Elderberry farm joins over 1,400 with certification

True Vine Specialty Farms, a relatively new elderberry farm operated by Stephanie and Patrick Hockett in Otter Tail County, has joined over 1,400 producers in becoming stewards of water quality through the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP). 

The voluntary program certifies producers protecting water quality by utilizing conservation practices in their operation. Throughout the 10-year certification period, farmers are deemed compliant with any new water quality rules and maintain priority for technical assistance to implement more practices that promote water quality.

“This was our first certification of any type for our family farm, and it helps us set the table for practicing the best farming techniques to improve water quality and soil health while producing nutrient-rich products,” Stephanie said.

The Hocketts purchased their 22-acre farm back in 2017 as bare land, and have since planted 2,000 elderberry cuttings, seedling trees for future windbreaks, and wildflowers for pollinator habitat. The elderberries were the most time-consuming as sod had to be broken up for planting, an irrigation system needed to be installed, and compost had to be made to aid in their growth. Overall, the farming operation hopes to produce nutrient-rich elderberry flowers, leaves, berries, and cuttings using the best regenerative, sustainable, and organic management techniques available.

“We want to be good stewards of all our natural resources available to us,” Stephanie said. “The MAWQCP program helps us preserve our water resources and implement good practices to maintain and improve water quality.”

Besides their earned water quality certification status on March 3, 2023, the Hocketts have obtained both the Integrated Pest Management and Irrigation Water Management endorsements the program offers. The MAWQCP now includes five endorsements—Climate Smart, Soil Health, Wildlife, Integrated Pest Management, and Irrigation Water Management—for certified producers desiring to take the next step in protecting natural resources. These achievements provide additional recognition to those who are going above and beyond to integrate conversation into their farming operations. Stephanie and Patrick are currently working toward earning all five endorsements as well as their organic certification. 

“This program helps recognize practices that a lot of growers are already using every day on their farms,” Stephanie said. “In the long run, it helps us to be good stewards of our water resources and become more productive with all our resources.”  

For more information about the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program, contact the East Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation office at (218) 346-9105 or visit their website: www.eotswcd.org.