about the organic farm
Founded in 1988 by her parents, Tom and Chris, Lady Moon Farms began with a commitment to growing healthy soil and nutrient-rich organic food. Anaïs grew up immersed in this mission, watching her family build one of the largest organic vegetable farms on the East Coast.
After a career in finance, Anaïs returned to the farm in 2015 and took over operations in 2020. Today, she oversees nearly 3,000 acres of biologically rich soil, ensuring fresh, organic produce year-round. Lady Moon Farms has always been about more than just food—it’s about sustainability, worker support, and feeding communities with integrity. Under Anaïs’ leadership, that mission continues to thrive.
We’re proud to partner with Lady Moon Farms and excited to share more about Anaïs’ journey and vision for the future of organic farming!
"My dad didn’t believe in spraying dangerous chemicals on food that he would then bring home for his children to eat, so organic was the only way to grow."
When and why did you choose to step into your family’s organic farm business?
I decided to return to the farm full-time in 2015—a big decision that changed the trajectory of my life. At the time, I was working in finance in the wine and spirits industry in San Francisco. My father never expected any of his children to take over the farm and wanted me to be sure it was the right decision. He knew firsthand how challenging farming is and how it consumes your entire life. It’s not just a job change; it’s a complete way of life.
I felt a deep commitment to continuing my parents’ legacy and wanted to help ensure Lady Moon’s future success. While I grew up on the farm, my background was in the analytical side of operations rather than hands-on farming. I didn’t fully appreciate the challenges my dad warned me about until I was in the thick of it. Each day brings something new and unexpected, but I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue our stewardship of the land and our commitment to the people who make it all possible.
Why did your family choose to grow organic produce?
From the beginning, my parents chose to grow organically—long before organic farming became what it is today. My dad didn’t believe in spraying dangerous chemicals on food that he would then bring home for his children to eat, so organic was the only way to grow. They were part of the movement as organic farming gained traction and helped shape the ideals outlined in the Organic Food Production Act of 1990. Some of those ideals, like a commitment to farming in healthy soil, have been lost within the USDA, but our beliefs have never changed about what makes organic food better for people and the planet.
"We work to minimize gaps between seasons so our employees have year-round work and our customers have consistent access to Lady Moon farms organic produce."
When it comes to buying organic produce, cost tends to be a barrier for entry for consumers. As the co-owner of an organic farm, how would you explain why organic produce is more expensive than conventional produce?
My number one expense is labor. As a diversified organic vegetable farmer—especially on the East Coast, where frequent rain makes weed control challenging—managing weeds is essential for a successful crop. Many weeds can only be removed by hand, making labor a significant portion of our operating costs. In addition, we must adhere to strict standards for seeds, transplants, fertilizers, and other inputs, all of which must be approved for organic use. These inputs are significantly more expensive than their non-organic counterparts, contributing to the higher cost of organic food. For example, one of the kale seeds we use costs three times more when produced as organic seed compared to untreated seed. Organic farming once had higher net margins, but with the rising costs of production, we are now operating on incredibly thin margins.
What is it like running a farm that has acreage in Florida and in Pennsylvania?
Busy! We never really have a slow season to decompress. During peak season in Florida, we’re planning for Pennsylvania, and during peak season in Pennsylvania, we’re planning for Florida.
What grows best in Pennsylvania and what grows best in Florida?
Over the years, Lady Moon Farms has refined our focus on crops that thrive in both states. Our goal is to grow the same commodities to maximize availability throughout the year. We work to minimize gaps between seasons so our employees have year-round work and our customers have consistent access to Lady Moon Farms organic produce.
"Growing highly nutritious food makes the hard work worthwhile—it’s meaningful work."
What do you love about your work?
The challenges can be exhausting, but each week brings something new, and there’s rarely a moment to get too comfortable. It keeps me on my toes, and I’m never bored. I also love being out in the field, seeing the crops we grow and knowing that both the land and our people are being cared for. Growing highly nutritious food makes the hard work worthwhile—it’s meaningful work.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a farm-owner and how do you face/overcome those challenges?
The uncertainty of the weather and the potential for disaster is incredibly challenging. You can have everything planned perfectly and a great start to the Season only to see it wiped away in a few days because of a hurricane. You really have to learn to let it go and move on. As our costs increase, one weather disaster is the difference between ending in the red or the black so it’s incredibly important that we find ways to gain efficiencies. Single percentage points matter. It’s also scary that we continue to see more frequent and severe storms, we’ve had three major hurricanes impact our farm in the last seven years. In the past we would maybe experience one major hurriacne impact every decade. It gets to a point where you start to wonder how sustainable it is.
"I hope that our country, retailers, and consumers place more emphasis on buying U.S.-grown products rather than prioritizing the lowest price."
What is your hope for the future for farming and what advice do you have for younger folks who are interested in a career in farming?
Farming has always been challenging, but it seems to have become even more difficult over the past ten years. The cost of production has risen, and weather disasters have become more severe. Many consumers don’t fully understand what it takes to farm or the true cost of doing it in a way that benefits both the land and the people.
I hope that our country, retailers, and consumers place more emphasis on buying U.S.-grown products rather than prioritizing the lowest price. We simply can’t compete with Mexican-grown produce on cost alone, so it’s crucial to support and value domestic farmers.
For those interested in farming, there are many great organizations offering resources and training, such as PASA, Rodale Institute, and FOG. I strongly recommend trying an internship or farm apprenticeship before fully committing. It’s one of the hardest jobs out there—but also one of the most meaningful.
what they grow
Bell Peppers
Bok Choy
Cabbage
Collards
Cucumbers
Dandelion Greens
Eggplant
Fennel
Green Kale
Lettuces
Parsley
Red Kale
Specialty Peppers
Summer Squash
Tomatoes
If you’re a buyer and want to learn more about Lady Moon Farms’ organic produce availability, reach out! We’d love to hear from you. And if you want to learn more about Happy Dirt and how to build a sustainable food system together, sign up for our newsletter.
