Farmers
Celia Barss
Celia Barss is the farmer (boss!) at Woodland Gardens. Celia has been farming for almost two decades. There are few organic producers with the extensive and proven experience that Celia has earned — and fewer still with the integrity and commitment she shows for the people who make the farm successful. Celia comes from an “old school” model of soil and farm health over production — and she has fine tuned her systems over the years to be become a model of sustainable and efficient production. Celia was born in Newfoundland Canada, raised in Papua New Guinea where her dad was a physician, lived in France, grew up in Baltimore and is a graduate of the University of California Santa Cruz Organic Farm program — where she became accustomed to life in a tent on the side of the Pacific Ocean. Celia has been involved in the start up and operations of four farms, and simply would not be happy doing anything else. Celia has always managed the farm with a tough strength and endurance that anyone who meets her will attest to, and always with utmost respect for her fellow farmers. This is not a job that can be done alone! Among the bustle of the seasons, Celia is a mother of two.
John S. Cooper
John Cooper, a proud South Carolina native, is an advisor to the farm. He worked for many years with Celia and Woodland Gardens bringing skills in botany, perennial production and business management during a time a growth for Woodland Gardens. John has an International MBA from University of South Carolina, business and training at Tec de Monterrey in Mexico, and studied philosophy and creative writing at USC Honors College and University of Oregon. He grew up in the nursery industry, propagating and producing ornamental plant and trees with his Uncle Bobby, who was his greatest teacher in life. John’s experience includes production and marketing advisement for a large cooperative of Fair Trade and organic coffee producers in La Trinidad, Oaxaca, Mexico and working with organic and the Fair Trade Labeling organizations there, as well as social justice groups. John has extensive management experience and brings years of complex business and personal relationship skills to the farm business, especially as relates to the farms growth and changes. John thrives outdoors, of course, and loves adventures with his wife, Celia and their two rascally kids! John works from his secret office above the packing house.