Mutiny Bay Blues
Britt Fletcher grew up in the Seattle area, picking and inspecting blueberries from the ages of 9-20. After leaving the area to embark on adventures, he returned with his family 20 years ago to farm 190 acres in Freeland. At first they grew wheat and barley, but discovered that the soil was perfect for blueberries and now grow 120,000 pounds of blueberries a year. Their farm continues to expand, as they’ve added a commercial kitchen this year and planted a new crop - hardy kiwi berries. They also partner with other small businesses such as WIGC’s Food Hub, a local coffee roaster, Sleepy Bee Farm, and Mutiny Bay Distillery. We do our best, says Britt, to make this space productive, interesting, and fun.
We asked Britt a series of questions about himself and his farm. Read on to learn more about one of your local producers!
Why do you farm?
Farming is my fountain of youth. A lot of people my age don’t sleep that well through the night but I sleep like a rock! It’s very healthy for me to be doing this.
I love the challenges that come with farming. You have labor issues, marketing issues, sales, packaging costs, things arising, and you have to keep track of it all. It really keeps your mind going. Like I said before, giving people the opportunity to have a job and creating something useful out of this space is very important to me. There is not too much open space here in Freeland and I’d like to keep it natural that way. I’d hate to see it turn into something cookie cutter-ish. Taking care of the land is essentially another way to give back.
I particularly love mornings here on the farm - it’s warm but not too hot, quiet, and peaceful. While I get everything set up for the day’s pick, I look out at the ocean, the mountains, and the cows in the field. It’s my zen meditation time.
Lastly, I love fruit. You really can't go wrong with this superfood.
Mutiny Bay’s Farming Practices:
We are certified organic and have a GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certification as well (learn more about GAP certification here). We produce around 125,000 pounds of fruit each season. The island doesn’t need that much fruit so I sell to stores on the mainland as well. In order to sell off island, I need to have good agricultural practices, which is all about traceability. We use software that helps us keep track of the berries, where they were picked, who handled them, etc. Although we haven’t experienced any problems in the past, this would help us if anything were to happen.
What's growing at Mutiny Bay Blues?
Blueberries of course! But that’s not all that’s growing on their land.
Organic Farm School graduates Sleepy Bee Farm is leasing space at Mutiny Bay for their organic vegetable farm, in its first year of production. Check out Sleepy Bee on the Food Hub here and their website here.
Britt also grows a large garden for personal use where I grow watermelon, pumpkins, peppers, corn, raspberries, strawberries, and black beans.
Favorite crop to grow?
My all time favorite food is watermelon. I’m a fruit guy - I eat at least a pound of blueberries a day. Part of that is testing but also because I love them.
How has the Food Hub impacted Mutiny Bay Blues?
Being involved with the hub is one of the ways we give back to the community. In addition, food hub distribution to north islanders has pushed our name up there more. Prior to our involvement with the hub, the farthest north we were distributing was Three Sisters Market.
Community involvement:
We hire young folks starting around the age of 14. We have a scholarship program and sponsor one of the interns at the land trust. I’m on the board of WIGC and was previously on the board of Good Cheer for 5 years. We are very interested in addressing basic needs such as food, education, and affordable housing. We also have been able to help beginning farmers by leasing a few acres on our property.
Britt also lends his farm stand to the Food Hub for order distribution on Fridays, and is always there to help with emergencies like when the Food Hub’s van battery died. He does a lot for WIGC!
Fun Facts about Britt:
Favorite musician/song:
LeRoy Bell - He headlines the Bluesberry Festival
The Rolling Stones - “You can’t always get what you want but if you try sometimes, well, you might find you get what you need.”
Three Things You Can’t Live Without:
My family, watermelon, and my property
Hobbies outside of farming:
Biking - Peloton & riding around the farm
Favorite spot on the island:
The farm - specifically the far end of the pond where I take in the whole farm
A little about Linda & Lauren - (more of the Mutiny Bay Blues family :)
Linda:
My favorite hobby "outside of farming" is tennis. You can find me on the high school courts most days. I love meeting members of our community this way and always organize different games so people can meet one another from up and down the island. After a long day during blueberry season, you can find Britt, Lauren, and I walking Mutiny Bay beach with our three dogs. All of Whidbey Island is truly amazing and it is the best place to live.
Lauren:
My favorite crop is blueberries, obviously! Eating a handful of fresh berries cannot be beat but when those are not available, I settle for our dried berries. I make a blueberry pecan oatmeal chocolate chip cookie with our dried berries that is amazing! Stop by the stand on Fridays to try one for yourself :)
You can buy Mutiny Bay Blues blueberries at their farm stand on the corner of Cameron Rd and Hwy 20, on their website here, at many local shops, and on the Food Hub here. Outside of berry season they offer frozen and dried berries and blueberry granola, tea, honey, and more.
Last year they collaborated with Penn Cove Brewery to make a blueberry beer. Watch the video of their collaboration here.
Producer Feature by Rachel Joseph