Meet Your Farmer: Emily Heller Of Bene Vivendo
Allow us to introduce you to our ‘Know Your Farmer’ series where we share the stories of farmers and ranchers across the state - their experiences, wins, struggles and insight into the world of farming.
We hope this series helps spread awareness of Arizona agriculture, elevate the voices of growers, and connect the food community with helpful resources.
This week we introduce you to Emily Heller of Bene Vivendo.
” I grow my crops in multiple locations in the Phoenix metro area. Starting as a Master Gardener, I created Bene Vivendo in 2018 after completing the Beginning Farmer Program through the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension and began selling through the Community Exchange Table and Uptown Farmers Market. I love growing food and flowers that delight and nourish. My specialty is growing varieties that are exceptionally delicious, beautiful and unusual — and that you probably won’t find elsewhere.”
It’s a superpower of being a part of the experience of feeding people. And flowers, they feed people, even if you're not eating them. There's something that you are receiving, that you have brought out of the ground that wouldn’t otherwise be there if you wouldn’t have grown it. And that feels like a superpower.
I am most proud of the diversity in what I offer. I love when people come by the stand and express how they’ve never seen this veggie or flower before, or that they tried something new last week from me and they’re back to see what I have this week.
“This is what we're striving for, when there's something that is extraordinary, like really different and people say “I’ve never seen before, I’ve never tried that before, what an interesting taste that was, or I can't wait to get more” or something that just made someone feel a happy feeling, that's special.”
“We are ready for you. The bounty is here. Just come see what your local growers, farmers and community OFFER and I really mean that. There are so many different ways to be involved in local ag. Just come say hi at markets, or volunteer and get your hands in the soil.”
Follow Bene Vivendo on social media.
Come say hi at the Uptown Phoenix Farmer's Market on Saturdays.