What is Terra Preta?
Terra Preta Farms is a small-scale vegetable and flower farm that operates through a box CSA model. Located in Marshall, NC, Terra Preta is managed using sustainable and organic practices.
Literally meaning "black earth" in Portuguese, Terra Preta refers to ancient, very rich, fertile soils in the Amazon Basin. These anthropogenic soils were created by adding charcoal, compost, and plant/animal wastes to preexisting soils. At Terra Preta farms, we utilize this concept by amending our soil with biochar. Biochar is made from burning wood/plant matter in the absence of oxygen at very high temperatures. Adding this enrichment to the soil aids in nutrient retention and availability and increases microbial and mycorrhizal activity, while also sequestering carbon. This, accompanied by other sustainable practices, help to maintain the fertility of our farm!
Literally meaning "black earth" in Portuguese, Terra Preta refers to ancient, very rich, fertile soils in the Amazon Basin. These anthropogenic soils were created by adding charcoal, compost, and plant/animal wastes to preexisting soils. At Terra Preta farms, we utilize this concept by amending our soil with biochar. Biochar is made from burning wood/plant matter in the absence of oxygen at very high temperatures. Adding this enrichment to the soil aids in nutrient retention and availability and increases microbial and mycorrhizal activity, while also sequestering carbon. This, accompanied by other sustainable practices, help to maintain the fertility of our farm!
The mission of Terra Preta is to provide consumers with the freshest, highest quality product available during its natural growing season. Emphasis is placed on promoting plant and insect biodiversity, farm nutrient cycling, and integrated pest and disease management techniques. These practices are used to promote ecological and human health, which encompass key principles of sustainable agriculture. The end goal is to continually increase soil health, encourage learning opportunities and contribution to the local economy, as well as to uphold the quality of farmland for use by future generations.
Terra Preta Farms is a small-scale vegetable and flower CSA that operates in Marshall, NC using sustainable and organic practices. Support local farms!
Terra Preta Farms is a small-scale vegetable and flower CSA that operates in Marshall, NC using sustainable and organic practices. Support local farms!
Terra Preta Farms is managed and operated by Price Hulin, a native North Carolinian, Asheville resident, and graduate of the Sustainable Development program at Appalachian State University (ASU).
Raised in a family rich in landscapers, florists, and entrepreneurs, Price’s interest in plant life and ecology was sparked at a young age. It wasn’t until his studies at ASU that he became aware of issues arising from monoculture farming and the repercussions of a globalized food system. Fascinated by the inherent good that small scale farming can serve, Price furthered his studies in the Sustainable Development program with a concentration in Agroecology. This concentrated focus emphasized alternative farming practices and the importance of soil health, in addition to stressing farming as an opportunity to unite, educate, and empower communities, rather than simply another sector of industry.
His post-collegiate career has included two years as a farm intern, a farming assistant, community gardener, and after-school volunteer. The freedom of a solo farming and business venture was simply too good to pass up so, the moment was seized, and Terra Preta Farms was born. Support local farmers!
Raised in a family rich in landscapers, florists, and entrepreneurs, Price’s interest in plant life and ecology was sparked at a young age. It wasn’t until his studies at ASU that he became aware of issues arising from monoculture farming and the repercussions of a globalized food system. Fascinated by the inherent good that small scale farming can serve, Price furthered his studies in the Sustainable Development program with a concentration in Agroecology. This concentrated focus emphasized alternative farming practices and the importance of soil health, in addition to stressing farming as an opportunity to unite, educate, and empower communities, rather than simply another sector of industry.
His post-collegiate career has included two years as a farm intern, a farming assistant, community gardener, and after-school volunteer. The freedom of a solo farming and business venture was simply too good to pass up so, the moment was seized, and Terra Preta Farms was born. Support local farmers!