Happy Dirt

On International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the women at the heart of Happy Dirt and the agriculture and produce industries. ???? Happy Dirt was founded by Sandi Kronick in 2004 with a mission: to build a more sustainable and equitable food system for all. Today, 41% of our executive and upper management teams are women, driving innovation and leadership in organic produce. Across the U.S., women now make up 36% of all farm operators, with their numbers growing every year. They are leading in commodity groups, running distribution networks, and shaping policy. At Happy Dirt, we are committed to supporting women in agriculture and produce, from the fields to the boardroom. To all the women growing our food, leading our businesses, and shaping our industry—thank you. ???? #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInAg #HappyDirt

During the winter months when folks flock to Florida, we bring Florida to you! We team up our incredible farmer-partners like Lady Moon Farms and Tendwell Farm to bring you organic lettuces, leafy greens like kale, cabbages, tomatoes, summer squash, and more. By May, we'll begin the transition back to North Carolina a fresh new crop rotation. Sourcing regional produce as much as we can means fewer food miles from the farm to your table, leading to lower carbon emissions and fresher, more nutrient-packed organic fruits and veggies. Plus, organic farming practices, like those used by our partners, prioritize soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity, ensuring long-term sustainability for our beautiful planet, for our farmers, and for ourselves. This is how we’re building a strong, sustainable regional food system—bridging growing seasons up and down the East Coast and supporting small-to-mid-size farms along the way. Together, we can create a happier, healthier food system ????.

We couldn't think of a better day to use produce puns! Happy Valentine's Day from the Happy Dirt Crew. We do really Cara-bout you! ??

Did you know we’re in the peak of California’s citrus season? January is when the citrus party really kicks off with the arrival of Cara Cara Oranges, Blood Oranges, Minneolas, and Mandarins. This is the time to enjoy the best-of-the-best citrus flavor and load up on Vitamin C during cold and flu season. More to the seasonal story: ?? California's citrus season runs from September to June. ?? Georgia's organic citrus season starts in late October and runs through February or March. ?? In November, we tap into both seasons, enjoying Satsumas from Georgia and Navel Oranges from California. By January, California is at its peak while Georgia’s season is winding down—bridging the gap so you can enjoy fresh citrus nearly year-round! “Why not more organic citrus from Florida?” you ask. Sadly, Florida’s citrus has been hit hard by a disease caused by a pesky pest, making organic options rare. Over the past decade, Georgia farmers have stepped up to the plate, and California continues to lead the way with top-notch organic citrus growers. So, grab a juicy Minneola and savor winter's bright citrus vibes! #CitrusSeason #OrganicCitrus #SustainableFoodSystems

Need a last-minute idea for holiday dinners???? Try our roasted organic Covington sweet potato recipe, created by our very own Chef Konget! This dish blends tradition and creativity: creamy sweet potatoes drizzled with a rich peanut butter sauce, topped with a fresh herb and red onion salad, crunchy peanuts, and toasted benne seeds. It’s the perfect dish to elevate your holiday table while honoring Southern culinary roots. Find the full recipe here: https://lnkd.in/eKVC69Ea #RegionalFoodSystems #CertifiedOrganic

Today marks the Night of the Radishes in Oaxaca, Mexico—a vibrant celebration where radishes are transformed into stunning works of art. This fun tradition reminds us how food brings people together in creative and meaningful ways, especially during the holiday season.? ? During the winter months in North Carolina, we also get back to our roots—literally! While the season for many field-grown crops has ended and soils are being prepped for spring, organic root vegetables like radishes thrive, showcasing their resilience and beauty. ? ? While we didn't carve radishes, we did put together a festive twist on a classic holiday tale to celebrate: ‘Twas the Night of the Radishes! #OrganicProduce #SustainableFoodSystems https://lnkd.in/eTCPqXmM

Meet Herb Young: the scientist who swapped his lab coat for farm boots and a passion for regenerative organic citrus farming! After 40 years as a chemical scientist, Herb's friend introduced him to the power of working with nature instead of against it. Now, his family’s farm, Squeeze Citrus in Southwest Georgia, thrives on healthy soil and sustainable practices. Click the link below to learn more about Herb and why citrus is exploding in Georgia! We’re proud to welcome Squeeze Citrus to our network of regional farm-partners! #RegenerativeAgriculture #SustainableFoodSystems https://lnkd.in/eUD-jmzN

What's in your stocking? We have a pinch of North Carolina, a squeeze of Georgia, and a slice of California. #foodsystems #organicproduce

A week after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, we created a GoFundMe to help our farmer-partners and producers in WNC begin their journey to rebuilding while they apply and wait for financial aid. Last time we you helped us reach our goal to hit $10,000 by the week’s end! Now in the final week of our GoFundME, we would love to hit $12,000. Will you join us in being small, but mighty heroes for WNC farmers (link below)? We will close the GoFundMe on Tuesday, December 3. #hurricanerelief #regionalfoodsystem https://lnkd.in/ex2KpVVr

For Happy Dirt’s last recipe of 2024, Chef Konget created a sweet potato dish, weaving together tradition, resiliency, culture, and the ingredients that have helped define Southern cuisine. By pairing Organic Covington Sweet Potatoes grown by Happy Dirt Farmer-Owner Randall Watkins and nutty benne seeds (brought to America by enslaved Africans), Konget created this dish to remind us that food connects us - to our history, our health, and one another. Click the link below for the full recipe that boasts the most beautiful, dynamic flavors. And if you have a second, share a heart or a high five to show Konget how much we have appreciated her recipes and storytelling! https://lnkd.in/eKVC69Ea