Located on the idyllic island of Saint Helena, South Carolina, Seaside Farm has been producing some of the finest-tasting Southern tomatoes for more than a century. When Gus Sanders purchased the farm in 1903, its coastal climate and sandy, salty soil yielded exceptional tomatoes, inspiring him to cultivate the land for future harvests. Today, the farm remains family owned and operated, with six generations of the Sanders family having tended to the property.
Farming inherently produces a significant amount of waste, and Seaside Farm is no exception. When produce becomes too ripe or otherwise unsuitable for sale, it’s considered a loss. Ross Taylor, founder of Seaside Grown and a fifth-generation farmer at Seaside Farm, sought to manage and reduce this waste. He recognized the growing popularity of bloody mary mixes and realized that the perfectly ripe tomatoes that were going to waste could be used to make a mix to rival any on the market. Today, Seaside Grown’s Bloody Mary Mix is widely celebrated, and the product line now includes sauces, jams, and salsas using ingredients from Seaside Farm and other farms around the region to help reduce their food waste.
Seaside Farms’ commitment to sustainability encompasses a broad range of practices that promote soil health and land preservation. The family takes a holistic approach to farming, which includes minimizing the use of chemicals and reducing food waste. They believe in using only what is necessary to grow the best possible crop, and work to offset any negative impact that may result from their actions. “[Sustainability for us] really is about preserving our family heritage and doing what’s best for the land so that we can continue doing this for future generations,” Taylor says. “It’s not just about making a profit; it’s about preserving our way of life and the land we depend on for future generations.”
Taylor emphasizes that the best way to promote sustainability is to shop locally and support your local farmers. If farmers markets and local produce are not easily accessible, then look for the Demand American Grown sticker on your grocery store produce, which indicates a commitment to quality and support of local farmers’ families and communities.
Seaside Farm and Seaside Grown are a testament to the power of family, tradition, and hard work. Their dedication to producing exceptional tomatoes has kept the business thriving since the early 1900s, and their willingness to innovate and adapt, as shown through the Seaside Grown product line, ensures continued success for years to come.
