Ken Dawson was one of the first farmers in Orange county North Carolina to understand the value and importance of organic farming. Maple Spring Gardens in Cedar Grove, N.C. was founded in 1972 and from its inception, growing food in an environmentally sound and organic way was the only way that Dawson would operate his farm. "Understanding how food that we consume daily is cultivated is very important and cannot be taken for granted", said Dawson. Maple Spring Gardens, certified organic produce, is highly sought after by several local restaurants, specialty stores, and farmers markets. This is a testament to the passion, vision, and commitment Dawson has to the environment and to the people who consume his produce.
Ken Dawson, owner of Maple Spring Gardens in Cedar Grove, NC walks through his organic farmland early in the morning on Nov. 13, 2017. "I was the first certified organic farmer in the area... as you can see I farm a wide variety of organically grown produce and I have been here since 1972.
In Cedar Grove, N.C. on Nov. 13, 2017, Ken Dawson checks on his crop of strawberries. Dawson said, "You have to constantly pay attention to the weather and how it affects your crops... the unpredictable weather lately has been rough on small farms in the area."
Early morning dew falls from the leaves of a brussel sprout plant in Cedar Grove, N.C. on Nov. 13, 2017. Ken Dawson unveils his plant's hidden gems. Dawson is proud of his brussel sprouts stating proudly, "I like to sell my sprouts still attached to the stalk at the farmers market so people can see its natural beauty."
In Cedar Grove, N.C. on Nov. 13, 2017. Ken Dawson rolls up a cloth blanket that provides an extra layer of protection for his lettuce against the elements. "I am glad that people are starting to care more about how their food is grown and are willing to support local organic farmers", said Dawson.
Ken Dawson fills one of many bright yellow containers full with ginger in Cedar Grove, N.C. on Nov. 13, 2017. "This is how fresh ginger is supposed to look and smell... That stuff in the store is garbage", said Dawson.
Ken Dawson sells his organic produce to customers at the Carrboro farmers market in Carrboro, N.C. on Oct. 21, 2017. "I am committed to growing good, safe food in a way that improves the land for future generations", said Dawson.