Q&A with The National Young Farmers Coalition

We recently interviewed Wes Hannah, the Communications Coordinator and Organizer for The National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC). Below, he gives some background information on the NYFC including what the organization offers, and sheds light on valuable resources, for young farmers everywhere.

• Can you give us a brief description of what The National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) does?

 

Learn more about
the organization

NYFC is a grassroots coalition dedicated to representing, engaging and mobilizing young and begining farmers and ranchers to work toward their success  In our advocacy work, we bring the young farmer voice to the table on federal policy discussions.  In areas ranging from USDA programming to food safety regulations, NYFC makes sure the next generation receives the support it needs to be successful.  At the same time, we work with farmers around the country to organize local coalitions.  These affiliated groups organize for mutual aid in everything from social networking to labor sharing to group purchasing of supplies.

 
• What resources do you think are most valuable for young farmers to explore?

We have the privilege to interact with thousands of farmers at all different stages in their careers.  I would say the most valuable realization that young farmers have is that there is an immense amount of knowledge out there, whether on the production side or the business side.  The key is recognizing your needs and reaching out; we see connections developing all the time between beginning farmers and their cooperative extension agents, more experienced farmers, and especially between each other.

At the same time, I think there are some specific resources that we heartily recommend more young farmers should explore.  We've worked with land trusts around the country looking at the way they combine their conservation focus with incentivizing land transfer to a younger generation.  While there's a lot more that can be done, young farmers need to be reaching out to land resources like that. 

Additionally, there are great programs out there from the USDA and state governments designed to support education and land access for younger farmers.  The more demand we as a movement can show for those programs, the more we'll be able to successfully push for improving and increasing them.

 

• What are the some of the biggest challenges that young farmers face?

That question lies at the core of NYFC's mission.  When NYFC first formed, we conducted a survey of over 1,000 young and beginning farmers, asking them that very question.  The greatest challenges young farmers are facing are land access, lack of capital and credit, and access to healthcare. 

The cost and availability of land is an enormous issue for beginning farmers, especially given that many do not come from farming backgrounds.  We've seen a huge increase in land prices over the past decade, along with a concentration of land in the hands of older farmers.  These together mean that the next generation is facing a tougher time in acquiring the land they need to start successful businesses.

Starting a farm can be an expensive proposition, so the concern over lack of capital is not surprising.  We've seen many new farmers turning to vegetable production over animals or other enterprises because of the lower start-up costs.  Despite the USDA programs designed to help them, many beginning farmers still struggle with accessing those basic needs for their new operations.

Finally, healthcare tends to be a huge problem.  Farming is one of the most dangerous professions in the country, and because many new farmers are self-employed, many of them can't afford health insurance.  We have heard numerous stories of on-farm accidents that put a huge financial strain on a farm because of that problem.
 

Visit the National Young Farmers Coalition at http://www.youngfarmers.org/

 

• What do you think are some of The National Young Farmers Coalition biggest triumphs over the past year?

NYFC has been taking on a number of different issues, from pushing for the passage of a pro-farmer farm bill to analyzing the way land trusts interact with beginning farmers.  One recent triumph is our food safety campaign.  Earlier this year, the FDA released their draft of new food safety regulations for produce farms and facilities.  This was the first time those laws were rewritten in nearly seventy years, and there are huge long-term ramifications for how they affect beginning farmers, as well as the entire agricultural community. 

NYFC worked with a coalition of other organizations in poring over the rules and producing a comprehensive analysis.  We worked with our affiliates and members around the country to organize the National Day of Action to Save Local Farms, a grassroots project designed to compile hundreds of comments to the FDA before their comment period closes.  To date, we've organized over seventy letter-writing parties in thirty states, and we are confident that we can effect positive change in the FDA's regulations.

 

• What are some of the perks of being a NYFC member for young farmers?

Being involved with NYFC means being a part of a nation-wide community of beginning farmers who share resources, organize in local coalitions and advocate for each other.  Being a part of that community means creating better systems that will improve conditions for all farmers everywhere. 

At the same time, we know that farmers need immediate support in their careers.  That's why we've worked with more than a dozen agriculture-related companies to provide useful discounts to help out right now.  NYFC members have access to 5% off at Johnny's Selected Seeds, 10% off Working Person's Store and many other great deals.
 

You can sign up for email updates at the NYFC website

 • What role does Social Media play in the work the NYFC does?

Social media is a huge part of NYFC's work.  The coalition's organizing and advocacy successes depend on the activism and enthusiasm of thousands of our supporters.  We rely on the viral energy of beginning farmers to spread the word and recruit each other.  While in-person  meet-ups and conversations form the backbone of farmer organizing, social media often jump-starts our outreach and allows us to stay connected with countless young farmers on a regular basis.

 

• What are some of the biggest misconceptions people tend to have about getting into farming?

There is a common conception of agriculture in America as been focused only on large mono-culture farms.  The truth is, the farming community in this country is incredibly diverse, from the small-scale, intensive vegetable farms and dairy operations to the massive tracts of wheat and corn.  There is a place for every newcomer to find success, regardless of their passion.

 

• What’s the best way for someone to learn more about the work that the The National Young Farmers Coalition does?

The first step is to check out NYFC's website at  youngfarmers.org!  We have more information about the growing beginning farmer community and how to get involved.  We also have resources and databases for more information, and regular updates on the NYFC blog.
 

Photo courtesy of the NYFC website

Growing for the Greater Good

Our second Commercial Sales team blog comes from Ken Fine, Commercial Sales Rep for Massachusetts and the Northern Midwest. Here’s some background information on Ken:

Ken has worked with commercial growers at Johnny's Selected Seeds since 1999. Prior to coming to Johnny’s, Ken studied as an apprentice at the UCSC Farm and Garden Project in Santa Cruz, CA. He then operated a 3 acre Market Garden in coastal Maine, selling specialty lettuce and produce to area stores and restaurants. He likes to stay current with successful farming techniques, trends in consumer interest, and the best varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers available.

Current sales territory: Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

For his blog topic, Ken has taken the opportunity to describe a few of the farm-based organizations that help foster constructive change in their local communities. These types of organizations can be found throughout the U.S, creating sustainable alternatives in our food system and helping people - especially young people - be inspired and experience personal growth by growing food.

THE FOOD PROJECT- MASSACHUSETTS

Recently I received news of the year-end harvest dinner at one of Johnny’s long-term customers. The Food Project in Massachusetts celebrates the achievements of the staff and volunteers at the many Food Project facilities in Lincoln, Dorchester, Beverly, and elsewhere. At the 2nd Annual Gala - Celebrate the Harvest event, the organization featured guest Will Allen of Growing Power.  According to the Food Project website, their mission is to “grow a thoughtful and productive community of youth and adults from diverse backgrounds who work together to build a sustainable food system. We produce healthy food for residents of the city and suburbs and provide youth leadership opportunities...”

MOUNT VIEW FARM:

Sometimes, one farm can make a huge impact. Founded by Michael Docter as Food Bank Farm in Hadley, MA, the good work of growing food for the benefit of the community has continued into the next generations there. Apprentices from Food Bank Farm have gone on to start their own CSA programs serving thousands of subscribers in Massachusetts. One apprentice, Benjamin Perrault of Mount View Farm in Easthampton has carried on another tradition. His bustling farm still plants a portion of their acreage specifically to produce first quality vegetables for The Food Bank of Western Mass.

According to their website: “Mountain View Farm leases a large parcel of land owned by The Food Bank and, in exchange, we provide 100,000 pounds of fresh, local, chemical-free produce to The Food Bank for distribution to front-line food assistance providers and people in need throughout our region. In Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties in Western Massachusetts, approximately one in every ten people suffers from chronic food shortages or needs emergency food assistance.”

Mount View Farm in Massachusetts

 

GROWING POWER - WISCONSIN

At Growing Power, based in Milwaukee, WI, founder Will Allen does more than make inspirational keynote speeches. The many facilities powered by staff and volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are growing tremendous quantities of quality farm produce that goes directly to the people of urban Milwaukee who need it most. In fact, one of the missions of Growing Power is to alleviate the perils of living in a “Food Desert” that traps so many urban residents. 

Established in 1993, Growing Power has offered agricultural-based training, hands-on experience to community members, and spread their mission that you “cannot have healthy communities without a healthy food system.”

 

Growing Power High Tunnel full of Greens

                              

DETROIT, MICHIGAN-BASED ORGANIZATIONS

Another rapidly expanding healthy food movement location is Detroit, Michigan. There, staff and volunteers of Greening of Detroit, Earthworks Farm, and countless other small community projects are utilizing available land within the city to make a difference. Healthy food and healthy lifestyle choices are becoming available to thousands in the community who are eagerly embracing the delights of farming and gardening.

To learn more about any of these organizations or to locate one near where you live, follow these links or get in touch with me for more information.

• The Food Project
• Mount View Farm
• Growing Power
• Greening of Detroit
• Earthworks Farm

To contact Ken, you can reach him via email at: kfine@johnnyseeds.com, or Toll-Free at: 877-564-6697, ext. 5307.

Otherwise, for general inquiries about Johnny's Commercial Sales, email service@johnnyseeds.com and we will get back to you shortly, or visit our Territory Sales Representatives page at Johnnyseeds.com.   

See the 2014 Catalog Cover and Explore our New Products

Don't feel like waiting any longer to see our NEW 2014 catalog cover? Well here it is! 

 

You can now also browse all of our NEW products at Johnnyseeds.com.
Let us know which new product is your favorite by leaving us a comment under this blog post.

The NEW Johnny's Catalog is Finished

Our NEW catalog is officially at the printer!

 

The team here at Johnny's works tirelessly on this effort, logging many, many hours. It seemed only right to give them a shout-out now that the catalog is finished… and will be in your mailbox soon!

 

 

 

Thank you again to our catalog team: Jeanne, Heidi, Kristen and John (not pictured).

 

The Time to Comment Is Now | Food Safety Modernization Act

Dear friends and customers, On behalf of Johnny's Selected Seeds, we invite you to join us in sharing your opinion with the FDA regarding new Produce Food Safety Rules and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

We recognize that most of you will be touched by the proposed changes, in some cases dramatically. While the day-to-day demands of farming may keep us running from sun-up to sundown, when it comes to legislation that places the very livelihoods of many farmers across our country in jeopardy, it's time to express your well-earned opinions.

To learn more about the rules and leave your comments, visit Regulations.gov. To date, the grower's voice is underrepresented. With your input, the FDA will get the "real dirt" as to just how the specifics of this proposed legislation -- constituting the largest food safety overhaul in more than 70 years -- could impact your farming operations.

We encourage you to speak up now -- the FDA's comment period closes November 15th!

By taking the time to participate in the discussion now, you can make a real difference in the long run. And again, thank you for choosing Johnny's as your source for seeds and more -- we look forward to serving you for many years to come.


Johnny's Selected Seeds
TOLL-FREE: 800-854-2580
FAX: 1-207-238-5388

Learn More About Johnny's Selected Seeds

This 10-minute film serves as a brief overview of Johnny's Selected Seeds. It includes a discussion of corporate philosophy, customer service, plant breeding, company history, employee ownership, product development, marketing, and international sales.

The video features several short interviews with Johnny's Chairman and Founder Rob Johnston, Jr. and Eliot Coleman, along with a few Johnny's customers and employees.  

Learn more about Johnny's Selected Seeds >>>

Preferred Tools for Lettuce Production

Did you know we have a chart that allows you to select tools expressly designed for specific lettuce production practices? Gain efficiency and optimal results in lettuce culture, from sowing to harvest.

You can click on the lettuce types and tool names/images to browse options by cultural stage and practice >>>

Below is a peak at what the Baby Leaf Lettuce section of the chart looks like:

To see the entire chart, which includes Head Lettuce (Transplanted), Head Lettuce (Direct-seeded), Salanova® Lettuce (Transplanted) and Salanova® Lettuce (Direct-seeded), head to Johnnyseeds.com >>>

View all of our current Lettuce offerings >>>
 

 

Interested in learning more about the Quick Cut Greens Harvester? Below are a few facts about this tool:

• One person can easily cut over 175 lb. per hour.
• Powered by a cordless drill, the harvester's 15" fixed and moving serrated blades make a smooth, clean cut.
• A rolling macramé brush pulls individual leaves into the blades and then throws them to the back of the basket.
• The neat, clean surface it leaves behind is perfect for those planning on a second harvest from the same bed.
• Vertically adjustable skids ensure precise, repeatable cutting height. The harvester is just as effective when the crop is more mature or "leggy."
• Comes with an extra serpentine belt to power the brush and has a universal mount which will accept almost any cordless drill; 18V drills work best (not included).

The Return on Investment for Greenhouse Cucumbers

Here at Johnny's, we are often asked about the return on investment (ROI) for greenhouse crops. Seed for greenhouse varieties is typically priced higher than seed for field-grown varieties, and in this case we believe you get what you pay for. The breeding and development of protected-culture varieties is more specialized and involved, and the return should be sufficient to justify the extra investment required on the part of the breeder as well as the grower.

If what you really want to know is, Why so much more money for this greenhouse variety?, Andrew Mefferd, former Product Technician for cucumbers here at and a seasoned greenhouse grower himself, has some answers for you.


'Excelsior' Cucumbers



Higher Yields

• Bottom line, ROI and profitability will typically be higher for greenhouse cucumbers than field-grown cucumbers. One key reason is because yields from greenhouse cucumbers are higher as a result of the optimized growing environment. In particular, it’s warmer, so plants grow in their optimal temperature range more of the time or even all of the time.
• If you harvest just one more pound of cucumbers from a greenhouse variety than you would from a field variety, the seed will have paid for itself. Because you can ask a higher price for greenhouse crops at market, selling even just one extra fruit can sometimes cover the cost of the seed investment.
• Greenhouse varieties are higher yielding because they are selected for the specific environmental conditions within greenhouses and hoophouses. They are, for example, selected for resistance to diseases that can be problematic in protected culture. This allows them to stay healthier and produce over a longer period of time within that environment.

Greater Control of the Environment

• Within the greenhouse environment, plants are provided not just more optimal temperatures but also optimal water through irrigation, rather than being reliant on rainfall, which can set plants back when there is too much or not enough.
• Pests can be minimized in the greenhouse with the use of preventive measures such as insect screening and trellising. Ground insects or slugs that might feed on field cucumbers will not typically crawl up a plant to feed on fruits that are elevated off the ground. When you have fewer plants damaged by pests, you’re left with more marketable crops to sell.
• It’s important to note that greenhouse varieties often have better flavor because produce from a sickly plant that is inadequately photosynthesizing is just not likely to taste as good as produce from a healthy, greenhouse-grown plant.

'Socrates' Cucumber



Higher-Quality, More Diverse, Premium Product

• A greater range of cucumber varieties can be grown indoors than outdoors. These include long, European types and more of the seedless, thin-skinned types. One key reason for this is because they’re protected from bugs indoors, which is especially important for seedless, thin-skinned types, which are more susceptible to pests due to their thin skin.

Crop Cycle Time

• Greenhouse cucumbers are relatively quick to start bearing. Some early varieties can start yielding fruit as early as 45 days after being transplanted.
• As noted above, cucumber plants also live much longer in the greenhouse than in the field. A field-grown crop might bear for one month before the plants get tired out, and disease and pests take over, whereas it is more typical for greenhouse cucumber crops to last several months.

Other Considerations

• For greenhouse growers at high latitudes (like those of us here in Maine), it’s important to note that it can be very challenging to grow cucumbers through the winter — but it can be done. They require a lot of heat and also require supplemental lighting. Even without lights, however, your cucumber season can be extended well beyond the beginning and the end of the typical field cucumber season.
• Lastly, it is important to research which varieties your market wants most. If what your markets demand are slicers or slender, Japanese cucumbers, be sure to grow those, rather than focusing efforts on picklers or the long, European types. Time spent researching your market will pay off, when it comes to bottom-line ROI.

We hope this helps you evaluate the potential return on investment for greenhouse cukes. For additional information, visit Johnny’s website: 

• Greenhouse Growing Basics »
• How We Trial & Select Our Protected-Cultured Varieties »
• Greenhouse Cucumber Production Guide (Tech Sheet PDF) »
• Cucumber Pruning Video »
• Browse All Our Greenhouse Cucumbers »

Leave us a comment — we are interested in your questions and comments about growing greenhouse cucumbers!

Good News for Our Canadian Customers

Same-Day Shipping

Orders placed weekdays by 1:30 PM Eastern Time will be shipped the same day. Exceptions include orders of products not currently in stock as well as orders requiring additional import documentation.

Standard Shipping

STANDARD SHIPPING CHARGES † (USD) Order Subtotal Add Shipping Charges $ 0.01–10.00 $ 4.00 $ 10.01–30.00 $ 6.75 $ 30.01–50.00 $ 10.00 $ 50.01–100.00 $ 12.25 $ 100.01–200.00 $ 16.00 $ 200.01–999.00 $ 19.25 $ 1000.00+ Call for Quote † Standard shipping rates cover shipping charges only. Duties & Taxes may be assessed and collected upon delivery, and are the responsibility of the recipient. All amounts shown are in US dollars.

When Standard Shipping is selected for a Canadian order, the order will be shipped through the US Postal Service (USPS), via First Class or Priority Mail, and will be delivered in 15–21* days. (Johnny's Selected Seeds will choose the best option for your order.)

Refer to the chart at right for standard shipping charges.

 Orders Valued $1000 or Greater:

 
 
Brokerage fees may be incurred for orders shipped via the US Postal Service if they are worth $1000 or more. All orders placed online equal to or greater in value than $1000 require that a Customer Service Representative contact the person placing the order, before the order is shipped, to discuss shipping options.

If you have any questions regarding orders worth $1000 or greater, please contact Johnny's toll-free at 1-877-564-6697, or email service@johnnyseeds.com.

 

Visit Johnnyseeds.com to get all the information you need when shipping to Canada >>>

• Same-Day Shipping
• Standard Shipping
• Orders Worth $1000+
• Additional Shipping Charges
• Other Shipping Methods
• Fees Collected Upon Delivery
• Backorders
• Payment Methods
• Restrictions
• Questions & Contact Info
 
 

Johnny's Rob Johnston Receives All-America Selections 2013 Breeders Cup Award

Burlington, Ontario, CANADA — All-America Selections (AAS) hosted their annual Summer Summit August 12–14 this year in Ontario, Canada. Rob L Johnston, Jr, Founder and Chairman of Johnny's Selected Seeds, was selected by the AAS Board of Directors to receive the 2013 Breeders Cup. The AAS Breeders Cup Award recognizes someone who has had a significant impact in horticulture by breeding stand-out varieties.

Rob's contribution to the world of horticulture includes helping produce varieties that in diverse climates have outstanding flavor, disease resistance, and garden performance. Under Rob's leadership, the Johnny's breeding team has introduced more than 50 varieties. Seven of these Johnny's-bred varieties have been honored with the prestigious All-America Selections award.

READ THE REST OF THE PRESS RELEASE AT JOHNNYSEEDS.COM >>>

Rob Johnston accepting the AAS 2013 Breeders Cup Award

Create Tunnel Hoops Quickly & Easily

Extend the growing season for cold-hardy crops with a very late season harvest, or overwinter them for earliest possible spring harvest. 

Benders allow you to do this by creating low tunnel hoops out of galvanized electrical conduit. 

Shop for Quick Hoops™ benders

A Word From Johnny's International Sales Department

Johnny's knowledgeable commercial sales team offers region-specific, year-round support to commercial customers. Our territory representatives offer information, resources, and assistance with:

Carmen Pepper

• Crop Planning

• Variety Selection
• Trend Awareness
• Regional Expertise

 We turned to our commercial sales team to offer their insight and expertise on the Blog. Our first commercial sales team post comes from Johnny’s International Sales Representative, Anthony Stevenson. Here’s a little background information on Anthony:

Anthony joined Johnny's International Sales Department in 2007. Anthony holds a Masters in Business Administration and is fluent in Spanish. He is the Territory Sales Representative for all countries excluding the United States and Canada. Anthony works to ensure his customers' success from garden to market by staying up-to-date with gardening techniques, culinary trends, and technical growing knowledge. Every spring he looks forward to starting his own garden — something he has done nearly every year since childhood.

Below, Anthony speaks to the various uses of Peppers throughout his sales territory:

A seed is only the beginning.  Tastes evolve, preferences change, and vegetables can have “a moment.”  In the fall, gardens are anticipated.  In the winter, they get planned.  In the spring, they are prepped and two, even three seasons of enjoyable labor yield a harvest that brings pride and a sense of accomplishment.  But in the beginning, all you have is the seed. 

Johnny’s has always been proud to supply our customers with seeds from our own award-winning breeding program.  My favorite vegetable is the pepper, and Johnny’s has bred many unique and delicious varieties.

Peppers are a very regional crop.  For example, what is grown in the American southwest and in northern Mexico is incredibly different from what is grown in Southeast Asia.  The good thing is that both types are fantastic and their differences should be embraced.

Italian corno di toro types like Carmen are sweet and can be eaten right off the vine or lightly fried or roasted.  Anaheim chilies like Highlander are used in the wonderful Mexican dish, Chiles Rellenos.  Serranos and Cayenne chilies like Red Flame bring a tolerable amount of heat to a dish.  But peppers don’t have to be eaten fresh.  A dried Poblano is an Ancho.  A dried Jalapeno is a Chipotle.  They can be dried and then pulverized or they can be pickled.  Peppers are diverse; with a myriad of different uses.

Gardening should be fun.  Go out and get some pepper seeds and have fun with them.  You won’t be disappointed.

Highlander Pepper

To contact Anthony, you can reach him via email at: astevenson@johnnyseeds.com, or Toll-Free at: 877-564-6697, ext. 5310.

Otherwise, for general inquiries about Johnny's Commercial Sales, email service@johnnyseeds.com and we will get back to you shortly.

Farm Seed: An Essential Component of Every Sustainable Farm

Farm seed is a strategic investment in the land that pays long-term dividends in the form of greater productivity and sustainability. Rich with potential for diverse applications, farm seed and cover crops control erosion, add organic matter, conserve moisture, and support soil and watershed ecology.

Johnny's offers a range of select cover crops and farm seed for every practical application. Of the many ways to incorporate farm seed into your operation, below are some of the top uses:

Green Manure
Nitrogen Fixation
Weed Suppression
Pest Management
Biomass (Organic Matter)
Erosion Control (Cover Crop)
Compaction Control
Grains
Beneficial Insect Planting
Forage

You can see all of our Recommended Farm Seed Uses at Johnnyseeds.com >>>

 

To further clarify which Farm Seed would work best for your operation, you can refer to the chart below:

Click the chart to see a larger version at Johnnyseeds.com

Join Johnny's Over the 2013 Common Ground Fair Weekend

Join us at our booth at the MOFGA Fairgrounds,
or at our Retail Store in Winslow

Learn more about the Common Ground Country Fair at the MOFGA website >>>

The Advantages of Cover Crops

By Lynn Byczynski

Cover crops are an essential component of every sustainable farm. They are an investment in your gardens and fields that will pay future dividends of healthier, more productive cash crops. The benefits of cover cropping are numerous and impressive:

• Cover crops increase soil fertility. Annual legumes such as soybeans and cowpeas can be grown in rotation over several years in vegetable fields. Perennial legumes such as clovers can be maintained for several years on fields that aren't needed for cash crops. Legumes fix nitrogen while they're growing, and add organic matter when incorporated into the soil.

•Cover crops prevent soil erosion in winter by keeping the soil covered. A mixture of oats and winter rye, for example, can be planted in fall. The oats will be killed by cold weather, but their root systems will hold the soil in place. Winter rye will form small plants that will grow rapidly in early spring, to be mowed and tilled in before planting the field the following summer.

•Cover crops prevent weeds from flourishing on bare soil, in which case they are known as "smother crops". Fast-growing annuals such as buckwheat or soybeans can be planted after a crop is harvested to outcompete weeds. They also can be underseeded with taller cash crops or between rows to cover the soil and prevent weed growth.

•Cover crops can be planted as a "catch crop" after a vegetable crop is harvested to use nutrients that might otherwise leach into groundwater.

•Cover crops improve soil tilth. Besides adding organic matter when tilled in, the roots of actively growing cover crops loosen and aerate soil. Deep-rooted cover crops such as sweet clover will help break up hardpan layers several feet deep. Several cover crops can be grown to be cut for hay or straw, to feed livestock or mulch horticultural crops.

Shop by Farm Seed use at Johnnyseeds.com >>>

About the author:Lynn Byczynski was growing organic vegetables and cut flowers for market when she decided to create a magazine that would help market gardeners nationwide share experiences and information. Her first issue of Growing for Market appeared in January 1992 and it has been published continuously since then. GFM is renowned in the market gardening world for realistic articles that give growers practical, how-to information about growing and selling produce and flowers. Lynn is now partnering with Johnny's to provide similarly useful information for the johnnyseeds.com website and other publications.

Lynn is also the author of several books about market farming:The Flower Farmer: An Organic Grower's Guide to Raising and Selling Cut Flowers; The Hoophouse Handbook; Market Farming Success

Growing Edible Flowers