BUCKEYE, AZ - There is something so pleasing about planting a seed and watching it sprout, grow, and flourish into a thriving crop. That is the image before me as Patty Emmert, Community Relations and Marketing Manager of Duncan Family Farms, outlines the company’s evolution from a reputable producer of organic baby leaf greens in the 1980s to a grower of organic lettuces and greens, vegetables, and a full line of organic, sustainably grown herbs today.
“While the company has changed tremendously since its founding, Duncan Family Farms’ mission statement has stood the test of time over the past three decades,” Patty imparts. “We believe that our primary responsibility is to produce healthy, life-giving food. We are also committed to making a strong contribution to an improved environment and giving back to our community. Our mission statement has and will remain the brand’s guiding post as it continues to grow and evolve.”
The Duncan Family Farms brand came to life when Arnott and Kathleen Duncan saw an opportunity to meld and share their passions of farming and education with local communities. What began as an idea to educate and empower consumers has evolved into several major programs that provide education, opportunities, and leadership training to employees and communities on a local, regional, and national scale. This forward-thinking idea of educating shoppers on where their food comes from, as well as the benefits of local farming, grew to become the Duncan Family Farms brand, and the same initiatives still stand today.
As a multi-regional farmer, Duncan Family Farms is always looking for ways to improve and better serve not only its customers but the land and communities in which it farms, and its compassionate team aims to ensure a consistent, local supply of food while making fresh produce more accessible across its communities.
“Duncan Family Farms is committed to growing fresh vegetables and herbs because we believe food should be clean and good while caring for the environment,” notes Patty. “As responsible stewards of the land, we do our part to leave the land in the best condition possible through the use of cover crops, innovative composting, water conservation, recycling, and tree planting.”
With an already impressive history of growth, Duncan Family Farms continues to bolster its growing portfolio, as it recently expanded its operations with the acquisition of Pedersen Farms, a family-owned certified organic grower located in upstate New York.
“With a focus on expansion and diversification of regional and local organic supply, this acquisition supports our growth as a leader in sustainability and a grower of premium organic products. With additional varieties and a prime location, Pedersen Farms will help to increase the range of products Duncan offers as well as help to mitigate potential supply chain challenges,” Patty tells me.
Curious what further growth will sprout from the company’s admirable commitment to both the environment and its consumers? Keep reading AndNowUKnow to find out.
