Episode 13 | Palm Pike Flower Farm was founded with the environment in mind. From the coastal palms of South Florida to the mountain pikes of the Appalachians and beyond, Tasha Trujillo and Jovany Rodriguez want to promote and protect a life of meaning outside the box. They started as beekeepers passionate about saving bees and have since branched out into growing cut flowers. Today, Tasha joins the podcast to talk about how they are growing sustainable flowers for people and pollinators in York, SC, their participation in the Ag + Art Tour, and how’s she’s built a platform online to tell their farm’s story.
Some of the questions we chat about:
Can you tell us a little bit about your connection to agriculture and your farm in York, SC? What brought you from Florida to South Carolina?
As a first-time farmer, what resources did you find useful as you started Palm Pike?
Did you face any challenges in marketing your farm and how did you overcome them?
You have a significant following across your Instagram and TikTok accounts. Where do your ideas for your videos come from?
How has your social media presence helped you to grow your business and bring you new opportunities offline?
What made you want to be a part of the SC Ag + Art Tour this year and what activities are you offering?
Can you share some best practices for folks who will be visiting the farm? How can they enjoy the space you’ve created while also making an effort to protect the habitat for the pollinators and your flowers/herbs?
What’s one thing that you wish consumers knew about flower farming and/or beekeeping?
What does being authentic mean to you as a farmer?
You were featured in a NYTimes article back in 2022 about the rising cost of farmland, which is having a direct effect on farmers. How did this opportunity come about?
Did that article have any impacts on your business?
Do you have advice for other farms who are looking to gain attention from the media - both local and national?
What’s on the Palm Pike Flower Farm Marketing Plan for 2024?
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Mentioned in this episode:
Palm Pike Flower Farm Instagram
Palm Pike Flower Farm in The New York Times
SC New and Beginning Farmer Program
Episode Sponsors:
Visit York County - The South Carolina Ag + Art Tour is back in York County, SC! Join us for this FREE, family-friendly event—a self-guided tour showcasing 25 farms with artisans at every stop. Experience first-hand where your food comes from, witness and shop from artisans in action, enjoy local musicians, and learn about the importance of supporting our local farms! You don’t want to miss this unique event, so mark your calendars for June 8th-9th! Visit agandarttour.com/york to learn more.