Meet Tamer Harpke | Partner & Farmer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tamer Harpke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tamer, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Relationships are the key to our success at Harpke Family Farm. We had the courage to launch the business in 2013 because of relationships with a few chefs that I worked with during my restaurant days. Since then, we have insisted that every new account start with a tasting tour at the farm. Serious chefs make the time and they leave with a deep understanding of how our ingredients will elevate their dishes and of how their support will cultivate local, sustainable agriculture. Most importantly, we have planted the seed for a lasting relationship based on a shared commitment to the highest quality produce. It’s these relationships and the support of our local community that have helped us weather every storm, from Hurricane Irma to medical crises to COVID. Relationships will always be at the heart of our business.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are an urban farm in Dania Beach growing specialty produce for chefs and local families year round. We focus on sustainability and all-natural farming practices, and we prioritize taste and nutrition using only non-treated, non-GMO heirloom seed varieties. Our produce is grown and harvested to order, and we take great pride in the reputation we’ve built based on quality, freshness and customer service. One of the things that sets us apart is that we were foodies first; I worked in hospitality and fine wine before becoming a farmer. Growing the food is the easy part; the hard part is understanding the market. Zone 10b farming is not easy! We’ve learned that Mother Nature is in charge. But we want the world to know that it IS possible to grow year round in South Florida without synthetic pesticides and herbicides. We have seven seasons under our belt and many happy customers to prove it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As amazing as South Beach is, there’s so much more to the heart of Miami. Go to an art gallery in Wynwood, visit the Frost Science Museum and Pérez Art Museum, dip your toes in the ocean and see the Everglades. Get dinner at Boia De and KYU, and beat the heat with a scoop of Frice Cream at the Citadel.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We are so grateful for the support of our local community during the COVID crisis. When our restaurant business evaporated overnight, we spun up an online store for local customers with contactless pickup at the farm. The outpouring of support from local families and chefs was overwhelming, and it has carried us through the crisis.

Website: https://harpkefamilyfarm.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harpkefamilyfarm/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harpkefamilyfarm

Image Credits
For the photo of Tamer and Claire, credit Andrew Giambarba