The Organic One: Cornucopia Organics

Hi Willow, tell us a little about yourself and Cornucopia Organics?

I’m Willow Keats, from Cornucopia Organics. I stepped in to manage the family business together with my husband Vegar Rognli, after my dad sadly passed away just over a year ago. My parents, Kaye and Alan Keats, founded Cornucopia Organics more than 30 years ago. They have dedicated their lives to championing the organics industry and educating the local Hawkes Bay community on the benefits of organic food and a healthy lifestyle.

 

What does organic mean to you?
 
To me, organic means products grown without artificial fertilisers, in healthy soils and in a sustainable way. So, healthy, local, sustainable and good for the planet. It is what I have grown up with so for me it also means family and supporting my kids, our next generation, and community in making conscious choices to lead a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

 

Why are organic principles so important to the future state of food?
 
Organic principles offer a holistic and regenerative alternative to industrial farming, addressing interconnected issues such as climate, biodiversity and human health. Rather than simply reducing harm, organic agriculture aims to improve the long-term health of soil, water, and ecosystems which is critical to the future of food.

 

What do you love most about the Cornucopia Organics community?
 
I feel proud to be able to keep the legacy that my parents created alive and to be able to support such an amazing network of hardworking local organic growers, innovative local suppliers and dedicated, loyal and knowledgeable customers and staff.

 

Can you describe Otis' The Organic One in 3 words?
 
Yum, yum, yum!

 

What are the big exciting things Cornucopia Organics is focused on this year?
 
This year, the focus for Cornucopia Organics is on modernising. We plan to maintain the principles the family business was founded around, organic, local, sustainable and affordable and with this in mind modernise our backend systems so we can work smarter and expand our range of organic, local, sustainable products for our customers.