Adam Lytch Demonstrates His Passion for Fresh, Local Food at L&M Farms in Florida
In partnership with: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
The sense of pride Adam Lytch feels about growing fresh produce – and how it improves the health of his customers – drives his passion for agriculture.
Lytch grew up on his family’s tobacco and row crop farm in southeastern North Carolina, where seven generations of farmers have worked the land since 1809. His experience with specialty crops, which are intensely cultivated products like fruits and vegetables, or horticulture and nursery products, was limited to working in his family’s garden.
Knowing he wanted a career in agriculture, Lytch found his path after hearing someone from L&M Farms speak during his ag marketing class at North Carolina State University.
Originally founded in 1964 in Raleigh, North Carolina, L&M greatly values excellent service, quality and long-lasting relationships. With more than 30 items grown across 8,000-plus acres in Florida and Georgia, L&M’s largest crops are cabbage and potatoes, along with bell peppers, squash, chili peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, greens, broccoli and watermelon.
“My dad always said produce was a good fit for me because I loved caring for our garden as a kid,” Lytch says.
Early at L&M, Lytch worked in a rotation-based training program and grower services before becoming involved at the Florida locations. He moved to Florida full time in 2015 and became L&M’s regional manager for North Florida when L&M’s local and regionally grown business took off in the South.
See more: Florida Researchers Explore Water-Efficient Ways When Growing Strawberries
Sandy Soil Solutions
L&M’s operations benefit from the soil found in northeastern Florida. Much of their land is near the St. Johns River, in the Tri-County Agricultural Area, where the sandy soil drains and irrigates exceptionally well.
The microclimate created between the Atlantic to the east and the proximity to the St. Johns River produces an area of warm land that’s helpful for successfully growing specialty crops.
“North of us is colder, and the west side of St. Johns River is too cold to grow our crops consistently, but being close to the river helps us have a nine-month growing season,” Lytch says.
L&M has a unique operating model. Approximately 70% of the products they harvest, pack and sell are grown by L&M, with the rest sourced from area family farms.
“We partner with several local family farming operations and work these growers into our planting schedules,” Lytch says. “We handle the planting and harvesting and assist with food safety and testing to ensure the consistent quality our customers expect. Working with these growers allows us to diversify our production area and expand our window.”
See more: Commissioner Wilton Simpson is a Voice for Florida Farmers
Planning for the Future
When specialty crops aren’t in the ground in July and August, L&M grows cover crops, such as sunn hemp. Offering erosion control, soil structure improvement, added nitrogen and strong resistance to nematodes, cover crops help stabilize the soil and add a pollinator habitat that benefits crops year-round.
“We take pride in the fact that we have roots growing in the soil well over 300 days a year,” Lytch says.
Lytch enjoys the challenge that accompanies producing specialty crops. He spends much of his time determining what crops will be grown on each acre and how to have successful planting seasons for years to come.
When he’s not focused on growing vegetables, Lytch and his wife, Jennifer, who is in the plant nutrient business, are busy raising their three young daughters.
“I hope my girls will have the opportunity to go into agriculture if they choose,” he says. “It’s important for people to find a passion in agriculture since fewer people per capita are now involved in ag production than at any point in human history.”
Visit lmcompanies.com to learn more about produce from L&M Farms.