Editor’s note: The following profile is from the 2023 Packer 25, our annual tribute to 25 leaders, innovators and agents of change across the fresh produce supply chain. (You can view all honorees here.) This feature has been edited for length and clarity.
Travis Breihan — Impact manager for Smallhold
Travis Breihan joined Smallhold in 2020 on a mission to bring cutting-edge food systems and a celebration of all things fungi to his hometown of Austin, Texas. He helped Smallhold grow from a 3,000-square-foot farm to now over 24,000 square feet in Texas.
Most near and dear to his heart has been helping Smallhold expand its environmental and community impact through a robust composting program that has helped hundreds of gardeners and farmers build soil and grow fungi on their own. Breihan has also helped Smallhold build a dehydration and milling program that has helped preserve over 40,000 pounds of mushrooms, reducing food waste and creating new product opportunities for the company.
What advice would you give someone trying to make their fresh produce operation more sustainable?
Engage with your community. There are so many partnerships and collaborations possible within the agriculture sector that can make your company more sustainable and more profitable — but are also fun and meaningful. Spend time connecting with chefs, farmers and local organizations. Talk openly about your challenges and listen to theirs. You never know where a new friendship or partnership might form. Oh, and also, eat more mushrooms!
