Meet Denise Rico, owner of certified organic family farm Terra Organics NH, located on the banks of the Blackwater River in Contoocook, NH.​

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Where are you from?

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Denise: I am a native Californian but grew up in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC

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Do you come from farmers or are you a first-generation farmer?

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Denise: I come from a long line of folks who loved to garden and grow food for themselves and their neighbors.

 

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How long have you been farming? Why did you become a farmer and what keeps you farming?

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Denise: I have been farming for market for 14 years, but still consider myself a beginner. My background is in horticulture and landscape design, and I own a small landscape company. I started growing food in 2008 when the economy crashed and landscape jobs dried up. I continue to grow food because providing people with fresh, healthy produce is rewarding.

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What do you produce on your farm?

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Denise: We grow and sell certified organic vegetables. Our hot, sandy, river-bottom soil is especially suited to growing melons.

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How long have you been a member of NOFA-NH? Why did you become a member?

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Denise: I have been a member of NOFA-NH for many years and I also work for the organization as their Bulk Order and Finance Coordinator. I first became a member to get the member-pricing on bulk order items (shameless plug).

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Why is organic farming important to you?

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Denise: Healthy, organic soil produces nutrient dense produce that does not contain pesticide residues.

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What do you see in the future for small, family farms?

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Denise: I would love to see more folks shopping from local farms and farmers’ markets. Gathering the foods that sustain us from our fellow farmers and makers provides a connection to our environment that has been mostly lost over the years.

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How can farmers contribute toward environmental change and climate mitigation?

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Denise: Local food has a much smaller carbon footprint than the food found in the supermarket. I think folks will begin to realize this as trucked products become more and more expensive due to shipping costs.

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What advice do you have for anyone thinking about becoming an organic farmer?

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Denise: My advice for anyone thinking of becoming a farmer would be to go and work a few seasons for a successful organic farm. Read books. Plan. Make sure there is a market for your produce

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How does NOFA-NH membership benefit you?

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Denise: I am always energized by NOFA-NH events, especially the Winter Conference for the networking opportunities and inspiring presenters.

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What are you harvesting now that people can purchase from you?

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Denise: It’s melon season – we still have several varieties of Contoocook-grown watermelons for sale, including our famous yellow Baby Dolls. You can purchase our melons and other produce at the Henniker Farmers’ Market every Thursday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Henniker’s Community Center Park.