Equal Exchange - Sandhill Cranberry (Organic Cranberries)

Sandhill Cranberry (Organic Cranberries)

Region: Wisconsin, USA

For Dan Wandler, organic farming is a question of survival. Asked why he farms organically and he quickly responds, "Because organic is a way to save the family farm."

At 47, Dan is a relatively new farmer. He was a tool and die maker who sold his business to become a cranberry farmer. In 1997 he started to learn the ropes by working for another farmer, and two years later bought his own land. He soon began the transition to organic and in 2002 sold his first certified organic cranberries.

Today, Dan farms 65 acres organically; 55 acres of his own land, and 10 acres belonging to a neighboring farmer. He has three year-round employees who help manage the bog and his on-farm processing facility. These permanent workers receive competitive pay as well as insurance and other benefits.

During the harvest, which can last between six to eight weeks, as many as 50 people from high school age on up will be employed on the farm. Some help with picking berries while others do cleaning and packing. "People who like to work on the bog usually ask to come back the next year," says Dan. He estimates that about 70% of the people, most of whom live in the surrounding community, work on his farm from one year to the next. "We try to pay well, though we'd like to do better. We also offer some paid holidays and overtime during the harvest."

"I won't grow another conventional cranberry," Dan says. Asked why and he replies, "I'll be honest: my first concern was getting a better price." Organic cranberries are often sold for as much as two and a half times that of conventional berries, meaning that Dan had a little bit more money in his pocket. He had a better chance at making his farm viable. Price came first; environmental issues were secondary. "But I'll tell you, that's changed for me now 180 degrees."

Dan's experience as a conventional farmer demonstrates the difference that organic agriculture can make for the environment. "Before, after we sprayed the bog, you didn't hear a sound for two weeks. You knew you'd killed something." Now the bog is full of sound. "There are beneficial insects, and that means the frogs have something to eat. They're everywhere. You can see the difference."

But the impact of organic can also be personal. "It's simply amazing," says Dan. "I can farm without a space suit on. I can walk off the bog and hug my kids without taking my suit of and spraying myself down. I used to have to say to my kids, 'Don't touch me, I'm poisonous right now.' But now I don't have to say that and I can’t tell you how good that feels."

Sandhill cranes also find a home in the 'support land' that surrounds the cranberry bogs, raising their chicks on the higher ground in thick vegetation. "The birds are always honking on this part of the marsh," says Dan. "One of the interesting things about the young cranes is that the parents work at attracting attention when they feel a threat. The parents will go in the direction of an open area while the young head for cover."

Equal Exchange believes that co-operatives are crucial to enabling people around the world to develop their communities in a democratic, sustainable and equitable manner. By organizing together, farmers are able to pool their resources, share information and negotiate with buyers. In cases where we do not yet have a farmer co-op to partner with, we are proud to work with farmers like Dan Wandler who believe in family farming, organic agriculture and treating their workers fairly.