By Kimberly Koogler
Kimberly Koogler is the Farm to School Coordinator at Georgia Organics. To learn more about Georgia Organics, visit www.georgiaorganics.org and follow us on Instagram @GeorgiaOrganics, Twitter @GeorgiaOrganics, and at www.Facebook.com/GeorgiaOrganics.
Photos courtesy of Loretta Adderson.
To celebrate Women’s History Month and women in agriculture, we’d like to highlight the contributions to organic agriculture and Farm to School in Georgia by a trail-blazing woman, Georgia farmer, and newly-elected Georgia Organics board member, Loretta Adderson.
Loretta and her husband Samuel Adderson, recipients of the 2018 Georgia Organics Land Stewardship Award, are third-generation family farmers with over 70 years of growing experience. They have been farming together for 14 years in Keysville, GA, where they are pioneers in organic agriculture and have served as mentors to many other aspiring organic farmers in the area. Their farm was the first to be USDA-certified organic in the Central Savannah River Area in 2011. Loretta grew up on her family’s farm with six brothers.
This photo of Loretta on a tractor was taken over 50 years ago on her family’s farm. She says, “At this time, I was in College and enjoying being home with my family. In the 1960s, girls weren't encouraged to become farmers, but I always loved being outdoors.”
After retiring in 2006 from Public School Nutrition work and working and living in Pennsylvania and Michigan, she and her husband returned to the family farm in Georgia, where they started farming together. The name of their business is Adderson’s Fresh Produce, and they grow a diverse array of vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
I asked Mrs. Adderson a few questions to get to know her a little more and to see why she farms and what inspires her. She generously took the time to answer all my questions, even as Spring fast approaches and her work on the farm becomes more demanding.
Photos courtesy of Loretta Adderson.
How did you learn how to grow food?
I’m convinced that it’s in my DNA and many years of working on the farm. Penn State, Michigan State, Ala A & M, UGA and FVSU Extension Services, and many other workshops.
My husband and I lived in Carlisle, PA, State College, PA, Allison Park, PA, Warner Robins, GA, and Lake Orion, MI, before retiring back in Georgia. Everywhere we lived, I had a garden and was known as the Farmer. I'm just beginning to connect the dots to my love for farming.
Why do you farm organically?
On our farm when I was growing up daddy never put any chemicals on the garden area. They put the manure down at the end of the year for the next planting season. It was never called organic, so I knew we had to grow without using harmful inputs. Healthy soil yields healthy food, which equals healthy body. Grow Organic for Life.
What is your ultimate mission in farming? Why do you do what you do?
My ultimate mission in farming is to provide the next generation with safe land to pursue their dreams. I envision a farm with drones and robotic tools and equipment. Indoor growing at levels we never thought of. My dad wanted the land to be here for generations to come, and I do too.
What does “farm to school” mean to you?
“Farm to School” means the Farmer/Farm working directly with the school/nutrition program to enhance their school programs.
How do you participate in your local school system’s farm to school program, and why do you?
Adderson’s Fresh Produce has sponsored tours of the fields, orchard, and hoop house for School Nutrition Employees that included lunch prepared on the farm using farm-grown, organic vegetables. We’ve participated in on-campus Field Days and enjoyed lunch with the students. We’ve sold produce to the School Nutrition Program. We assisted the School Nutrition Program with starting a Farmers Market and participated as often as possible. We do this to help the students learn more about where food comes from, to expose the students to locally grown, fresh vegetables, and see the farmer who grew those vegetables.
Do you think farm to school programs have the potential to cultivate future organic farmers like yourself?
I definitely do; I feel by 2030, we will see a drastic increase in Organic Farms and Farmers. Schools are going to add farming to their curriculum as an elective and as a requirement by 2050.
What is one thing you would like to tell young people about farming?
Learn to grow food!
What is one thing you would like to tell young girls and women about farming?
Farming is a business that connects you to nature and the soil.
Who is a woman you have looked up to and who has inspired you?
My great-great Grandmother, Tempe Jackson, was a farm owner and was driven off during the “Trails of Tears." My great-grandpa lived with us after he was older and would tell us about her and how he worked with her on the Farm. My mom and dad named my sister, who died as an infant before I was born, "Shirley Tempe," after my great-great-grandmother.
Our mom and dad brought their own farm and raised us on it. Farming in our family goes back to the 1860s. I am proud of our heritage.
It takes true grit, resilience, fortitude, and dedication to organically produce food from the earth, especially here in the South. On top of that, to go the extra mile and actively participate in her local school system’s farm to school program is a truly generous investment in our state’s future. It is not an easy job, but Loretta Adderson knows that it is as important as it is challenging. We are truly grateful for Mrs. Adderson and the legacy she is growing as she paves the way for future generations of organic farmers in Georgia.
You can find the Addersons’ organic produce at the Laney Walker Farmers Market, the Veggie Park Farmers Market, the Augusta Locally Grown Online Market and On-Farm Popup Markets.
Follow them on social media at facebook.com/addersonsfreshproduce.
Be sure to save the date for our 8th Georgia Farm to School and Early Care and Education Summit to be held virtually April 27- May 1! Learn more at bit.ly/2021SUMMIT