sweet southern superfood
hagarberry.com
Our mission is to grow the highest quality blueberries utilizing sustainable management practices and state-of-the-art technology for water conservation and crop management.
the farm.......................................................................4 the plan........................................................................5 the people..................................................................... 6 the mission.................................................................. 9 the market.................................................................. 10 the design................................................................... 13 the heart.................................................................... 15
the farm Nestled off a stretch of country road in the heart of South Georgia, Hagarberry Farms is 300 acres of delicious blueberries and spring feed ponds. Venturous proprietor Andrew Hagar carved this unique niche out of a long-forgotten oasis in the hills of Grady County. He envisioned multi-purposes for wise stewardship, and uses only sustainable practices, such as growing his berries in incorporated pine bark beds and recycling water for better conservation.
the plan Phase 1 Complete Designed and completed installation of two large ponds which provide irrigation for the farm. Installed irrigation system and initial 20 acres of blueberries. Completed our first harvest. Planted an additional 18 acres of blueberries in 2012 with incorporated bark bed under ground cloth, along with dual system irrigation. Phase 2 Underway In 2013, pine trees and hardwoods will be removed for future plantings and approximately 15 acres of blueberries will be planted. In 2014, we will plant an additional 20 acres of blueberries and in 2015, we will add approximately 30 acres of organic blueberries. All of the expansion will include incorporated pine bark bed with ground cloth and the dual system irrigation—drip with overhead for frost protection maintaining consistency with the rest of the farm. Additionally, in 2013, we plan to return to the first 20 acres, and lay the ground cloth over the beds. Phase 3 2015 We propose to purchase the adjacent 80 acres of land for production, a state of the art Packing Facility—and a possible distribution center.
5
the people
Andrew “Andy” Hagar Brittani Jones farm manager
Humberto Mariano crew leader
“we are fortunate to have such a knowledgeable team of folks who know farming and everything it takes to grow the very best blueberries” —Andy Hagar
Andrew “Andy” Hagar received his business degree from Auburn University and film degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). A third-generation banker (his family owns the largest privately held bank in Florida), Andy Hagar started at the entry level (mail room) at Oppenheimer in New York City in 1991, eventually becoming an assistant analyst of Small Cap firms and company start-ups. In 1997, he launched his own Atlanta-based broker/dealer investment firm, Hagar Financial, concentrating on insurance-based annuities and mutual funds. He sold the company to SafeCo Insurance Co., out of Seattle, Washington in 2002. Seizing a new opportunity, Hagar launched a television network in Australia, which he sold in early 2009. He relocated to Grady County, GA to pursue an early childhood passion of farming, which was nurtured while visiting and working on a farm his family owned in nearby Quitman. Andy Hagar’s concept for Hagarberry Farms is modeled after one of the largest blueberry farms in Florida and his ability to recognize and attract the most knowledgeable staff allows the farm to continue its success and growth.
Brittani Jones holds a Bachelors of Science in Horticulture Science from the University of Florida. Brittani gained extensive experience while working at Island Grove Agricultural Products in Hawthorne, Florida where she managed 88 acres of organic blueberries along with nearly 50 crew members. Her responsiblities included all aspects of managing the farm and ensuring certifications and worker safety. In 2012, Brittani joined the Hagarberry team as Farm Manager and brings with her unriveled horticultural knowlege. From quality control and records maintenance to nutritional anaylsis and freeze protection, Brittani’s expertise ensures the continued growth of Hagarberry Farms.
Humberto Mariano brings a range of experience and expertise from operating a large variety of farm equipment to installing and maintaining irrigation systems. Refining his skills at three other blueberry farms in Florida, Humberto’s background includes most aspects of blueberry farming. Directing and leading crews, mechanical harvesting and packing as well as his proficiency in electrical wiring, carpentry and mechanics makes Humberto a true asset to Hagarberry Farms.
7
advisory board Ken Patterson
Owner, Island Grove Ag Products, Hawthorne, Florida
Ken Patterson is the owner of Island Grove Ag Products and one of the founders of Florida’s blueberry industry. The Island Grove Ag Products Nursery Division is one of the largest commercial blueberry plant producers in the state. www.islandgroveagproducts.com
Dr. Gerard Krewer Owner, Harrietts Bluff Farm, Woodbine, Georgia Dr. Gerard Krewer is Professor Emeritus at the University of Georgia, and owner/operator of Harrietts Bluff Farm. Dr. Krewer is a worldwide known specialist in blueberries among other fruits. Harrietts Bluff Farm is dedicated to growing blueberries organically. www.harriettsblufffarm.com
Kevin Milligan
Vice President, TWC Distributors Inc., Sarasota, Florida
TWC Distributors Inc. started in 1989 as an agricultural irrigation distributor and has grown to include landscape irrigation and outdoor lighting. TWC provides consultation, products and information on the most current and efficient approach to agricultural irrigation. www.twcdistributors.com
8
the mission The Hagarberry Approach
Hagarberry Farms has employed technology and innovation to keep its practices green and environmentally friendly. To make the farm self-sustaining, we are making use of a 14-acre pond on the property (with a natural spring as source) and a 15-acre pond. The land has been graded in a way that promotes recycling of water. We also believe in taking care of our workers. We currently have 10 laborers on payroll and have relationships in place that will allow us to hire additional local labor during peak seasons (planting and picking). We provide the type of work environment – including safety and training – that attracts dedicated workers. Perhaps the most unique feature of Hagarberry Farms is the use of the incorporated pine bark bed, versus the former traditional straight pine bark bed that many Florida growers use or the traditional native soil that many Georgia growers use along the east coast in high-acidic muck soils. This allow plants to benefit from organic matter in the native soil, but also, helps control the pH of the soil and provides for drainage, keeping the roots moist, but not wet. Hagarberry Farms also invested in a state-of-the-art dual irrigation system. An overhead sprinkler protection protects the crop from freezes in the winter, and can be used to irrigate the field in an extreme drought conditions. The drip system is used throughout the growing season to provide water and fertilizer directly to the plant roots, reducing waste and weeds. An irrigation controller can automatically turn the water and fertilizer on and off, and works with a weather station and sensors in the field.
9
the market Why blueberries? Why now?
Blueberries are a fast emerging crop with a bright future in Georgia and are the state’s second most important fruit crop, after peaches. They were 34th in the 2002 Georgia Agricultural Commodity ranking, credited with generating about $29.6 million or 34% of the total Georgia farm gate value for 2002. This represents a 28% and 34.5% increase in farm gate value compared with 2001 and 2000 respectively. Cultivated blueberries are considered the second most important berry after strawberries. They generated over $200 million in farm gate value, equivalent to 13% of total berries produced in the U.S.* Fresh blueberries receive a premium price at the market, compared to most other fruits. They are among the top 5 overall in retail pricing for fruits – surpassing strawberries. Florida and Georgia blueberry growers are exclusive suppliers of the first fresh blueberries to ripen in North America and have an ideal market window from early April to late May, with high prices remaining throughout the season. Hagarberry Farms also plans to offer dried blueberries for distribution to major grocery stores, health food chains, smaller grocers, school districts and airlines. Dried blueberries represent a lucrative secondary source of revenue. Our Hagar Packing and Distribution Center division will provide an additional source of revenue. We will be offering a wide range of services to other growers including: • Grading • Packing • Pre-cooling • Controlled atmosphere chamber storage • Receiving and storage of pre-packaged product • Marketing • Distribution *Economic Analysis of Producing Southern Highbush Blueberries in Soil in Georgia, University of Georgia, August 2004
10
With just 80 calories per cup and virtually no fat, blueberries offer many noteworthy nutritional benefits. Here’s the skinny on blueberry nutrition: Blueberries are packed with vitamin C Blueberries are dynamos of dietary fiber. Blueberries are an excellent source of manganese. Blueberries contain substances that have antioxidant properties source: blueberrycouncil.org
Loaded with Vitamin C Antioxidant Rich Full of Dietary Fiber Excellent Source of Manganese &
so yummy you will forget that they are good for you.
the market Positive Prospects and Support
Because Hagarberry Farms has modeled its business after another highly successful blueberry operation, investors and other farming operations have already approached the company to lease or purchase, which confirms our business model – that we have the right product in the right place at the right time. The support for Hagarberry Farms in South Georgia and has been tremendous. Government officials have been very supportive, as have local suppliers.
HAGARBERRY BUYER: Gourmet Trading Company
Los Angeles, California Gourmet Trading Company was founded in 1982 as an importer and distributor of fresh fruits and vegetables. The main offices are located in a 45,000 sq. ft. cooling facility and warehouse adjacent to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This location means Gourmet has the advantage of being USDA compliant, allowing greater control over cool chain management to protect the integrity of their products. Gourmet Trading partners with only the finest growers in South and Central America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. in order to consistently deliver the best blueberries and asparagus. Gourmet’s choice to only sell blueberries and asparagus allow them to nuture strong grower relationships and their continual investment in their business enables them to provide highquality products all year round.
Hagarberry Farms is partnering with Gourmet to provide fresh blueberries througout blueberry season as well as during the month of April which is an exclusive harvesting window—ensuring top dollar per pound for Hagarberry blueberries. www.gourmettrading.net
12
the design The Creative Pool Design
Tallahassee, Florida Great design can influence, inspire, and motivate. To that end, The Creative Pool provides creative support to individuals, businesses, and non-profits specializing in identity + branding, print + merchandise design, exhibit + educational design and web + digital publication design. Drawing from a “pool” of talent including award winning designers, internationally published writers, and marketing gurus. The result: original, fresh, inspiring, and artistic work. www.thecreativepooldesign.com Hagarberry Farms chose The Creative Pool Design in 2011 to create a brand and website. Since then, the relationship has grown and The Creative Pool is now responsible for all marketing and branding of Hagarberry Farms. In 2013, The Creative Pool will launch an updated website along with new branding and collateral materials—continuing the successful promotion of Hagarberry Farms and its delicious blueberries and philanthropic ventures.
13
the heart
Hagarberry Heart Andy Hagar started Hagarberry Farms in 2010 to fulfill his lifelong dream of farming but he always knew the farm could accomplish so much more than growing the very best blueberries. Andy’s philanthropic heart led his drive for success and philanthropy continues to motivate him personally and professionally. In 2013, Hagarberry Farms will launch the first tier of Hagarberry Heart with the mission to help our community through sponsorships of children’s athletics, local arts programs and elder care service organizations. Hagarberry Heart is designed to serve the community while enhancing Hagarberry Farms visibility. Visit Hagarberry Farms on Facebook to follow our progress as we launch Hagarberry Heart.
15
hagarberry P.O. Box 31 • Whigham, GA 39897 • (229) 762-3601
hagarberry.com