Jason Edney, Edney Farms
Packing Facility Upgrade
Grant Award: $6,000
Jason is completing a Food Safety Certified facility, adding a concrete pad to his metal packing shed (future site of the packing shed, photo left). In compliance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), the farm is transitioning from field packing to boxing the produce at the on-farm facility. This weather-resistant building will also allow Jason to better respond to customers’ specific requests, as well as to more efficiently fill orders, especially in inclement weather.
Edney Farms currently sells 60 percent of its produce to a buyer in Greensboro, which distributes to Earth Fare, Fresh Market and Whole Foods. The rest of his vegetables go to the WNC Farmer’s Market at Asheville and local repack facilities. The Food Safety Certified facility allows Jason to open up additional markets that require GAP certification.
The farm, which grows sweet cherries, heirloom tomatoes, yellow squash, pickling cucumbers, runner beans, pumpkins and sweet corn, employs more than 25 local residents throughout the year. It has been in operation since 2002.
Contact the Local Extension Agent