Scott Hamberger, owner of Prime Hydroponic at Blue Valley Farm in Hillsboro, uses unconventional farming techniques for sustainability and efficiency. The farm produces high quality lettuce and microgreens for specialty retailers and restaurants throughout Loudoun County and the Washington, D.C. area.
“The process we use creates distinctly flavorful and structured products that produce a great taste and crisp bite,” said Hamberger. “Customers love it.”
So what is so unique about the process?
The farm uses hydroponics to grow their vegetables. Hydroponics is the use of a combination of air and water instead of soil to grow plants. Without the need for soil, the farm can produce more products in a smaller area with a shorter turnaround time.
“We use all the space we have when we grow our product. With this technique, we can produce 10x more product per square foot than with traditional farming,” said Hamberger. “Why does that matter? As we look for ways to continue to provide the world with the food it needs at a minimal environmental impact, what we do at Prime Hydroponic is a great example of using creativity and innovation to address real-world challenges.”
Hamberger has been in the farming industry for six years and has learned a great deal about patience during his career. As an entrepreneur, he is no stranger to the ups and downs of starting a new business, but farming has its own unique challenges.
“Every business has things you can’t control, but in farming, you deal with those things every day. Whether it is the weather, animals behaving how they want to behave, or the equipment we rely on malfunctioning, things happen that we can’t control. You have to be patient and humble and take things how they come. Do the best you can with what you’re given,” he said.
Prime Hydroponic at Blue Valley Farm currently sells lettuce and microgreens through the Lovettsville Co-op and Bushel & Peck in Charles Town. The farm also sells directly to customers and to many local restaurants. Learn more information or subscribe to receive your own lettuce and microgreen box here.
Prime Hydroponic at Blue Valley Farm
https://www.primehydroponic.com/
https://bluevalley.farm/
