Hunter Vickers, a fifth-generation Florida farmer, found himself facing the mounting difficulties that many farmers in the state were experiencing due to the increasingly challenging traditional practices of citrus and cattle farming. Determined to find alternative solutions, he embarked on a quest for innovative approaches to sustain his farm. It was during this search that he crossed paths with Shanti Pierce, who introduced him to the world of bamboo.
Inspired and intrigued by the potential of this versatile plant, Hunter is now spearheading a bamboo co-op project. The primary objective of this initiative is to harness the untapped potential of the numerous underutilized bamboo species that flourish in the southeastern United States. By establishing a cooperative network, he aims to not only invigorate the local agricultural landscape but also contribute to sustainable practices that can reshape the future of farming in Florida.