Poppy’s Organic Farm of Bakersville held a ribbon-cutting Wednesday, April 7. Pictured from left to right is Morgan Hageman, Caleb Hageman, Kim Hageman, Rick Hageman, Eric Bryant, Jenny Bryant and Mitchell Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Patti Jensen. (MNJ photo/Laz Aguayo)
Local small business owner Kim Hageman is taking concrete steps toward battling food insecurity in the community through the establishment of Poppy’s Organic Farm in Bakersville.
Poppy’s Farm, a 10.5-acre farm that Hageman purchased in May 2020, had an official ribbon cutting on Wednesday, April 7. The farm will provide fresh organic produce and herbs that Hageman will sell in her shop on Lower Street in downtown Spruce Pine, Poppy’s Wildcraft.
Hageman said the initial goal will be to sell produce in her shop and “see how it does” but she is especially passionate about what will happen to the produce that doesn’t sell.
“What we want to do with anything leftover is donate the food to a local food bank or someone else in the community that may need the food,” Hageman said. “I don’t want to waste anything.”
Hageman will have plenty to try to sell or give back to the community.
Already, the farm has a dozen June apple trees, a cherry tree and a pear tree. About two dozen elderberry plants, blueberries, sweet peppers, cucumbers and green beans are coming soon.
Hageman also plans to offer more than three dozen assorted herbs.
There is such a variety on Poppy’s Farm that Hageman admitted it’s getting tough to keep track of. She started all of the plants on the farm from seeds.
“I can’t even remember what else I’ve planted,” Hageman said laughing. “We’ve just been doing so much.”
In addition to the crops, the farm features an agricultural and processing shed and a storage loft is coming soon. Crops that are harvested will be processed in the shed.
Hageman is also partnering with local beekeepers to add beehives to the farm, mainly for the pollination the bees will offer. The local honey will be for sale at Poppy’s Wildcraft.
The farm will be completely organic and pesticide-free.
“That is one of the big things,” Hageman said. “Any pesticides will kill the bees.”
Hageman hopes to have peppers, cucumbers and green beans ready for sale and donation this summer and apples could follow later in the year. Herbs should be coming soon, she added.
No matter what happens with the garden, Hageman said it’s all about helping others.
“It’s not really about us,” Hageman said. “The goal is to help provide for the community. We know people are struggling. We don’t have a lot to give but I’m willing to give what I can to help other people. It’s about sticking together. That’s really what it’s all about.”