Edible inspiration

At industry events and get-togethers, I inevitably end up chatting with a grower that both inspires and teaches me. Back in September, I had the opportunity to sit down with industry friend Jim Monroe and get caught up on how his business, Greenbrier Nurseries, has been doing.

I knew that the economy and other events had affected many businesses like his in the past few years, and was hoping for some good news. I was pleased to hear that Monroe had undertaken many new endeavors at Greenbrier since we had last spoken, had doubled sales in the Roanoke, Virginia, store, and had just won a small business award the night before.

So how did this grower-retailer come out thriving after the economic downturn of 2008? One word: produce. Two years ago, after evaluating the market conditions and determining that the ornamental sector of its growing operation wasn’t as profitable as it used to be, Greenbrier developed and started growing for its own community-supported agriculture (CSA) program and farmers market, and started growing microgreens for direct sales to restaurants. After hearing his story, we decided that this was a story that Produce Grower readers would want to learn more about. Read more about how Greenbrier propelled its sales forward with produce.

The produce industry has been abuzz with several events recently, including the PMA Fresh Summit in Atlanta, Georgia, and Indoor Ag Con: New York. You can catch highlights of these shows from assistant editors Chris Mosby and Cassie Neiden starting on page 34.

Thinking about expanding your selection of microgreens and leafy greens? Check out Leslie Halleck’s article for tips on how to turn greens trends into some real green.

Happy Holidays to all, and may 2016 bring continued success and happiness to you and yours!
 

kvarga@gie.net | (216) 393-0290
Twitter: @Karen_GIE