Walton farm provides healthy produce to local communities

The tradition of small family-run farms across America has declined dramatically over the years, as the number of family operated farms in the United States has been reduced almost 90 percent since World War II.

These days, most of the food consumers eat are produced by large corporations and shipped thousands of miles by the time it reaches our dinner table. The end market product is often packed with chemicals, preservatives, pesticides and/or is genetically altered.

However, there are some options to the dilemma such as buying locally grown produce. Without the need for a long shelf life, local farms have no need to introduce preservatives to their crops. One such breath of fresh air is right here in north Walton County at Adams Farms.

A sixth-generation family farm since 1895, Adams Century Farm is located north of DeFuniak Springs in the community of Glendale.

Run by David and Leonard Adams, the farm is a member of the Century Pioneer Family Farm Program. Initiated in 1985 by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the program honors family farms that have maintained at least 100 years of continuous family farm ownership. The Adams’ original land deed is dated October 9, 1895.

That is not all that is unique about Adams Farms, as David and Leonard have a unique approach to sustainable farming with a high standard of ethics.

After studying the philosophies Dr. Carey Reams and Dr Alexander Beddoe, their quest for healthier produce found them turning away from chemical farming and using a more natural approach.

Concentrating on calcium management and Reams theory of biological ionization, the Adams’ strive for a high brix rating in their crops. Brix is the measurement of the dissolved sugar to water ratio in a product – the higher the Brix rating, the more nutritional value. Conventional agriculture today does not use Brix standards, therefore producing nutritionally deficient fruit and vegetables.

Adams uses only organically approved pesticides and believes with the proper balance of insects, the crops will thrive.

“The dragonflies take care of a lot of the pests,” David said.

With more than 1,000 acres, portions of the farm are designated conservation land as well, and the brothers participate in the Master Forester program. Several hundred acres are also leased for cotton farming.

Adams Farms grows a spring, fall and winter garden that includes greens, field peas, watermelon, cantaloupe, squash, green beans, pole beans, potatoes, sweet corn, tomatoes, okra, peppers and onions. Harvested produce varieties are available at different times of the year. The farm also offers fresh eggs and pecans.

Call ahead and find out what is available or request to get on their email list to get updates on what is about to ripen. Email: margiea@embarqmail.com

Adams supplies much of their produce to Two Cousins restaurant in Darlington and informs folks on what is available on the Country Store radio show on WZEP. Charles Bush from Dragonfly Fields also sells Adams’ produce at the Seaside Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.

Tel: (850) 978-2747
Directions: From Hwy. 90 in DeFuniak Springs, take Hwy. 83 north. Turn right on Hwy 185 and go approx. 2 miles. Farm is located at 257 T.R. Miller Road.
Website: www.adamsfarminc.com