversity of crops, heirloom and open pollinated varieties and ethnic rarities were specialties at our farm. We marketed our produce via a circuit of farmer's markets and via a CSA.
I have watched the local food economy catch hold and begin to grow and flourish over the last 5 years. Having lived on the West Coast, in an area where local organic food was prevalent and readily accessible, returning to an area where this was not the case was disappointing at first. But actions speak louder than words. By becoming involved in filling the gap where locally grow, organic food was missing we turned it into not only a livelihood but a mission.
Social responsibility and good stewardship are not just evidenced by taking care of the land. Spreading information and helping to educate consumers about the importance of eating from and supporting a strong, clean, healthy community food system has always been a prime component of what our operation is all about. By working to create an exemplary organic farm, we taught by example what can be achieved with sound principles, bio-ethical farm practices. For me, being a living example of what you can do is paramount.
My husband died in early 2010. After his death, I was forced to move, so I no longer have the big organic farm. However, I am in the process of re-establishing a small operation that I can handle on my own. It is my fervent hope to work in this location to build its local food economy. The seeds are planted and the wheels are turning and I plan on being a driving force in strengthening the connection between the food and the people.
