Written by: Cayla Deacon, 2024 Marketing Intern

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A couple weeks ago, the Retaaza team and I had the pleasure of touring Snapfinger Farm. I was pleased to discover it’s a rapidly developing hub of sustainable farming. 

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Get to Know Snapfinger

Upon arrival we were greeted by Georgia native Rahul Anand, who began Snapfinger Farm in 2016. Rahul’s path to farming was unexpected. Originally from Atlanta, he studied economic policy in DC but found his true calling in working outdoors and cooking. This passion led him back home to establish Snapfinger Farm, combining his love for nature with sustainable agriculture. He started with one acre of crops and now has over 30 acres to grow a wide variety of crops year-round.

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Just outside of the city, nestled at 225 River Lane in Covington, GA, we started our tour at the newly installed walk-in coolers and wash station. The winter harvest was being stored and I was amazed to learn the produce will be good for up to six months. We were the first to see these coolers in action storing produce such as cabbage, kohlrabi, and cucumbers. They all looked as crisp and fresh as the day they were harvested. 

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Walking through the dozens of acres, we were impressed by the diversity of crops. As summer approaches, Rahul explained that the farm will yield flowers, zucchini, peppers, eggplant, sun-chokes, tomatoes, and butternut squash. In spring, the variety expands further with kale, cabbage, beets, potatoes, and turnips. He also informed us that the 10 acres of lush, spring crops were soon to be harvested and delivered. That’s about 4,000 pounds of fresh, organic produce that has been making its way to Georgia kitchens!

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I can’t wait to buy and taste the produce I’ve seen in the ground, since I discovered Snapfinger Farm’s is at my local farmers markets - Piedmont Park, Grant Park, and Freedom Farmers Market. They even distribute through online retailers and supply wholesale to restaurants.

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Sustainable Farming Practices

One aspect that stood out to me was Snapfinger Farm’s commitment to sustainable farming. They employ techniques like hydro cooling to keep their crops fresh post-harvest.

Supported by the Rodell Climate Grant, they experiment with organic cover crops and are on the verge of receiving USDA GAP certification. It’s impressive to see a local farm this dedicated to maintaining high standards.

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I was also fascinated to learn their strategy of planting in succession which ensures that not everything is ready to harvest at once. However, the farm faces its share of challenges. The winter freeze of 2022 destroyed an entire crop, and the persistent potato beetles require the use of organic pesticides like Pyrethrin, which are both expensive and harsh. 

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Future Goals and Projects

Looking ahead, Snapfinger Farm has ambitious plans. They aim to cultivate perennial fruit crops and utilize additional acreage granted by the Climate Smart Grant. The team is also focused on moving equipment from their previous location and securing more funding to boost their operations.

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Visiting Snapfinger Farm was an eye-opening experience. Their dedication to sustainable farming, the variety of crops, and their connection to the local community are inspiring. As we wrapped up our tour, I felt a renewed appreciation for the hard work that goes into bringing fresh organic produce to our tables.

Don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy the freshest produce around and stay updated on their journey. Visit them at their website: Snapfinger Farm.

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