The Chef's Garden

Earlier this week, members of the Business Division Faculty visited The Chef's Garden.

From their site:

The Chef’s Garden® is the leading grower of artisanal products in the United States for the world’s top chefs. We are currently growing more than 600 varieties of vegetables, micro greens and herbs in seven different stages of growth to enhance any plate. We currently grow 87 varieties of heirloom tomatoes, a multitude of root crops, 300 different types of Micro Greens, Micro Herbs and flowers, and many experimental crops that provide you with the newest products around!

Frankly, I did not now what to expect prior to the trip. The tour was both inspirational and fascinating on so many levels.

First of all, it is a testimony to the hard work, perseverance, vision and entrepreneurial of the Jones family, which allowed them to bounce back from adversity to create an amazing and innovative business.

from their website:

After the loss of acreage in the 1980s following a severe hailstorm, Farmer Jones and his sons made a decision to do things a little bit differently. Conventional farming was out, and growing responsibly for quality instead of quantity was the direction the family took.

During the tour, I was struck by the knowledge, hard work, care and planning that went into every step of the process. Their website contains A REMINDER OF THE CHEF’S GARDEN BELIEFS

The Family Farm – We believe in preserving and protecting small farms and American farmland for the prosperity of future generations.

Sustainable Agricultural Practices – We practice classic farming techniques that begin by continually replenishing the soil that is the foundation for our products.

“Growing Slowly and Gently in Full Accord with Nature”®,-  Sustainably grown, our product provides optimum flavor and nutrient levels necessary for a healthy America.

Superior Food Safety – Adherence to food safety standards is our top priority as evidence by our “Superior” ratings from HACCP, Primus Labs and the American Institute of Baking.

Research and Development – Innovation and new product development helps us remain the leading the leading grower of artisanal products for top chefs  worldwide.

Chef and Farmer Concept™ – Our tenacious dedication to being the Chef’s personal farmer builds a great synergy between us.

Earth to Table™ – Ours is a “growing inventory” that is hand-harvested to order and delivered directly to you to assure the freshest, most flavorful produce available . . . along with the added benefit of prolonged shelf life.

At every point of the tour, I saw that they truly practice what they preach.

For me, the biggest lesson was seeing how they live up to their beliefs. They do so by combining traditional practices with modern, innovative ideas. For me, as a technologist, it is easy to characterize people or businesses as either old fashioned and traditional, or modern and hi-tech. After all, in my field, 10 years ago seems like ancient history. Our tour was an excellent reminder for me that one does not have to choose between cutting edge and traditional practices. The best results can be achieved when one is open to a range of ideas and applies them in an innovative way, regardless if the idea came from 100 years ago or from today.

I want to thank the Jones Family and the employees for a wonderful afternoon. It was a very valuable learning experience that was very enjoyable.