Lady Moon Farms, an organic grower located in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, has entered into a strategic partnership with Happy Dirt, an organic grower and shipper based in Durham, North Carolina. This collaboration is aimed at expanding their operations within the organic produce sector.
As part of the new partnership, Happy Dirt will support Lady Moon Farms in enhancing its business development and sales strategies. Utilizing their extensive experience and network in the organic produce market, Happy Dirt intends to focus on expanding Lady Moon Farms' presence in historically under-represented regions or store types. This collaboration will allow Lady Moon Farms to concentrate on achieving sustainable growth by leveraging Happy Dirt's expertise and regional footprint.
"We are pleased to collaborate with Lady Moon Farms in their sales and business development efforts," stated Pat Bayor, Vice President of Sales and Purchasing at Happy Dirt. "Since 1988, Lady Moon has maintained a leadership position in organic farming and quality on the East Coast, sharing values and a mission similar to ours. We aim to assist them in their ongoing growth and in accessing new markets."
This new arrangement will not affect Lady Moon Farms' existing customers, or its relationships developed through other networks.
Lady Moon Farms is recognized for its dedication to genuine organic practices and family farming, along with its focus on quality organic produce. Despite its expansion to serve additional regions along the East Coast, the company continues to function 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.
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 pointed out the noteworthy achievement of Lady Moon Farms in managing a successful generational transition, which is particularly relevant amidst the rising challenges of organic land loss and the transition of farmers. "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:
Happy Dirt
www.happydirt.com