For generations, the Smith name has been synonymous with produce, particularly in Maine, where the family’s farming roots run deep. As another summer harvest begins, the Smith family is preparing to transition production back to its home fields in northern Maine, a seasonal milestone that reflects both the company’s heritage and its continued evolution. 

Today, the sixth-generation operation continues to expand its network of growing partnerships, broaden its product offerings and position itself for long-term growth.

Tara Smith, CEO of Smith Farms Sales, said the company has grown well beyond its Maine roots through strategic partnerships with growers across North America, creating year-round supply opportunities while remaining committed to the values that have defined the family business for generations.

“Summer is always a special time for us,” Smith said. “After following our production through the Southeast and other growing regions during the winter and spring, we transition home to Maine, where our family’s story began generations ago. It’s a reminder that while we’ve expanded our reach, our roots remain the foundation of everything we do.”

The Smith Farms Sales office, managed by Tara Smith and her father, Lance Smith, was established in St. Augustine, FL, in 2012 near the company’s winter production center. Today, the company works with growing partners throughout North America, including operations in seven states and Mexico, allowing it to offer customers a broader portfolio of fresh vegetables throughout the year.

That network of partnerships allows the company to seamlessly transition production throughout the seasons. As summer arrives, Maine once again becomes the centerpiece of the company’s broccoli, cauliflower and vegetable programs. Smith said those partnerships are built on long-term commitments designed to create stability, continuity and growth for everyone involved.

“Farming is not an easy business and the hard work that happens at each production center deserves a dedicated communicator to represent it,” she said. “I believe good sales are a connective fabric that elevates both a grower’s and customer’s ability to compete. Relationships, trust and continuity are what allow businesses like ours to continue from one generation to the next.”

As the business continues to expand, Smith said the company is also focused on preparing for the future by involving the next generation in operations and long-term planning.

Smith noted that many members of the next generation are beginning to show interest in the business, making succession planning and long-term sustainability increasingly important.

“So many of us who grew up in the business now have children of our own,” she said. “We’re seeing another generation come into the industry and we want to make sure there is room for all of their ideas, talents and contributions.”

Along with expanding its geographic footprint, the company continues to broaden its product mix. While broccoli and cauliflower remain cornerstone items, Smith Farms Sales has added programs for green and red cabbage, Napa cabbage, Bok Choy, Romaine, head lettuce and other specialty vegetables through its network of growing partners.

Those programs are developed with an emphasis on year-round continuity and meeting customers’ evolving needs.

“We’re trying to build programs that offer predictability and continuity,” Smith said. “The days of planting something and hoping there is a market for it are largely gone. We work closely with our customers and partners to build programs together.”

That collaborative approach extends beyond growers to retail and wholesale customers, many of whom have worked with the Smith family for decades.

“Our business has always been built on relationships,” Smith said. “When growers, customers and sales teams communicate openly and work toward the same goals, everyone is in a better position to succeed.”

While the company continues to grow and diversify its sourcing network, Smith said the foundation remains unchanged.

“We’re very proud of our roots and the legacy our family has built,” she said. “Every summer, when our production returns to Maine, it reminds us where we came from. But our focus forward continues to celebrate the efforts that help us remain relevant year-round.

Top photo: Smith Farms Georgia partner John Baker, a next-generation leader of Baker Farms, in the field with the crew foreman.