Interview With Ann Vandeman
What year did you begin coming to the Proctor Farmers Market?
We've been at the market since 2001.
What size is your farm?
The farm is 5 acres.
Where/how else do you sell your produce?
We have a CSA and a farmstand on the farm. In addition, we sell at the Tumwater and DuPont Farmers' Markets, the Olympia Food Co-Op, as well as retail locations.
How long have you been farming?
We've been farming for 10 years. 2011 is the 10th season.
What do you grow?
We grow certified organic veggies, herbs, and flowers.
What farming methods do you use? (pest control, fertilizer)
We are organic.
What is one of your favorite things about farming?
Soil -- good soil, compost, and worms.
What is one of the biggest challenges of farming?
Rolling with the punches and accepting nature for who she is.
What makes your farm unique?
We grow people. Our farm exists to serve people with developmental and intellectual disabilities who need job skills and a connection to the community.
Do you have special events at your farm?
We have an annual Plant Sale, a Fun Farm Formal Benefit Dinner and Auction (Oct. 9, 2010), a Slow Food Left Foot BBQ and a Ice Cream Social (Aug. 22, 4-7 pm).
Anything else you want people to know about your farm?
Because we grow food and people, we depend on community support to fund our mission. Our mission is to foster self-sufficiency, inclusion, independence for people with disabilities, and rural youth through meaningful, paid employment, and training in the business of growing, and selling quality organic food and farm products.
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