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It Starts At The Farm

by Joseph Xu on February 19, 2024

Hickory Nut Gap:
It Starts At The Farm

At Whole Foods Market, we’re pretty excited about regenerative agriculture – farming and grazing practices that improve soil, enhance biodiversity, and increase carbon capture. We work with suppliers, scientists, experts, and other committed organizations to help evolve the growing, harvesting, and production of crops and livestock.  

At the heart of our commitment are relationships with farmers and ranchers like Hickory Nut Gap, whose mission is to preserve the soul of their communities through regenerative practices that bring 100% grass-fed beef and pasture raised pork to market. 

In this Whole Story, learn about how the relationship between Hickory Nut Gap and Whole Foods Market gives us hope for the future of our communities and the planet. 



“My hope is that beginning farmers who are setting out to pursue their dreams also have access to a network of customers, fair prices, and ways to make a living doing what they love. I think Jamie and I are very grateful that we’ve had the opportunity to pursue our dreams that way and raise our family of three boys here on the farm. And I just hope that other people, that they have that same opportunity. I think that the land here is so rich, it has so much to offer, and we have so much to share through stewarding it with other people.” 

Amy Ager, Founder and Owner, Hickory Nut Gap

Growing With Purpose  

Whole Foods Market Culture Champions visited Hickory Nut Gap in the fall of 2023. They met farmers, learned how ecological verification works, and spent time with the animals on the land. The Culture Champions are taking the knowledge and experiences back with them to their stores to educate and inspire their fellow team members. 


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Filed Under: Communities, Experts, Local, New Story, Perishables, Quality Standards, Sustainability, Team Members Tagged With: core values, local, regen, regenag, regenerative, regenerative agriculture, standards, sustainable

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