Bloodfire Orchards Seeks USDA Organic Certification

REYNOLDS, GA - May 15, 2025

Heather Fritz, owner of Bloodfire Orchards, is working with Rodale Institute on her path to USDA Organic Certification.

“I was thinking that based on our business plan, this is the year that I wanted to start the paperwork to become certified organic,” said Heather. “And then I was introduced to Rodale Institute and De’Anthony Price, their SE Organic Consultant. “What a pleasure and help he has been! It is such a blessing to have the great people at Rodale Institute helping me transition to organic and offer marketing and sales consulting as well,” said Heather.

“My methodology from the beginning was to work with nature - not use harmful chemicals, create biodiversity, and build soil, but I needed to get large enough to justify the costs of organic certification,” said Heather. “I hope that our one acre of turmeric and ginger will grow well this season and allow a significant amount of potent rhizomes for sale and mothers to replant for our expansion goal of 3 acres next year.”

“I’m so exited to become a mentee in the Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program (SE TOPP). It means a lot that someone who has gone through this certification journey is willing to help guide me, answer questions and share their experience. This program is breaking the barriers to USDA Organic Certification,” said Heather.