Vendor Spotlight: Maan Farms

How do you ensure that your berries are grown sustain-ably, to prevent any negative impacts to the environment?

We practice Non-Organic IPM:

People ask me, “are these organic”?

It can be confusing to hear that a farm is not organic, through media exposure over the years general consumers have come to associate organic with more sustainable, healthy, and over all a “better option”. But is that even #true?

It is first important to note that organic pesticides, even though derived from organic compounds are not necessarily safer than synthetic pesticides. They can be just as toxic. And also Research Studies have proven that Organic is not more #nutritious than Non-Organic fruit! #Google it.

We use both organic and #synthetic pesticides. But for organic only growers they can not use synthetic pesticides. And if they were to use non-organic sprays, they would not be able to legally

sell as Certified Organic. Thus, they have to reapply the same Pesticide over and over again in one season as they don’t have any other option!
This reapplication builds up #resistance and it means that organic farmers will have to apply more of the same Pesticide for it to be effective. Thus, organic farmers have lower #yields per acre and feed less people but charge more money! What’s sustainable in that?

Practicing IPM and farming the way we do, means we are able to feed more #families per acre at a lower cost and are #healthier for the environment (more sustainable).

Positives of Non-Organic IPM:
1️⃣ we spray less often
2️⃣ we are more Sustainable because we don’t build resistance, and thus future farmers for decades to come don’t have to deal with super bugs!
3️⃣ we have higher yields per acre, meaning that we can feed more families per acre, making us more Sustainable for a family farm to be successful.
4️⃣ we’re less costly than organic, because we don’t have to charge ridiculous amounts to compensate for the reduced yield!

What differentiates berries from Maan Farms from those in the grocery store?

Transparency, I share all of my growing practices on our Instagram and Facebook. People should know about how their food has been grown!

Favorite things about growing up on a farm?

It never gets boring. Mother nature keeps us on our toes and being a destination farm we have opportunity to work in many different industries.

What do you enjoy the most about selling at farmers markets?

Educating people about how food is grown in our community. We want to be able to answer all of your questions and this is a great way for us to get some one on one time with each other at our booth.

 

Why is growing local important to you?

Growing local means that we get to feed thousands of people but we also employ about 150 people every year. Most of these are students that some have gone on and completed their education to become lawyers, doctors and teachers in our community. This Butterfly effect is the reason why we as a family try to buy everything as local as possible. We know that this cycle of supporting other local businesses helps strengthen our home where we live and helps create a strong future from generations to come.