We're sure you have noticed our most recent mid-season closing. This was in part to a combination of factors. We have been so overwhelmed with your thoughts, prayers, and emails! Rest assured our family and the actual farm is fine and all is well!
That being said, this has been the craziest blueberry season we've ever had! Our season began extremely early (early may!) and then faced weeks with no rain. A few weeks into June we discovered we were facing a bigger problem than drought! We were battling the spotted winged drosophila. This can cause a worm to be in the blueberries.
We have been working with professionals at the University of Florida to correct the problem. It is under control to our knowledge. There might still be a chance that you find a random worm in a blueberry. We have been reassured that no health risk is posed by this particular pest. And our family is still devouring berries, Our own toddler still eats them by the handful straight from the tree!
Multiple factors have contributed to this problem, including our warm winter and the fact we have never, up until now, sprayed our crops with any type of pesticide. Our last "spray" was over a week ago, which has been followed by numerous rains. We have always been aware of the risks of being an "all-natural" farm. We hope you do understand this is a risk we take as farmers and you take as a
u-pick customer.
At this point in the season, and with the safeguards we have taken againt the pest, we feel it is best to remain open. We will be open on the honor system until our berries are gone. Again, we hope you realize this is a possibility with any farm that uses no chemicals and you will continue to patronize our farm this season and the seasons to come.
Our customers are our favorite part of this job and we are thankful for each and every one of you! Thank you for being supportive in our time of farming-misfortune!
