One feature of the Engfer Farm is that they use no pesticides. They never have. They use ladybugs and other non-toxic ways to kill pests and most weeds. He does not like the idea of using poison on his food. Neither does the public.
Some surveys find that consumers' number one health concern is pesticides on their food.
While some scientists find this concern misguided compared to the dangers of a high-fat diet, farmers are taking notice. Purchases of organically grown food in the U.S. are increasing at a rate of 20 percent per year. Rather than raise one or two crops for the wholesale market on their 55 acres, the Engfers raise many crops and sell them directly to their customers. This year they plan to raise tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes, sweet corn, green beans, peppers, pumpkins, gourds, squash, and Indian corn. They used to sell to the Associated Grocers, but they stopped a few years ago since it meant that they would have to drop many of their customers in order to supply the quantities AG needed.