Food is essential to life, health, and community - and what if we told you you could grow it without farming acres of land? What if you could grow acres worth of produce in a box, or in this case, a shipping container? We sat down with Madeline McNaughton from Brick Street Farms to get the scoop on hydroponic farming and learn how she got involved in the industry. Check it out below.
Q: Tell us about yourself and the farm you work for.
A: Originally from Ohio, the sunshine and warmer weather brought me to Florida after my college years at John Carroll University in Cleveland. That was 20 years ago, so Florida has been my home away from home for a long time. After years of wonderful positions in both Tampa and St. Petersburg, I’m thrilled to be a part of the Brick Street Farms and Desert Farms Foundation teams.
Q: What is your favorite meal?
A: Being an Italian American, my whole life has revolved around the gathering of family and friends to eat meals together. Every meal is my favorite when shared with others.
Q: How did you get into the farm industry?
A: I was lucky enough to know Shannon O’Malley and her husband, Brad Doyle, Co-Founders of Brick Street Farms. As their business grew, they brought me on board in a business development role and that role continues to expand, now including a role with our non-profit, Desert Farms Foundation. I am grateful every day to get to do what I do.
Q: What is your favorite part about being in the farm industry?
A: Everything! Research and development of new crops, innovative ways to grow crops, watching the crops grow and of course, our team members. Our collaboration abilities across departments brings a culture of expression of ideas, trust, and complete focus on our goals.
Q: What does farming mean to you (in relation to growing the food and where it goes)?
A: Without farming, there would be no food. Period. I believe that consumers are more interested now, in where their food comes from than ever before. At Brick Street Farms, our model brings consumers direct access to the freshest, healthiest greens in a way that has never been done before: Mass food production at the point of consumption. We grow the crops on-site and sell the crops on-site. That’s fresh!
Q: What does being a woman in the farm industry mean to you?
When I thought about being in my dream industry, I can assure you that it was not farming. But here I am - in my unexpected dream industry. Because of the courageous women before me and the ones that stand beside me, women can now make an impact in any industry that they choose, whether that’s farming or space engineering. There are still strides that need to be accomplished for true women’s equal rights in the workforce, but I am confident we are headed in the right direction.
Q: If you would want the community to know one thing about farming, what would it be?
A: Food is medicine.
If you want to learn more about Brick Street Farms and take a deep dive into their operation, catch Maddy and Shannon on our podcast, Stick a Fork in It.