Suprima Farms
Richard Hennigar has a lifetime of experience in the apple industry. As a third generation apple grower, he has learned the ins and outs of orchards “by osmosis”. In the 1970’s, Richard started organic farming and later focused on developing his organic orchard. Suprima Farms organic orchard, located in Sheffield Mills, Nova Scotia, now spans three and a half acres and Richard also manages a 20 acre organic orchard in Port Williams.
At Suprima Farms, Richard use scab resistant varieties of apples, such as Red Free, Prima, Nova Mac and Nova Spy. Richard does not use any sprays on his orchard, not even those that are organically accepted. Suprima Farms is also “Kyoto friendly”, as no fossil fuels as used.
Early on, when the orchard was smaller and equipment was not readily available, Richard would mow the orchard with a ride-on mower, blowing the grass clipping underneath the trees to provide more mulch. Eventually, there was a point where the lawn tractor could no longer go under the limbs, leading Richard to a “serendipity moment”. He realized that when he bent the tall grass down, it wouldn’t bend back up; so now Richard lets the grass grow and eventually bends it all manually, which takes 24-30 hours for 2 acres. This method allows the orchard to act a little like a forest and absorb more energy. Richard also does some hand thinning once in awhile, and cuts back the new growth each year. These clippings are put in other areas of the orchard, as they are rich in nutrients. He also mentions that ants promote soil health in the orchard, mining nutrients and opening pathways for air and water transfer.
Suprima Farms produces certified organic apples and apple cider, as well frozen juice bars, which are on their way to becoming certified.
“Other than the challenge of marketing the scab-free varieties of apples, my big challenge is the frozen juice bars,” explains Richard. The apple bars are organic functionally; however, the plant that packages them is not. Currently, Richard is working to find organic sources for the other fruit, and when he does, there will be a new label run and the plant will be certified. Over the next two or three years, Richard believes his frozen juice bars will be certified.
“I certify the apples more for the purpose of the support structure of organic marketing than for any tangible benefit,” says Richard about his decision to certify with OCPP in 2003. Richard does believe that the tangible benefits will grow with time and has begun to promote his products as organic.
Suprima Farm’s products are available at Wolfville and Halifax Farmers Markets, Upper Stewiacke, home delivery through Home Grown Organic Foods in Metro Halifax, farm sales and U-pick by appointment. The cider is also available at Alderney Landing, Pete’s Frootique’s downtown lunch area, and Gasperaeau Winery.
Richard would like to expand the market for all Suprima Farm’s products and would particularly like to work with the schools. In the past, he sold his juice bars in some schools, and would like for that to happen again in the future.
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