Gorge Greens Farming Systems Director Ryan Crist (left), co-founder and Director of Technology Michael Hanna, and Co-founder and Operations Director Elona Trogub during construction of the greenhouse and systems.
Contributed photoStarting a business is no easy task, especially when your first harvest of a little-known superfood coincides with the beginning of an economy-crippling global pandemic.
That is the challenge Gorge Greens of Carson, Wash., faced head on when they harvested and delivered their first crop of certified organic microgreens into local grocery stores in mid-March.
Microgreens are seedlings of edible plants that are harvested between the sprout and baby greens stage.
Co-founder and Operations Director Elona Trogub is a chef, farmer and herbalist by trade.
“I believe food is medicine, said Trogub. “We started this business to make it easy for people to ‘gorge greens.’ Not only are they a feast for the eyes and taste buds, they’re a nutritional feast for the body to do its work properly. Now if only we could do what every other new food business has done and have a demonstration table at the grocery store!”
COVID has made things especially challenging — from restaurants shutting down and not being able to talk to retail customers directly, to supply lines breaking down causing a last minute scramble for labels and other supplies.
“Anyone starting a new business has to be a bit crazy, but to start one during a pandemic — well, we’ve been a special kind of crazy but we’re persevering,” Trogub said.
Most businesses celebrate with a launch party. Gorge Greens finished build-out and immediately went into crisis-mode as the pandemic shut down the economy.
“Somewhere down the line, we’re going to have to have a big party,” said Michael Hanna, co-founder and director of technology.
Gorge Greens plans to expand organic production into hot crops like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers using waste wood to heat and power Dutch-style greenhouses are already in the works.
Gorge Greens microgreens come in two varieties: All Systems Go! and Spice Up Your Life!
Both can be purchased at various stores in the Gorge, Hood River Farmers Market, and select stores in Portland and Vancouver, or order bulk online through gorgegreens.com/porchdrop.
Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?)
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Sign up to receive notifications when a new Columbia Gorge News e-Edition is published.
Would you like to receive our news updates? Signup today!
Receive weekly updates on obituaries and death notices.
Oregon Capital Press presented by Columbia Gorge News
Receive updates on upcoming promotions and special sections.
Receive weekly updates on local sports news.
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
Commented