Tiny Greens Farm is a woman-owned and veteran family operated micro-farm working to grow sustainable and soil-grown produce in East Fishkill, New York. Tiny Greens Farm produce is available across the Hudson Valley as they deliver greens to your door and collaborate with restaurant chefs, caterers, food trucks, and community supported agriculture partners at local farms.
Blending innovation, sustainability, community engagement, and education, Tiny Greens Farm diversifies Dutchess County’s powerhouse agricultural industry and helps advance a healthier community.
Owner Nicole Harris spoke with Think Dutchess about what inspired her to start Tiny Greens Farm and the advice she has for anyone who hopes to grow a business in our region. Learn more below.
Can you start by introducing yourself and describing what makes Tiny Greens Farm unique?
My name is Nicole Harris, and I’m a veteran’s wife, homeschooling mom of two, Certified Clinician in Whole Food Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, and the owner and operator of Tiny Greens Farm.
Tiny Greens Farm is a micro-farm producing sustainable and soil-grown microgreens, edible flowers, and artisanal mixes in East Fishkill, New York. We provide high-quality and hyper-local products to our neighborhood and the surrounding community we call home.
What brought Tiny Greens to Dutchess County?
My husband Cory and I were born and raised in Dutchess County, and it only made sense to return here to start a family of our own.
After playing collegiate NCAA Division 1 women’s soccer, followed by a career in NYC fashion and entertainment, I knew a shift in careers towards holistic nutrition would help me focus on my own health challenges. I grew up with a misdiagnosis at a young age that left me bedridden. My skin, joints, and immune system were all tremendously compromised. I also experienced debilitating fatigue, muscle weakness, and several other ailments. It was much later on that we found out it was Lyme Disease and from there my healing journey began.
After ten years of working in the holistic health industry and getting my own health back in order, I started Tiny Greens Farm here in Dutchess County. I wanted to contribute to the growing local food movement here that helped turn my own health around — while connecting with neighbors, chefs, and small businesses who value fresh, sustainably grown ingredients.
I also cherish this time with my two boys and teaching them how real, local foods can nourish their bodies. Foundational knowledge of nutrition and health is so important for our children.
What is the landscape of the micro-farming industry in Dutchess County?
There’s a real appetite here for locally produced, high-quality food which has created space for small farms to thrive like Tiny Greens Farm. We have a much different set up than traditional farming methods. We built a vertical indoor farm that allows us to grow year-round and maintain a high-quality product in an innovative controlled environment.
We understand that good nutrition begins with high-quality whole foods. This standard means choosing organic, non-GMO and heirloom seeds; growing those seeds in certified organic soil (that is then composted and reused for our homestead), and using filtered water for irrigation, air purifiers in our grow space, non-leaching, BPA-free growing trays, and 100% recycled packaging. We do the best we can to be as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible, and we are always looking for ways to improve our methods.
How does Tiny Greens support or engage with the local community?
Community is at the heart of everything we do. We partner with local cafes, restaurants, and other larger farms to bring hyper-local microgreens to Dutchess County tables. We also love participating in local wellness events, farm-to-table workshops, and community gatherings that promote healthy living and food education. For us, it’s not just about growing greens — it’s about growing relationships.
Does Tiny Greens have any programs focused on education or workforce development in Dutchess County?
We believe education is an essential part of food sustainability. We have worked with Vassar College and The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park with students and chefs to teach them about microgreens and how to grow their own. We have also grown greens for local school districts that have received funding from New York State to bring fresh, local food to their cafeterias.
How does Tiny Greens build relationships with other local businesses?
We love building genuine relationships with local chefs, wellness professionals, produce managers, farm store managers, and small business owners who share our passion for high-quality, local ingredients. These partnerships are built on trust, consistency, and shared values — and they help all of us grow stronger together.
Does Tiny Greens have any close relationships or unique partnerships with other businesses in Dutchess County?
Yes, we’re proud to partner with Nature’s Pantry HV in Fishkill, Fishkill Farms Farm Store, Adams Fairacre Farms in Wappingers Falls, Obercreek Farm Store in Wappingers, Marbled Meat Shop in Cold Spring, Poughkeepsie Farm Project, and Millbrook Beef & Dairy Farm Store.
In addition to our farm and retail partners, we have grown for 100 talented and loyal chefs in the Hudson Valley, and we partner with wellness businesses like Pellegrino Healing Center and Chakra Bowls Café. These collaborations allow us to craft custom mixes and bring fresh, functional food to more people across the Hudson Valley.
What is the current trend or development you’re following that’s shaping the micro-farming industry?
One of the biggest trends we’re following is the growing demand for functional foods — ingredients that do more than just taste good, but also actively support health and wellness. People are more conscious than ever about how food affects their energy, mood, and immunity. Microgreens, with their dense nutrient profile and versatility, fit perfectly into that movement.
What advice would you give to another business professional in Dutchess County?
Build relationships first, and your business second. Dutchess County has an amazing network of supportive entrepreneurs, organizations, and customers who genuinely care about local businesses. When you lead with authenticity and service, everything else tends to fall into place.
What advice would you give to a business looking to move to Dutchess County?
Don’t just move here — get involved here. Connect with your neighbors, attend local events, and collaborate with other small businesses. The more you participate in the community, the more rewarding it becomes both personally and professionally.
Is there anything else you wish to add?
I’m incredibly grateful for the support of our local community — from our restaurant partners to our customers who choose to buy local each week. Every tray of greens we grow is a reflection of gratitude, joy, and connection. Our mission is simple: to grow functional food that nourishes our community from the inside out.
Inspired by the incredible impact of this local business?
Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or community partner, we’d love to hear from you. Connect with our team at info@thinkdutchess.com to learn how we can support your business, collaborate on economic development initiatives, or help you grow right here in Dutchess County.