American Family Farmer

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) welcomes Jim Gerritsen, founder of Wood Prairie Family Farm, for a conversation about organic farming, seed integrity, and the future of America’s small family farms.Founded in 1976 in northern Maine, Wood Prairie Family Farm has become nationally recognized for its certified organic seed potatoes and decades-long commitment to sustainable agriculture. Gerritsen shares how the family farm built a successful direct-to-consumer business while prioritizing soil health, crop rotation, and regenerative farming practices long before they became mainstream topics in agriculture.The discussion also explores the growing challenges facing independent farmers, including consolidation in agriculture, genetically engineered seed contamination, and the fight to preserve farmer independence and organic integrity. As president of the Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association, Gerritsen reflects on his advocacy work protecting family farms and why seed sov