Women in Agriculture: A Growing Force According to the U.S. Census of Agriculture, fewer than half of the approximately 44,000 farms in Florida are operated by women. Yet, despite being underrepresented, women farmers like Pauline Copello are making a lasting impact in organic farming. Copello, who has over 20 years of farming experience, runs Pauline’s Lucky Market Garden, a farm where meticulous attention to detail and sustainable practices drive success.
A Passion for Organic Farming Copello’s journey into organic farming was deeply rooted in her upbringing. Coming from a family that practiced organic gardening, she developed a strong connection to growing food naturally. “I’ve had a taste of it already in my blood,” she says, emphasizing the deep passion that fuels her work. Her farm specializes in fresh salad greens, and she carefully sources seedling mixes from nearby suppliers to maintain the highest quality.
Overcoming Challenges, Building a Community Running an organic farm requires precision and hard work, and Copello has mastered the art of keeping everything organized. From transplanting seedlings to harvesting fresh greens, she ensures every step is carefully managed. Producing about 700 pounds of vegetables per year, she assembles approximately 1,400 bags of salad greens, which she sells at a market in DeLand.
Despite the physical demands of farming, Copello remains committed to her craft. “It’s harder as you get older, but I love farming. I’m very passionate about what I grow, as well as how I grow it.” Her passion and dedication keep her customers returning, knowing they are getting high-quality, organically grown produce.
The Role of Women in Farming While farming remains a male-dominated field, Copello takes pride in seeing more women enter the industry. “I value every woman farmer I come across. For me, whether you’re a man or a woman, you do it because you love it,” she says. As more women take up farming, their impact on sustainable agriculture continues to grow, challenging traditional norms and creating new opportunities for future generations.
Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Growth Copello hopes to continue farming for as long as possible, providing fresh, healthy food for her community. “We love what we do, and we want you to love it also,” she says, reinforcing her mission to promote organic farming and local food production. As consumer demand for organic produce rises, small-scale farmers like Copello will play an essential role in shaping the future of agriculture.
