Support Local. We Do: We Took a Field Trip to Patterson Farm!

Last Wednesday, some of our lucky employees made a visit to Patterson Farm, our supplier for local strawberries. Patterson Farm is located in China Grove, NC and was started three generations ago in 1919. Today, they grow 350 acres of tomatoes, making them one of the largest growers in the state, 36 acres of strawberries, 40 acres of pumpkins and 15,000 poinsettias. This year, they are also growing heirloom tomatoes and will be adding watermelons at the end of the strawberry season! During peak season, Patterson Farm, Inc. and their three divisions – Patterson Farm Repack, Patterson Landscape and Nursery, and Patterson Farm Market and Tours – employ more than 300 people.  They have been Gold Star Farmer Certified since 2000. In 2006, they were named NC Agribusiness of the Year, in 2012, they won the NAFDMA Celebrate Excellence Contest (Winner in the category of Brochure or Specialty Printing for Educational School Tours Brochure. Honorable Mention for "Learn & Grow Discovery Farm" in the New Event Category) and in 2012, they were named NC Strawberry Grower of the Year!

Unfortunately, it was pretty overcast that day, but everyone had a great time! A big thanks to Doug and the Patterson Family for having us out. Please, take a look at some of the great photos that we took on our visit!

If you would like to visit Patterson Farm yourself, please click on their website link above, they offer tours and pick your own produce. Plus, they have a small petting zoo, marketplace and ice cream shop!