Summer Wind, which is also based in Vineland, is community supported agriculture (CSA) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-certified organic farm growing organic vegetables and organic herbs. “The partnership further enhances our strategy to acquire a percentage in stable, ongoing growing operations,” says Dandrea’s Steve Dandrea. “It allows Dandrea to seamlessly and vertically integrate our farming operations.” In the past 10 years, other partnerships have allowed Dandrea to bring in blueberries from Morocco and Clementines from Spain for example.
Organic continues to grow
Driving this Summer Winds partnership though is the heavily increasing interest in organic produce that growers are seeing from consumers. “The growth in organics is primarily driven by millennials and consumers who believe in limited non-natural application to farm,” says Dandrea. “And the organic farm adds volume to our existing product line.” With its more than 100 acres of land, Summer Wind currently grows more than 30 organic vegetables including tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, spinach, sweet potatoes, Swiss Chard, onions, peas and more. This would add to Dandrea’s already heavy list of produce offerings including beans, squash, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower and much more.
“We foresee a steady increase in organics. Albeit small now, we believe its growth will continue. People are becoming more aware of eating healthy, staying active and becoming more cognizant that you are what you eat,” says Dandrea. “And the organic growth will continue to expand. But only and until the cost of organic product is commensurate with conventional produce.”
For more information:
Steve Dandrea
Dandrea Produce
+1 856 205 1830
steve@dandreaproduce.com
www.dandreaproduce.com