W When we first met farmers Hugh and Lisa Kent, we weren’t able to share their stories. It was just too dangerous to their business for them to speak openly. And that was hard because they have amazing stories. Inspiring and painful stories. Stories that make your blood boil. Stories that make you smile. Stories that reveal how little our food system values independent family farmers. Stories about racketeering and crooked berry brokers, agricultural consolidation, and corporate power. The world of certified organic blueberries has changed dramatically in the last 7 years, much like the world of organic tomatoes.
And for the same reason.
They also wanted to support an endangered way of farming.
The Hydroponic Invasion. Berries grown hydroponically are cheaper to produce.
But getting those berries through the supply chain proved to be almost impossible.
No care of the soil is required. No cover cropping, mulching, or composting. Less grower skill is required, as all pots of coconut husks are created the same - just add fertilizer. In 2019, Hugh spoke at the first Dartmouth Real Organic Symposium. 200 people left the audience wanting to buy his berries.
The system was rigged by the biggest players.
If Real Organic Project can’t help operations like King Grove Organic Farm stay viable, we have failed. We are all worse off if Hugh and Lisa’s thoughtfully stewarded, humus-building 20 acres are paved over for just another development.
Or covered with plastic to become another hydroponic factory.
They wanted to eat real food.
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