Southern Valley Fruit and Vegetable, Inc. is a woman-owned, family-operated farm founded in 1987 by Kent Hamilton, a sixth-generation farmer, alongside his father, brother, and best friend. Despite early hardships, including the tragic loss of Kent’s brother and father, Kent and his mother, Wanda, carried the farm forward with the support of family and community. Today, Southern Valley is recognized as a progressive, vertically integrated grower, packer, and shipper, dedicated to delivering the safest, highest-quality produce across the U.S.

Operating 1,500 acres in Tennessee and 3,500 acres in Georgia, Southern Valley grows squash, zucchini, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, beans, and peppers--crops chosen for their compatibility with local soils and ability to travel together at optimal temperatures. 

Sustainability is at the heart of Southern Valley’s operations. The farm uses cover crops, no-till practices, and crop rotation to boost soil health, reduce pests, and conserve wetlands. Solar power and low-impact energy use are integrated into daily operations. Austin Hamilton, Director of Agriculture and Kent's son, says “we are large enough to supply customers year-round with products grown and harvested in-house and nimble enough to evolve with their ever-changing needs.” As part of the next generation, he sees his goal as being a good steward of the business customers have awarded them. 

Rooted in stewardship, family, and faith, Southern Valley is committed to quality, community, and sustainable farming for generations to come.