Encounter with Pumpkin Queen Sarah Frey in Interview
In a world where consumers are increasingly interested in understanding the origins of their food, Sarah Frey, the renowned "Pumpkin Queen," is leading the charge. With her thriving farm, Frey Farms, Sarah is setting a new standard for transparency and connection in the agricultural industry.
Sarah's remarkable journey began in her teenage years, when she took over part of her family's farm in Illinois and transformed it into a bustling enterprise specializing in pumpkins, fresh produce, and agritourism. Despite the challenges that came with her innovative approach and starting at a young age with limited resources, Sarah's determination and business savvy enabled her to grow the farm significantly.
Growing up in a rural community, Sarah developed the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of farming and entrepreneurship. Her experiences have since made her a beacon of inspiration for women in agriculture and a testament to the power of resilience and innovation.
Sarah's influence extends beyond her farm, as she has expanded into value-added products and direct-to-consumer sales. This has helped establish Frey Farms as a recognizable brand in the agricultural industry, offering an array of products from pumpkins and watermelons to fresh-pressed juices.
In today's climate, Sarah's work is more relevant than ever. The rise of Covid-19 has prompted consumers to think more critically about the who, where, and why of their food, with many choosing to support American-grown products. Unfortunately, over 50% of the fresh produce consumed in America is imported from other countries, leaving a gap in transparency and connection that Sarah Frey is working to bridge.
Sarah's dedication to transparency is evident in her book, "Growing Season: How I Built a New Life- And Saved an American Farm," which offers a detailed account of her journey and the challenges she faced along the way. The book is available for purchase, and Sarah will be at Stanley Korshak on November 7th for a book signing event.
In addition to her work with Frey Farms, Sarah places great emphasis on the satisfaction of planting a seed and watching it grow. She prefers to tend to multiple gardens at home, even with acres of farmland available, and recommends gardening as an incredible family experience that teaches children the value and satisfaction of growing their own food.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of our food system, Sarah Frey serves as a shining example of the power of innovation, resilience, and a deep-rooted connection to the land. Her work inspires consumers to think more critically about their food choices and supports American-grown products, ultimately fostering a more transparent and sustainable food system for all.
Sarah Frey's influence in the agricultural industry isn't limited to farming; she also delves into home-and-garden lifestyle, advocating for gardening as a rewarding family experience. Her book, "Growing Season," showcases her entrepreneurship journey and is available for purchase.
Sarah's commitment to financial transparency extends to her sales strategy. Frey Farms offers direct-to-consumer sales, including food-and-drink products, setting a new standard for the industry.
By growing renowned brands like Frey Farms, Sarah has demonstrated that entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector can be both financially viable and socially impactful.
Amidst the heightened interest in understanding food origins, Sarah's dedication to transparency is crucial in fostering a more sustainable food-and-drink system, benefiting consumers and American businesses alike.
