CLAYTON — The idea of knowing where the products you use come from really came to a head last Christmas.
Numerous children’s toys made in China were recalled for containing dangerous levels of lead. It prompted many consumers to consider buying more American-made products.
That philosophy is seeping into the food market too. More citizens are seeking out locally-grown food. Aaron Zeis, owner of Nature’s Harvest Organics, can attest to that. He farms 14 acres with his fiancé, Alisa Drury, in Atlanta, Ind., and six acres at Center Valley Organic Farm here. They also have a partnership with LIFE, a certified organic farm in Morgan County.
The concept behind their farms is known as Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Those who join receive boxes of freshly-harvested vegetables throughout the growing season. Specific produce depends on what’s in season. Zeis has about 15 delivery sites, including here and Plainfield in Hendricks County.
Demand for organic farming is growing. Nature’s Harvest Organics had a membership of about 30 in 2005 and ’06. That grew to 100 in 2007 and 300 this year.
“More people are starting to care about what they eat,” Zeis said. “They like knowing where their food comes from.”
Zeis maintained a garden with his family growing up, but never considered a career in th field. He was an audio engineer major at Indiana University. He took this path after working on an organic farm in Portland, Ore.
“That experience taught me the importance of the land,” Zeis said. “It really is the basis for all human life.”
There are myriad reasons for buying local organic food, besides knowing where it comes from. Not having to ship it a long distance means less fuel used and a fresher product. You’re also supporting local farmers. And eating fruits and vegetables when they’re in-season means you’re getting the appropriate nutrients for the time of year.
“That’s something most of us have really gotten away from over the years, with our ability to ship produce anytime from all over the world,” Zeis said.
Adam Flake, who manages the farm here and has a horticultural background, has been working in organic farming for about a year now. He likes it for one very good reason.
“I don’t have to handle any dangerous chemicals or pesticides,” he said. “That’s something a lot of consumers have become more concerned about.”
As administrative director of Indiana Certified Organic, the state’s only organic certification agency accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Zeis spends more than 30 hours a week overseeing that process for some 400 farms, livestock, and processed food operations nationwide. Like with any business, it involves a lot of paperwork. That makes him appreciate the organic farming side all the more.
“It’s nice to get out from in front of the computer, get my hands dirty planting something in the ground, and watch it grow,” Zeis said.
———
Online:
www.naturesharvestorganics.com
wade.coggeshall@flyergroup.com
Local News
Related Photos
-
Aaron Zeis (foreground) and Adam Flake tend to crops Thursday afternoon at Center Valley Organic Farm in Clayton. / Photo by Wade Coggeshall
Local farm offers seasonal organic produce
- Local News
-
-
Students say good-bye to PHS
PLAINFIELD — The Class of 2012 is the first to spend all four years at the new high school building in Plainfield.
-
Commencement held for BDU students
INDIANAPOLIS — Setting goals and making dreams come true was the theme for the Ben Davis University High School commencement held May 26.
-
SLIDESHOW: BDU commencement ceremony
The Ben Davis University High School graduation ceremony took place May 26.
-
CHS seniors graduate, show a little humor
CLAYTON — The graduating seniors at Cascade High School celebrate commence with light hearts and clear intentions.
-
SLIDESHOW: CHS graudation
The Cascade High School Class of 2012 graduation ceremony was held May 26.
-
500 Festival hosts memorial ceremony
There is nothing more honorable for a man to give his life for his country.
For all of the Hoosiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice and died in the defense of the United States, the 500 Festival hosted its Annual Memorial Service on Monument Circle Friday.
-
Avon council turns down transit request
Greg Ballard, mayor of Indianapolis, recently developed a letter regarding the support of a referendum on transit funding and had asked other local communities to sign the letter.
-
Community gets peek behind the scenes at IMS
For one sunny day, fans of open wheel racing got a peek under the Indy 500 hood, so to speak, as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway put on its annual Community Day.
-
Local family fights back for cure against rare genetic disease
-
County looks to battle water illnesses
The week prior to Memorial Day serves as National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
Neighbors of Etan Patz's Suspect: It's Shocking
