Kate Brun, founder, owner, and operator of Lucky Leaf Gardens, (LLG), in Harrisburg, North Carolina, discusses the greenhouse farming of microgreens, and the past, current, and future operations of LLG, a business she started from her home in 2010. The interview, conducted outdoors in an open-air pavilion, covers a variety of topics, including: greenhouse agriculture and the cultivation of microgreens; the evolution of LLG from a life-long gardening hobby, to a small home business, to a 3,600 square foot greenhouse agricultural operation with an East Coast direct-to-restaurant, retail and wholesale distribution network; the use of technology in greenhouses and small-scale agriculture; grow-to-order crop production; agricultural education outreach programs in local schools; developing community ties through classes and events at LLG's Forest Farm; organic farming practices and the USDA's "Good Agricultural Practices" certification process; the Food Safety Management Act; LLG's adoption of permaculture techniques; the status of Charlotte's agricultural scene, including its microgreen industry, agricultural future, and potential to elevate Charlotte into a "foodie town" and culinary destination; the role of the Piedmont Culinary Guild in facilitating farm-to-table dining and public awareness of local farming; and consumers' increasing dietary knowledge and how this has impacted farmers and their operations.
