Vicki and husband Tom Noxon began the business in 2002. They grow fresh organic and heirloom produce. Heirloom tomatoes—their specialty—are grown with unique seeds that have been passed on through generations. Vicki obtained these diverse seeds through a nationwide organization called Seeds of Diversity, which promotes the trading and preservation of heritage seeds.

"Most of our seeds don’t even exist anywhere else," she says, "And they haven’t changed from the way they previously were."

Growing over 180 varieties in Prince Edward County, Vicki’s tomatoes are incredibly diverse. They come in different shapes, colours, and tastes. They also have unique properties that allow some of them to withstand various calamities.

"We have tomatoes that even grow in wet seasons, ones that are drought resistant and crack resistant," says Vicki, "The most innovative thing about our business is the diversity of our food."

Another unique thing about Vicki’s is the mentorship aspect. They hire workers—young and old—who want to better understand how to work on a farm. Vicki’s is also a part of an organization called World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF), which brings young people from all over the world to work on organic farms (in exchange for room and board).

"We attract people who want to learn about farming," says Vicki, "It is important to find people who love what they are doing, because then that love is transferred to the food they grow."

In terms of marketing, Vicki Veggies is part of Prince Edward County’s "Taste the County"—a not-for-profit organization which promotes the county throughout Ontario.

Vicki’s has expanded considerably since it started, adding three more acres of vegetable gardens this year. "Its growing like crazy," she says, "People are buying because they want to know how their food is grown and that it is grown with care."