“We see fruit often in holiday songs, food and traditions,” says Jane Kirchner, Managing Director of Marketing and Communications at American Farmland Trust (AFT). “Just a few that come to mind are della robbia wreaths and pear trees, and oranges in the toes of Christmas stockings.” This December, Kirchner is unveiling what she hopes will become a new holiday tradition at American Farmland Trust in announcing a partnership with The Orange Shop. “It’s an absolutely fabulous addition to an array of options for people to give holiday gifts that support farmers and the work of American Farmland Trust.”
Co-owned by third-generation farmers Pete and Cindy Spyke, The Orange Shop is located in the town of Citra, just off the shores of Orange Lake in Florida. Their citrus groves have been bearing fruit since the Civil War.
“A small family operation, Pete and Cindy work to grow traditional, heirloom and new varieties on their farm in an environmentally-friendly way,” adds Kirchner. “They are involved in farmland preservation, and have been recognized for their environmental stewardship.”
The Spykes wanted to support American Farmland Trust’s work to save America’s farm and ranch land and support a sustainable future for farms. They have generously offered 20 percent of their December online sales as a donation to American Farmland Trust when AFT customers use the coupon code “farmland” when making an online purchase or calling an order in to the office. In addition to selling citrus to locals and travelers at their historic storefront, online customers can access a dazzling array of fruit boxes, gift baskets and even a Christmas tree of premium fruit and other delights.
By using the coupon code “farmland,” online or phone customers will receive free shipping and will be designating 20 percent of their purchase to American Farmland Trust during the month of December 2011.
“We very much appreciate the hard work of the Spyke family to produce fruit and help save the land that sustains us,” says Kirchner. “We encourage others to enjoy the holidays and give generously in the same way!”
American Farmland Trust is the nation’s leading conservation organization dedicated to saving America’s farm and ranch land, promoting environmentally sound farming practices and supporting a sustainable future for farms. Since its founding in 1980 by a group of farmers and citizens concerned about the rapid loss of farmland to development, AFT has helped save millions of acres of farmland from development and led the way for the adoption of conservation practices on millions more. AFT’s national office is located in Washington, DC. Phone: 202-331-7300. For more information, visit www.farmland.org.