Derik grew up in the Chicago area and has lived in Iowa, Florida, and Niagara Falls, New York. He has always been interested in health and health issues. In the mid 1990s, with the advent and expansion of GMO food sources, he became a label reader and began his quest to become a producer of organic produce. The organic ball started rolling with Derik purchasing items from local organic farms and practicing food preservation. In 2009, he began his own business in market gardening by leasing 1.5 acres.
For two years he sold fresh, organically raised produce at farmers markets and to local businesses. Now, as Garden Manager at Sunrise Ranch, he is eager for the opportunity to teach the lessons he learned—as well as learn from others’ experiences—and expand on his knowledge of growing organic produce.
Julia Butterfly Hill
Marilyn Manderson
David Chernikoff
Satyarthi Peloquin
Alima Cameron
Peter and Debbie Nordeen
Ron Pevney
Barbara Marx Hubbard
Emanuel Kuntzelman
Dmitri Bilgere
Tom Daly
Melissa Michaels
Shar Lee
Robert Gonzales
Mary Kathleen Rose
Lori Rock
Dr. Margaret Paul
Andrea Isaacs
Tara Rea
Avery Ellis
Steve Oda
Ty Burhoe
Uma Faith
Hugh Duff
Maureen Waller
Phil Richardson
Ruth Buckingham
Jane Anetrini
Bernie Prior
Patrick Padden
Michael Gaeta
David Wheeler
Jonathan Goldman
Keahi Ewa
David Karchere
Andrew Horwood
Julia Butterfly Hill
Marilyn Manderson
David Chernikoff
Satyarthi Peloquin
Alima Cameron
Peter and Debbie Nordeen
Courtney Bohlman
Ron Pevney
Barbara Marx Hubbard
Emanuel Kuntzelman
Dmitri Bilgere
Tom Daly
Melissa Michaels
Shar Lee
Robert Gonzales
Mary Kathleen Rose
Lori Rock
Dr. Margaret Paul
Andrea Isaacs
Tara Rea
Avery Ellis
Steve Oda
Ty Burhoe
Uma Faith
Atom Terpening
Barrett Barth
Ana Negron-Navarro
Gary Goodhue
Jerry Kvasnicka
Bernie Prior
Patrick Padden
Michael Gaeta
David Wheeler
Jonathan Goldman
Keahi Ewa
RISE