“SBDC has helped me to be compliant and do everything to ensure my success. Now I’m working on conquering the digital challenges in today’s business world!”
Meet AgLady, Rita Rasmussen, a genuine veteran farmer! She began growing farm-to-table oriental vegetables back in 1988, selling at Farmer’s Markets and to employees where she worked.
Overcoming many changes and challenges, the business grew, and two adjoining greenhouses were built in 2000. Rita then started growing microgreens in 2001.
Microgreens are the seedlings of vegetable plants, before they mature into full grown plants. They are delicious in salads, soups, and featured on the menus of acclaimed chefs. The microgreens deliver exceptional nutrition compared to regular vegetables, plus the farming is eco-friendly.
The farming method remains the same as long ago. A finely-tuned soil additive with molasses introduces microbes into the soil, which promotes efficient, fast growth. The greens are harvested by hand, and it takes about two weeks from seed to harvest. The harvested greens are washed and spin dried to eliminate excess water, which increases shelf life and decreases spoilage.
Today Rita has four loyal, industrious employees that work the five acre farm, with one acre CCOF/USDA Certified Organic. Rita’s efficient team helps the whole operation and manages growing, harvesting, packaging and delivery to run smoothly. “The employees don’t need training,” reported Rita. “Thankfully, they are all very experienced farmers.”
The Solano-Napa SBDC has helped me to be compliant and do everything to ensure my success. (My advisors) are also helping me with bookkeeping and financial reports.
How has the Solano Napa SBDC helped AgLady Microgreens? SBDC has helped Rita be compliant with the current operating laws and permits and requirements for becoming certified organic.
Rita graduated from Solano NxLevel business training a few years ago, and her SBDC advisor, Anni Minnuzo has helped her connect with a website designer, plus assisted with content for the site. Anni taught her how to track food related cost of goods and wholesale marketing strategies.
SBDC Advisor, Carolynne Gamble has helped with e-marketing and strategies for contacting new distributors. Always learning, Rita has attended numerous Solano-Napa SBDC classes, and also NORCAL SBDC webinars. She is a member of the Women in Successful Enterprises (WISE) roundtable group that meets twice a month.
“SBDC has helped me to be compliant and do everything to ensure my success,” said Rita. “SBDC is also helping me with bookkeeping and financial reports. Now I’m working on conquering the digital challenges in today’s business world!”
Rita sells the microgreens wholesale to four distributors that deliver throughout the Bay Area, plus Belmont in Southern California. Grocery store chains, health food stores and restaurants buy the microgreens from the distributors to sell to consumers.
Rita does all the office work, including marketing, ordering of supplies, inventory, invoicing and contacting customers.
Rita’s favorite microgreen is “Intensity” which is tasty and nutritious in salads, a garnish on soup, or added to a hamburger instead of lettuce. It may also be added to a protein shake. The business websitelists all available products.
Rita’s favorite part of the business is seeing the microgreens growing in various stages – from seeds to two inches when they are harvested. Rita also loves her connection with the customers for they appreciate good nutrition, good health and eco-friendly farming.
