DURHAM, NC – [September 9, 2024] – Lady Moon Farms, the East Coast’s premier organic grower based in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and Happy Dirt, a leading organic grower and shipper based in Durham, North Carolina, are excited to announce a new strategic partnership. This collaboration marks a significant step for both organizations as they work together to expand their reach and impact within the organic produce industry.
Under the new partnership, Happy Dirt will assist Lady Moon Farms in business development and sales efforts. With their comprehensive experience and robust network within the organic produce community, Happy Dirt will work to strategically grow areas of Lady Moon Farms’ business that have historically been under-represented, whether regionally or by store type. By leveraging Happy Dirt’s expertise and regional presence, Lady Moon Farms can continue to focus on their long-term goals of sustainable growth.
“We are extremely excited and honored to partner with Lady Moon Farms on their new sales and business development,” said Pat Bayor, Vice President of Sales and Purchasing for Happy Dirt. “Lady Moon has been a leader in organic farming and quality on the East Coast since 1988, and their values and mission align closely with ours. We look forward to helping them continue their growth and reach new markets.”
This new arrangement will not affect Lady Moon Farms’ existing customers, or its relationships developed through other networks.
Lady Moon Farms is renowned for its commitment to real organic and family farming, as well as quality organic produce. While they have grown to support more regions along the East Coast, the company still operates as a small family-owned farm.
“Happy Dirt’s core values and ethos closely align with those of Lady Moon Farms’,” Anaïs Beddard, Vice President of Lady Moon Farms, said about the choice to partner with Happy Dirt. “They put a significant amount of value on the local organic food movement, while recognizing none of it is possible without family farmers. Sharing these beliefs will make for a mutually beneficial partnership for both organizations.”
Happy Dirt, known for its dedication to supporting small to mid-sized farms, grows over 60 different commodities annually in collaboration with its 16 farmer-owners and farmer-partners. The partnership with Lady Moon Farms will enable Happy Dirt to offer year-round organic programs across the East Coast and beyond, further solidifying its position as a key player in the organic produce industry.
The relationship between Lady Moon Farms and Happy Dirt has been ongoing for years, working together to positively impact the regional food system.
“We have known Happy Dirt since they were called Eastern Carolina Organics,” Beddard said. “Over the past five years, we’ve developed a strong relationship. We’ve gotten to know their team well and have witnessed each other’s growth. This partnership represents a significant opportunity to build on that foundation and sustainably reach new heights.”
Sandi Kronick, Co-Founder and CEO of Happy Dirt, praised Lady Moon Farms, saying, “I first met the amazing folks behind Lady Moon Farms back in 2004, when we were just getting our hands dirty building an organic produce supply chain in North Carolina. It’s been inspiring to see how they have grown in impact and acreage over the years, while not compromising their integrity and commitment to the values of true, homegrown organic farming.”
Kronick also highlighted the significance of Lady Moon Farms’ successful generational transition, a critical achievement in the face of the growing challenges of organic land loss and farmer transitions. “As Happy Dirt expands its farmer network beyond North Carolina, we couldn’t ask for a better fit than the great folks and amazing product from Lady Moon,” she added.
This partnership underscores both companies’ dedication to the regional organic food movement and the vital role of family farmers in sustaining it. By joining forces, Lady Moon Farms and Happy Dirt are well-positioned to continue growing the organic farming industry and bringing fresh, high-quality produce to more customers across the East Coast.
For more information or to schedule interviews please contact Taylor Meadows at [email protected].
About Lady Moon Farms
Founded in 1988, Lady Moon Farms is a second-generation family business dedicated to 100% organic farming. They grow a diverse range of vegetables, including lettuce, greens, herbs, cabbage, peppers, tomatoes, squash, and eggplant. With farms in Florida and Pennsylvania, Lady Moon Farms ensures consistent, high-quality produce year-round, shipping 52 weeks a year. Sustainability, integrity, and a commitment to family values are at the heart of their operation, with over 87% of their team having been with them for more than five years.
About Happy Dirt
Happy Dirt, an organic grower, packer, and shipper based in Durham, NC, is a Certified B Corporation dedicated to economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Founded in 2004 by Sandi Kronick with support from the NC Tobacco Trust Fund, the company has helped farmers expand organic production from 3-5 acres to over 400 acres, paying over $50 million to farmers. It is farmer-and-staff owned, with 16 farmer-owners and two staff-owners, and partners with over 140 farms nationwide to strengthen regional food systems.
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