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

Hi Katie, how does your business help the community?
Our business has helped grow the local farming community through teaching/mentoring others as we’ve gained knowledge. We are also some of the founders of the Red Hills Small Farm Alliance (I still serve on the board). This is a non-profit organization that runs an online farmers market (www.rhomarket.com), does farmer and consumer education, and increases local food access.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My husband Aaron and I run Full Earth Farm along with a three person crew. Together we grow 5.75 acres of diversified vegetables and sell to farmers markets, CSA, restaurants and a local coop. We’ve learned that growing produce is hard but rewarding work. It is not a get rich fast (or ever) business, but we knew that. We’ve had many challenges, especially with weather. I want eating local food to be normal, not niche or fancy, but essential. I want people to see how money spent with local businesses creates a more financially resilient local economy.

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?
I would take them to Wakulla Springs State Park on the boat tour, to Cascades Park, hiking at St. Marks wildlife refuge, we’d go mountain biking at Piney Z, attend the FSU student circus, go to the top of the capitol. We’d eat at Sweet Pea Cafe for lunch, and Sage or Kool Beanz Cafe for a nice dinner, we’d get drinks at Liberty and Waterworks. We would swing by Au Peche Mignon for a sweet treat and get coffee at Black Dog Cafe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Our farming mentors Herman Holley and Louise Divine of Turkey Hill Farm in Tallahassee. They put the love of farming and food into me. They have become some of my closest friends and I am still learning from them. They have taught many of the current farmers in our area as well. Louise is also a founder of the Red Hills Small Farm Alliance.

Website: Fullearthfarm.com

Instagram: Fullearthfarm

Image Credits
Full Earth Farm

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