Transcript Wholesale Growing by Joshua Anderson of Boys Grow

Growing Up?
Kc Food Supply
GROWING Wholesale
By Joshua Anderson
Farm Manager, Boys Grow
a.k.a. “Tomato Boss”
Who dem’ Boys?
What we look like
How WE Grow
• 10 Acres Organic
• 20 Acres Being Cleared
• Culinary Center
• Product Line
• Agriculture based Entrepreneurism.
Where are your Markets?
Farmers Markets
CSA
Grocery Stores
On Site Sales
Restaurants
Farm to School
Wholesale?
2014-2015 Commercial Season
• Chipotle: Discontinued Pork /Pork Humanely Raised
• Carl Jr’s: Imports “humanely raised” from Australia/Superbowl
• McDonalds: Discontinue “gestation pen raised pork” by 2022
• 5% of all operations fit requirements of humanely raised
• Local grocers very unhappy with quality of CA & CO Kale
• Missouri Fresh Market
$ 2014:$8,683,000 2013: 9,888,000
Ranked 20th Nationally
• California....Dust bowl reversal…..2 points!!
2014-2015 Organic Markets
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Winter Cucumbers scarce: Florida weather, Mexico
Strawberry & Jalapeno Prices Spiked
Free Range Eggs
California: WATER , nuts, quality, vegetables
1/12/2015: Price Chopper, Parkville:
A head of Organic Cauliflower, $6.00
 2015 Global Organic Food Market: $104B, up from
$57B 2010 (American Vegetable Grower)
 Curly Kale Seed Shortages, high demand, Black Rot
Commercial Vendors
Consistency of Quality
Filling Orders
Finding Growers
Certifications: GAP, Organic etc.
Sanitation
Standards Packaging
Price affected by Markets
Local Distributors focus is
Local Foods
Vast Available Markets
No time spent at markets
Not dependent on Chef’s
Restaurant business
Evolving KC Agriculture
Assistance from Contractor
Lowering Environmental Impact
Reducing Foreign Dependency
Ensuring Food Security
Creating Local Jobs/Economy
More $$
Downside of the business….
 Limits on Land/Crop Rotations
 Less Diversity of Crops
 Dependent on Market Prices
 Smaller Margins for Profit
 More #2 Produce
 Inputs & Equipment
 Larger Labor Cost
 3 Strikes and your Out!!
Local Players
C & C Produce
Ball Food/GNFF: P’ Chopper, HH
HyVee
Door to Door Organics
Liberty Fruit Co.
Whole Foods
Fruits, Nuts, Vegetables
Beverages
Dairy
Packaged Food
Bread and Grains
Humane, Organic Meats
Niche/Novelty Crops
Creative Ideas for Getting Commercially Growing
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Cooperative Growing
Leasing Lots
Green Zones for Farming
Bodega’s
“Rue de Jardin Belgique”,
Riverside Mo
Conclusion
This isn’t for everyone
Evolve KC agriculture
Reach Out
All big things have small beginnings….
Jacob’s Farm, Del Cabo