Meet BONNIE POUX, ORGANIC PIONEER

I was fortunate to become involved in organic agriculture in 1984 in Santa Cruz California. At the time I was working at an organic fruit orchard and one of the owners needed a produce manager for a health food store that they just opened. I thought, sure, I can do that! From there, I was hired to work with an organic distributor, Santa Cruz Trucking. We handled locally grown organic produce, from small family farms. I loved the interaction with the farmers and the customers. In 1986 I joined Ocean Organics where we expanded the production of local organic programs as well as shipping larger volumes across the country. In 1990 I joined Bornt Family Farms in Holtville, California where we developed the Alana brand, and provided high quality organic vegetables during the winter and a strong organic melon program in the Spring. I had a strong desire to become independent and in 1997 I started Access Organics.

About Access Organics

Access Organics is a ‘PACA Licensed Grower Sales Agent’. This means we are bound by the USDA rules and regulations to handle the sales and accounting for growers in interstate transport. We work closely with our growers to develop the ideal crop plans for their regions, set up contracts and market their products, diligently handle the accounting, collection and payments, help with labeling, packaging, quality control, help managing harvest and inventory controls, work closely with the cooling and loading operations, handle dispatches with transport companies, and of course, to build long lasting, win-win relationships. Comprehensive customer service with consistent information flow, follow through, and accountability are of utmost importance in our daily duties. Since 1984, I’ve helped in the development of programs for more than one hundred small to medium sized organic family farms.

Our main grower, Mainas Farms, is a multi-generational family farm, located in Holtville, California. The Mainas family is dedicated to premium quality and exceptional service. During the winter months in this crucial southern California desert region, they grow high quality organic vegetables in large volume including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, celery, lettuces, and romanesco as well as melons in the early Spring. For the past four years, we have been working with the Navajo Nation in Farmington New Mexico. We’ve been fortunate to help them develop a fresh organic produce program, packed under the Navajo Pride organic brand. The highlight of this program is their exceptional quality organic mini and full-size seedless watermelons.

Why Organics?

I believe that we all have a part in making the world a better place, and working with organic farmers matched with my love for the planet. Seeing how hard the growers work to make a living made me want to help them succeed. They gamble every day, and are at the mercy of weather, supply chains, bank pressure, and market influences. Doing a great job doesn’t guarantee a payout for them. It really takes a brave soul to risk so much with so many unknowns that can influence the outcome. We fight hard for the farmers, it’s our job to not only keep them in business, but to support their livelihood and encourage future generations to continue to produce our vitally important organic food supply.

The Future of Organic Produce

I'm amazed every year that the organic industry continues to increase in volume and dollars – whether it’s with fresh produce, or with the plethora of dry goods, meat, and dairy. It’s really incredible how much has changed since 1984 when we had to struggle to find retailers that would even carry a small amount of organic produce!

I think that the stable supply of organic items in nearly every grocery store in the country has made it commonplace, giving shoppers a consistent choice. People are more educated every year about the benefits of organics, and that they feel safer that they can feed their families with organic foods. Additionally, I believe that many people see the value of healthier soil, cleaner water, and the positive impact that organic food production brings to the planet.

Secrets of Success

In your work, in your life, always maintain a level of honesty, know that it will be hard work, and be prepared to find solutions to problems before they become major problems! My motto has always been to operate with the tenets of Quality, Integrity, and Service (and, work hard-play hard!). When you manage a business, or department, be sure to surround yourself with people that you can trust and depend on, and who are experts in areas that you are not. Build a great team and let them do their job. Encourage growth and consistency. Obviously when working in commerce, it’s important to make a profit, but that cannot always be the only reason to be in business. One has to believe in what they are doing and see through the troubles that are inevitable. When you take time to step back and recharge, everything seems to fit into place.