Discover the Magic of Our Farm

Zach is thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the Gaia Farm Team and to continue to develop the company’s regenerative agricultural ambitions. Zach holds a master’s degree in Organic Agriculture and Food Systems and is passionate to share his knowledge of regenerative organic practices with a focus on soil health and social fairness. Prior to joining the Gaia team, he worked at the Rodale Institute as an Organic Crop Consultant as well as at an organic certifier based in California where he gained an in depth understanding of the organic regulations. Zach also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer for two years in rural Panama and one year in Vanuatu working on sustainable agriculture projects. By using the skills and knowledge that he has acquired throughout his life so far, Zach hopes to build upon the already stellar farming practices that Gaia Herbs has developed.

Jorge, also known as “George”, manages Gaia's Farm Crew. His roots go back to the start of the farm in 1997 and he’s essential to the successful operation of Gaia Herbs. Jorge assigns farm tasks to the crew to ensure an efficient herb harvest. He also provides grandfatherly advice and support to the crew in times of need. His favorite crops are the Gingko and Hawthorn trees because they remind him of some of his favorite people, like his father, whom he feels could have benefited from the medicine of the trees. He feels good about the products we provide here in hopes that they will help many people. Jorge made the United States his home in 1981, making seasonal farming rounds between North Carolina (vegetables), New York (Christmas decorations) and Florida (oranges) before settling down here in Brevard, N.C. full time. He says, “It feels like home here” where he lives with his wife, Martha, who was born just down the road from the farm. In his free time he likes to take his two grandchildren to the park, on walks in the nearby National Forest. His friendly smile and dedication to Gaia are really appreciated.

Since the moment she decided to study horticulture at the University of Georgia, Abbie has tried to have at least one hand in the soil at all times. She managed a green roof garden at the University of Georgia where she got to teach others the magic of composting and growing your own food and native plants organically in an urban setting. She also learned the ins and outs of medicinal herb growing, tea and spice making, and business managing/marketing while working under Noelle Joy at UGArden, the university's organic farm. She experienced a small stint at an organic veggie farm in Athens, GA after graduating, and then she found her dream job here at Gaia Herbs. She quickly learned Spanish in order to help lead Gaia’s awesome farm crew and enjoys tackling every task that gets thrown at her. She is grateful to have found a job which combines her passions of environmentalism and preventative health. As Abbie always says, you can’t have healthy humans without healthy soil!

Though she has been a member of the Gaia fan club since 2007, Laura has been an integral member of the farm team since 2020, bringing her experience of over 5 years in organic farming practices across the Carolinas of culinary/medicinal herbs and vegetables, and regenerative grazing practices of chickens and pigs, and some cattle, sheep and goats. She has sold produce to chefs, managed and sold at farmers markets, and has an understanding of the food service industry. With this experience and being a graduate of both Clemson’s New and Beginning Farmer Program and the Organic Growers School Farm Beginnings Program, we are beyond excited to continue to evolve the vegetable program with her lead.

Todd Stiles, Mark Mathes, and John Westbrook bring over 100 years of mechanical experience to the Gaia Farm and truly complete the farm family. From small compact vehicles to race cars to tractor trailers, their ASE Master Certifications as mechanics and previous experiences have kept the farm literally rolling, harvesting, irrigating, mowing, weed eating and so, so much more. Over the past 5 years, this team has brought the farm equipment maintenance department from outsourcing 45% of repairs to 1% or less. Their ability to handle fabrication, engineering and calls at any time of the day are a few examples of how we could not function without them. When they aren’t handling repairs and maintenance, they are always seeking ways for continuous improvement on the farm. Their care for value of product, dependability, and efficiencies, are some of many contributing factors that enables the farm to bring high quality herbs to shelf.