The story of the Wrenn family farm in eastern North Carolina is one of resilience and innovation. Once a thriving agricultural hub, it faced years of neglect until Austin Wrenn and Christina Harvey reignited its potential. Through perseverance and a shift towards floriculture, they have not only revived the land but also built a sustainable future for their community.

Discover How Innovative Floriculture Brought Life Back to a Legacy Farm

From Tobacco Fields to Strawberry Pioneers

The history of Wrenn’s Farm dates back several generations. Initially, tobacco was the primary crop, dominating the fields. However, as market demands shifted, Austin’s grandparents transitioned to vegetable cultivation. Mitchell Wrenn, Austin’s father, introduced strawberries in the 1980s, pioneering pick-your-own fields that eventually expanded into commercial production for grocery stores and providing strawberry plugs to other farmers. This diversification set the stage for future innovations on the farm.Mitchell’s early onset dementia forced the farm into dormancy. Despite this setback, Austin remained committed to his roots. After graduating from North Carolina State University, he worked at a nearby strawberry company, honing his skills while contemplating how to breathe new life into the family legacy.

Agricultural Partnership Born from Passion and Determination

Christina Harvey, now Austin’s wife, grew up on a beef cattle and grain farm in western North Carolina. Initially uninterested in horticulture, her perspective changed during her freshman year at NC State when she took an introductory horticulture class. Her newfound passion led her to study agriculture business, where she met Austin. Together, they envisioned reviving Wrenn’s Farm, combining their expertise and dreams.Their journey began with challenges. Early attempts at growing strawberries and tomatoes failed, leaving them disheartened. Yet, one row of zinnia flowers thrived, selling out at local markets. This unexpected success marked a turning point, signaling the farm’s future direction toward floriculture.Austin initially doubted Christina’s vision of growing cut flowers. His skepticism waned as he witnessed the market’s enthusiastic response. By 2019, they had dedicated an acre each to strawberries and flowers. The following spring, Austin proposed marriage amidst the blooming strawberry fields, symbolizing their shared commitment.

Building a Thriving Floriculture Business

Christina’s entrepreneurial spirit propelled the farm forward. She secured contracts with three grocery stores, though these were not renewed the next year. Undeterred, she pivoted to direct-to-consumer sales through the farm store and local farmer’s markets. Community support for small farms surged, with visitors enjoying pick-your-own berries and flower-cutting experiences.In 2021, Christina expanded her offerings by introducing farm tours and classes, boosting revenue by 30%. Participants, like myself, enjoyed hands-on experiences, learning to create stunning bouquets from the farm’s abundant blooms. The couple refurbished old greenhouses, enabling Christina to start flower seeds more efficiently. Each subsequent year saw increased flower production, new classes, and innovative products such as DIY flower buckets.

Expanding Horizons with Grants and Strategic Growth

A pivotal moment came in 2023 when Christina received a grant to construct a high tunnel for perennial cultivation. This investment allowed for year-round growth and expanded the farm’s floral diversity. In 2024, she planted an acre of eucalyptus and fall flowers, enhancing the farm’s seasonal offerings. To manage the increased workload, they hired two H2A workers, relying less on family and local labor.Floriculture proved instrumental in sustaining the farm during strawberry off-seasons. The additional income supported worker salaries and maintained operations. Looking ahead, Christina plans to introduce agritourism opportunities, further enriching the farm’s appeal and fostering deeper connections with the community.

A Legacy Reimagined: A Future Rooted in Innovation

Austin’s dream of returning to the family’s strawberry farm intertwined seamlessly with Christina’s passion for floriculture. Their combined efforts have transformed a once-abandoned property into a vibrant agricultural enterprise. Witnessing their progress since my first visit, I am eager to see what lies ahead for these young farmers as they continue to cultivate both crops and dreams.