Peebles Organic Farms LLC, Augusta, Ark., has experienced sustained growth for several years and Shawn Peebles expect that growth to continue.
Peebles is owner of the company, which is a certified organic farming operation that grows sweet potatoes, edamame (immature soybeans) and black-eyed peas.
He said the operations will expand its edamame operation to include the capability of cleaning and hydrocooling at its facility.
There was not a “COVID-19 effect” on the commodities produced by the farm, Peebles said, and he said marketing efforts in 2021 will be similar to 2020.
“Each year, we are growing our list of customers,” he said, noting that the company’s marketing success has leaned on its organic certification and its strong food safety programs/certification.
Adding recipes to product packaging is one emerging trend that Peebles expects to grow in the next couple of years.
The farm uses the H-2A program for its labor needs and Peebles said his farm pays attention to sustainability issues.
“We strive to work on our water management plan each year and soil health,” Peebles said.
The best thing that retailers can do to promote organic, Peebles said, is to communicate to the customer that organic is the healthy choice.
“I believe that people want to know where their food comes from,” Peebles said.
“The pandemic has caused more people to want this knowledge and history of food. Organics will be a strong leader in understanding of safety of our food supply.”
