How did the pandemic change your farm’s business model?
Our farm was poised to shift toward produce production in fall 2019, and COVID-19 helped nudge Jody and me to embrace diversification sooner rather than later. The pandemic greatly intensified our community’s interest in buying local and knowing the origin of their food. We knew our family farm could meet this need. We live in one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina, and these newcomers believe in supporting family farms and appreciate the commitment our family has made to feed the community from Brunswick County soil. We have repurposed our tobacco transplant greenhouses for produce production and we now grow strawberries, peas, greens and other seasonal vegetables on multiple fields nearby.
The new endeavor into produce production has opened the door for our children to take active roles in contributing to the longevity of our fourth-generation farm. We added a retail market that bears a name and motto signifying our mission and commitment: “Heritage Fresh Market – Where Farming is a Family Thing.” The pandemic has posed many challenges, but through faith and perseverance, God has worked it all together for good.
About the Farmer: Lauren and Jody Clemmons operate a 1,500-acre farm and sell their produce at Heritage Fresh Market in Brunswick County. Jody serves on his county Farm Bureau board, as well as on the State Board of Directors.
See more: Ask a Farmer: Why Farming?
