Local Farm Gets Biodynamic Certification

Cricket’s Cove Embraces “Heritage Growing” 

By Brian Nowlin, Staff Writer

Cricket’s Cove farm is the “dream come true” for Marianne Cicala and Jim “Coop” Cooper who say they “spent years searching for land that fit most of our wish list and after bushwhacking through scrub trees for hours, found it” at Gilbert Lane just outside of Victoria.

The farm has been a USDA Certified Organic fruitery specializing in berries and fruits of all varieties, but also includes certified organic herbs and annual veggies. Marianne stated, “Our goal is to continue to utilize permaculture and expand our sustainable practices. We are the only USDA Certified Organic Farm within four counties and as such enjoy a growing market of locals and businesses.”

The farm location also recently became one of the few certified biodynamic farm locations in the state. Biodynamic farmers strive to create a diversified, balanced farm ecosystem that generates health and fertility as much as possible from within the farm itself. Preparations made from natural fertilizer, minerals and herbs are used to help restore the farm and to enhance the nutrition, quality and flavor of the food being raised.

To achieve this certification, the farm and practices are scrutinized and inspected over a two year process that includes having water and soil tests done, along with documentation that the farm has been certified organic for five years.

Essentially the farm has to be a closed system with no additives used during the planting and growing process that do not come from the farm.

Marianne and Coop call their style of farming “heritage growing,” meaning that they are trying to use the ideas and ideals that come from the past and embrace the old way of growing.

In addition to the growing process, the couple owns and operates Twigs & Berries at 319 Main Street in Kenbridge, where they bring their organic items and more to shoppers both locally and from a wide range of locations. Cricket’s Cove and Twigs & Berries is also the location of many workshops where people can come learn more about the biodynamic growing process.

Marianne stated, “ We are proud to bring our products and love of growing to the area. We love to talk about smart growing practices and will be students of the dirt forever.”