I was recently asked to help a student preparing for the FFA Creed competition. For those of you unfamiliar with the FFA Creed, the five paragraph promise begins with the words, "I believe in the future of agriculture." One of the most popular questions judges ask, "Is there a future for agriculture?" After my recent visit to the easter panhandle, the answer is, YES...West Virginia Agriculture is still "growing" strong! On Monday, I had the priviledge of visiting Mock Greenhouse to shadow Derek Richard, WVDA-Marketing & Development, while doing his GAP audit take place. Mock's Greenhouse currently produces lettuces, water cress, herbs, tomatoes, and other products. The most impressive part...this is a hydroponic operation. Mock's Greenhouse markets to many retailers, as well as farmer's markets. Paul Mock is also a big promoter of the local foods movement. In fact, he is actually expanding to add 8 more greenhouses and a high tunnel to his operation. With this new expansion, it will be adding to his list of crops. He plans to grow cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, and red raspberries. If all goes as planned, his high tunnel raspberries will be Certified Organic. He is also experimenting with growing Certified Organic ginger. This is an impressive operation, and I encourage everyone to buy locally and watch for the Mock's Greenhouse label!
LOOKING FOR MOCK'S GREENHOUSE PRODUCTS? VISIT THE INWOOD FARMER'S MARKET! MENTION THIS BLOG AND SAVE 10% OF YOUR MOCK'S GREENHOUSE PRODUCTS AT THE INWOOD MARKET!
No comments:
Post a Comment