Deborah Witt Anderson, Mission Valley Farms
Efficient Drip Irrigation and UV Water Purification for FSMA
Grant Award: $6,000
In order to expand, diversify, meet the requirements of the Food Safety and Modernization Act and to continue farming, Deborah purchased a new irrigation pump, sand filters, a fertilizer injector, and a ultraviolet (UV) water filtration system.
With this system, she is now able to use an existing water source to irrigate up to 20 acres (current system only accommodates 2 acres) to dramatically increase production and keep the farm in business. With increased production and profits, she hopes to hire 5 more farm workers.
Mission Valley Farms will be the first farm in Cherokee County to use a UV system for food safety. Mission Valley Farms sells beans, tomatoes, potatoes and sweet corn retail on-site from the farm, to restaurants and produce stands and at local farmers markets.
Contact the Local Extension Agent