By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
FORT FAIRFIELD — With relatives, friends, fellow potato growers and political leaders looking on, the father-son duo of Wayne and Gregg Garrison of Blaine was recognized July 19 as the Maine Potato Board’s 2013 Farm Family of the Year.
The Garrisons were the guests of honor at the Board’s annual Industry Dinner held during the Maine Potato Blossom Festival in Fort Fairfield.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
LAUDED — U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) was on hand July 19 to present Wayne Garrison, left, and his son, Gregg, center, with American flags that were flown over the U.S. Capitol. The Garrisons were honored as the 2013 Maine Potato Board’s Farm Family of the Year at the Board’s annual Industry Dinner held during the Maine Potato Blossom Festival in Fort Fairfield. Collins called the Garrisons “a wonderful family that epitomizes what makes The County so special — hard work, family values and determination.”
“I’d like to thank the Maine Potato Board for this award, and those who nominated us,” said Gregg. “It was a quite a surprise, and we’re honored [to receive it].”
“I believe the family farm is the backbone of our industry,” Wayne said, “and it means a lot for our family to be honored in this way. The Lord has blessed our farm and family and I count it as a blessing to have been able to work side by side with my wife, children and now my grandchildren.”
In 1965, Wayne and his late wife, Jackie, purchased their homestead and 30 acres, which has grown into Double G Farms, Inc. The 1,500-acre farm plants 650 acres of potatoes, 650 acres of oats and barley, and 200 acres in a clover/grass cover crop.
During the Farm Family of the Year awards ceremony, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) presented both Wayne and Gregg with American flags that were flown over the U.S. Capitol.
“It’s always wonderful to be back home in The County, but never more so then when I get to congratulate the Farm Family of the Year,” said Collins, a Caribou native. “It’s a great honor for me each year to have flown over the Capitol a flag in honor of the Farm Family of the Year. This year I had to have two flags flown — one for Wayne and one for Gregg — so they can each fly them over their house. It gives me great pleasure to present these to you.
“Congratulations to a truly wonderful family that epitomizes what makes The County so special — hard work, family values and determination,” she said.
Other presentations were made by Mark Tarr, president of the Maine Potato Board, who gave both Wayne and Gregg engraved clocks, Rep. Tyler Clark (R-Easton), who presented a legislative sentiment to the Garrisons, while Gov. Paul LePage gave them each a governor’s coin.
Also speaking at the dinner was U.S. Sen. Angus King (I-Maine).
“I’d like to congratulate the Garrison family for what they’ve done and achieved and continue to do,” said King. “I want to read a quote from the great orator William Jennings Bryan. He once said, ‘Burn down your cities and leave our farms, and your cities will spring up again as if by magic; but destroy our farms and the grass will grow in the streets of every city in the country.’ This is the basis of America. This is where all of the resources come from that allow us to live the quality of life that we do, and the Garrisons are part of that, so congratulations.”
The Garrisons encourage all family members to be involved on the farm; and it truly is a family effort. Wayne’s oldest daughter, Andrea Hammond and her husband, Brent, live downstate, but enjoy helping out on the farm when they visit. Younger daughter Tracey Wright and her husband, Edward, can see the potato houses from their home. Tracey staffs the farm office, and is often seen helping out on the farm equipment whenever needed. From getting ground ready to picking rocks to harvest, Gregg’s children — Olivia, Spencer, Chandler and Sydney — all work on the farm, as do Tracey’s children, Isabelle and Brandon.
Gregg’s wife, Heidi, also grew up on a farm and plays a key role in providing the support that all family members need.
The Garrisons sell their crop to McCain Foods, Naturally Potatoes and supply the potatoes for Fox Family Chips. They have been a McCain’s Top Grower four times, and Gregg was also selected as the Maine Potato Board’s Young Farmer of the Year for 2009.
Both Gregg and Wayne play a role in their community, as well. Both have been active in their church, and Gregg currently serves on the Maine Potato Board.
