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Mann Farms (Organic Cranberries) |
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Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, USA
Monika and Keith Mann have been growing cranberries organically since shortly after they got married. In 1994 they began leasing 3.5 acres of cranberry bogs from Keith's father, a lifelong grower. One year, they discovered antique wooden equipment that had been abandoned in a small processing facility on the property, and brought it back into use for sorting fresh cranberries.
Currently the Manns have 27 acres in organic production, growing varieties including Early Black and Howes, which are native to Massachusetts, as well as Stevens, a hybrid. Monika and Keith have one year-round employee, who has been on the farm longer than Monika, and a team of seasonal employees in the fall, all of whom are provided with housing. In addition to routine care of the farm, and long hours during the harvest season, Monika takes care of organic sales and marketing, and Keith is an inventor focused on improving efficiency in every aspect of the farm operation. The Manns are proud of their work and also enjoy the flexibility it allows them to be with their young daughter. "We're in organic heart and soul," they say.
Equal Exchange's first partner for organic cranberries is the Mann family farm. Our Organic Dried Sweetened Cranberries are made using the large Stevens variety.
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 Keith & Monika Mann |
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