Miller MacKenzie

Due to budget constraints, the following article will not appear due to the periodical's demise. The writer was kind enough to allow us use of the story.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Many of us, it seems, are taking time to smell the roses or possibly the freshest kale, carrots and other veggies we've had in a long, long time.  Fruits and vegetables that are grown half way around the world are often depleted in nutrients by the time they reach the table.  That transportation adds cost to food bills, indirectly encourages obesity and puts a strain on the environment.  But according to many sources in the media, there is a healthy trend toward consuming food that is grown as close to your kitchen as possible.

"We are slowly saying good-bye to the 100-mile diet and hello to the 100-yard diet," according to Clive Thompson in Wired magazine.  Thompson notes that innovations from NASA and garage tinkerers alike are making compact, urban gardens highly efficient.  Using new techniques such as aeroponics that use mist instead of traditional watering can yield more than $50,000 in produce in just a half-acre garden. But for home gardeners, it can be quite simple and personally rewarding. One Treasure Coast farmer is avidly sowing these seeds in the minds of our community - one customer at a time.

John Mackenzie moved from fast-paced Madison Avenue to laid-back Martin Highway several years ago.  He now spends his days digging in the dirt, but also testing sophisticated growing methods. In t-shirt and shorts instead of suit and tie, Mackenzie says, "I couldn't be happier." The farm, Miller-Mackenzie on the corner of Martin Highway and SW Boat Ramp Avenue in Martin County, only opened in January 2008 and already has a faithful customer base. Plans include possible expansion to the counties north and south.

Mackenzie really knows his new trade, which he says is all "self-taught."  He practices permaculture, which promotes the principles that individuals become designers of their own environment, practice self-sufficiency and reduce society's reliance on industrial systems that systematically are destroying the earth's ecosystems.  If this sounds a bit too "green" for you, it doesn't take long for the enthusiastic Mackenzie to convince interested customers that this is a very real possibility.  And, not in the too-distant future.

An outspoken conservationist, Mackenzie says his biggest concern is the decline of the world's finite resources.  Mackenzie points out that the main structure (which neatly displays the vegetables) is constructed from Ipe wood that will "last forever." Already quite impressive in its self-sustainability, the farm/market one day will be completely powered by solar and wind turbines, operated with electric vehicles and irrigated by the existing retention pond. The soil used is developed on the premises using vermicomposting.  Natural ingredients such as potassium, magnesium and azomite (a mineral only found in Utah) are added to the soil.  Mackenzie says regarding that "organic certification" label, "I see no reason to pay the Federal Government $7500/year to do what I do already, and frankly do much better. I grow everything naturally, which surprisingly may be healthier than a lot of certified organic products."

Jack Miller, Mackenzie's partner, patented the JackPots, which are used almost exclusively for containing most of the plants at the farm. JackPots are unique, felt-like containers that allow produce to be grown above ground, permitting good drainage and correct temperatures.  The JackPots also promote rapid growth and deter soil erosion and water waste. Mackenzie says, "JackPots have several benefits, one is a far greater amount of "aerobic" activity in the soil. Think about the soil's health is far greater due the fact the JackPots breathe more air and by extension get more oxygen to the roots."

On a visit to the farm in early June, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, celery, onions, broccoli, brussel sprouts, peppers, pineapples, papaya, citrus, bananas, blueberries and much more were thriving in the hot Florida environment. Mackenzie is growing, with relatively satisfying success, crops that are not customarily found in Florida summer gardens.  He uses the shade of the citrus trees to protect many of the tender plants.  A large walk-in refrigerator stores freshly-picked perishables. 

Walking through the farm is a visual and aromatic pleasure.  This is no accident.  "Why not landscape your yard with things you can eat?" says Mackenzie.  He also designs and installs small and large gardens through his companion company Edible Landscaping.  Bright green carrot tops, pineapple plants, berries, herbs and fruit trees are as pretty and colorfully arranged as any flower garden. 

If this sounds like an advertisement for Mackenzie's market, it isn't meant to be. In fact, much of his future work could result in fewer customer visits to his farm. He will soon be teaching local enthusiasts how to raise their own crops.  MillerMackenzie.com is loaded with tips, how-to's, lists of vegetables you can grow yourself and most of all, inspiration. He is teaching classes at the farm and writing about how to maintain your own natural garden.  A schedule of classes is listed on the website.

Mackenzie is avidly trying to set a positive example in the community.  His main concern is educating the local population. Although he doesn't currently see "Treasure Coast residents' acceptance of these progressive ideas on par with California and Vermont residents,: he is confident that there will be a slow dawning on many local residents as to the future necessity and advantages of local farming.  As the website points out, "a store-bought tomato is good, but one fresh-picked from the vine and fully ripe is superb."

Well, Farmer John converted another customer.  Recently, I had railroad ties delivered to my backyard as well as some quality topsoil.  Cooler weather is around the corner. I can't wait to get my hands and knees dirty and watch for that superb tomato.