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The Harvest Farm |
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Seventeen farmworkers planted 12 acres of blueberry plants in less than three weeks. Two semi-trailers arrived at Harvest Farm on May 1, 2000 loaded with 18,000 blueberry plants. After unloading, the men formed teams of four and began the long and arduous task of setting each plant in the ground. Florence and Dick Nogaj supplied lunch to share with those workers who agreed to give up their Sunday in order to finish planting. Preparation work began in January 2000, when a state of the art irrigation system was installed after the farmland was completely cleared and laser leveled. The land was contoured to accommodate 3 rows of plants in each "bed," that was then separated by a swale for water control. Dr. Thomas Obreza, Associate Professor of Soil and Water Science at the University of Florida IFAS Center in Immokalee, Florida, has been experimentally growing blueberries in south Florida since 1994. Dick and Florence have worked closely with Dr. Obreza and his staff who guide Harvest Farm employees in technical production techniques to insure a bountiful blueberry harvest. In the spring of 2001, Harvest Farm employees planted 36,000 additional blueberry plants. With a total of 36 acres in blueberries we now have the largest blueberry farm in South Florida! Harvest Blueberries Sold Locally in a Test Market
Two specialty grocers in Naples, Florida, Oakes Organics and Wynn's, purchased Harvest Blueberries from late March through the middle of May. Our test market was a huge success! These individuals purchased a first rate product and the positive "story" accompanying it. These blueberries were grown in the USA by workers paid a living wage. When given the choice, most consumers will pay a few cents more to purchase food that is not produced at the expense of other individuals. March 2002 will be the first commercial blueberry harvest for Harvest Farm. We are already negotiating with national retailers who consider the socially conscience aspect an important part of the product sale. We will continue to have a sales presence in the local market area. |
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Harvest for Humanity experienced a small commercial harvest of blueberries in the Spring of 2001. We decided to try a test market of our product in the local area. We created a Harvest Blueberries label with an accompanying bookmark type brochure explaining the Harvest Farm concept, the miraculous health benefits of blueberries, and the living wage campaign.
