Jay Moritz, Farmer's Market Manager
email: jaym@fullcirclefarm.com

What led you to Full Circle Farm and why?
My wife was offered a teaching job in Western Washington. Knowing I could find meaningful work in a region that values organic agriculture, we decided to move to Washington from California. A friend who farms in Chehalis referred me to Full Circle, and so it goes.

Describe some current values/belief systems that are relevant to your work at Full Circle Farm.
With one exception, I've worked exclusively with organic produce for the past 15 years. The exception: In 2000 I had the opportunity to sell some Rambutan, a strange and wonderful tropical fruit. It was conventionally grown. But hey, it was Rambutan. I sold it with no regrets.

Organic growing practices are, at least for me, about the legacy we leave for subsequent generations. Humans have been raising plant crops for nearly 15,000 years. Our children should have clean soil, air and water and a worthy genetic plant heritage with which to work. Also, food is supposed to taste good. Tasted an Albertson's tomato recently?

What is the most meaningful and/or best part about working at Full Circle Farm?
My farmers market customers get to eat produce grown within 50 miles of their homes. They like it. I like it. I get to nourish people. Mom would have been proud.

What is your favorite meal and do you like to cook?
Roast chicken (rubbed with hot paprika and black pepper) with garlic cloves under the skin, garlic mashed potatoes, braised greens with onions, and sweet and sour cucumbers. A glass of Pinot Noir with it. Yes, I like to cook. Second place meal would probably be roast lamb with sautéed escarole and raisins. Pinot Noir nice with that, too.

When you're not working, how do you like to spend your time?
Quietly with my oh, so charming new wife, Karla.

Music you like to listen to or best book you've read so far this year?
Brahms piano concerto No. 2 is a big favourite. Mahler, Elvis Costello, Hound Dog Taylor's "Beware of the Dog" is fun, too. Just re-read the section of John McPhee's "Control of Nature" about the levee system in New Orleans. Some fascinating African folk tales. Lots of political coverage (good for laughs, mostly, but also the occasional howl of outrage) and financial reporting (not quite so funny). Some Theodore Sturgeon, some Zadie Smith. So much to read, so little time.