Farming Turtles began in 2008 when Lauri Roberts purchased a 22-acre farm in Exeter, Rhode Island and began cultivating what would become one of the region’s most respected microgreen operations. Named after the farm’s beloved red-footed tortoise mascots, Myrtle and Ozzie, Farming Turtles reflects a spirit that is both joyful and deeply committed to the craft of growing—serious about quality, but always grounded in the belief that farming should be vibrant, collaborative, and full of life.

From the beginning, the focus was simple: grow exceptional food. Inside our greenhouses, we cultivate organic microgreens, baby greens, and wheatgrass that are intensely flavorful, beautifully colored, and harvested at their peak. Our crops are grown with care and precision, allowing us to deliver consistent quality to chefs, retailers, and food partners throughout the region.

Just as important as the crops themselves is the team behind them. Farming Turtles has always been built around people who take pride in their work and share a deep respect for growing safe, healthy food. That culture of collaboration and accountability continues to define the farm today.

Over the years, Lauri developed strong relationships throughout the agricultural and food community across New England. Through those shared networks, she and Eddie Varipapa first connected through mutual agricultural relationships and a shared passion for food and farming. What began as occasional collaboration and support gradually developed into a trusted professional relationship built on mutual respect for the work and the people behind it.

As Lauri began preparing for the next chapter of her life, she and Eddie began discussing the future of Farming Turtles. Together they made a deliberate decision: before any transition would occur, they would spend a full year working side-by-side to ensure the farm, its systems, and its relationships remained strong.

From January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025, Lauri and Eddie worked together daily on the farm—walking greenhouses, refining systems, strengthening relationships with buyers, and working closely with the Farming Turtles team. During that year, Eddie immersed himself in every aspect of the operation, learning the growing systems, understanding the rhythms of the farm, and building relationships with the many partners Lauri had cultivated over nearly two decades.

That year of mentorship and collaboration proved invaluable. Through Lauri’s guidance, instruction, and deep experience, Eddie gained an understanding of the farm that could never have been learned from the outside. It also allowed the team and customers to experience the transition gradually and thoughtfully.

On January 1, 2026, Eddie officially assumed the role of Owner and President of Farming Turtles.

Eddie brings more than three decades of experience across food, farming, and operational leadership. Having grown up in a multi-generational restaurant family and spent years building businesses in agriculture and food systems, he approaches Farming Turtles with a deep respect for the craft of growing and the relationships that sustain it. His focus is on strengthening the farm’s foundation while continuing to scale the operation with thoughtful systems, technology, and long-term partnerships.

Today, Farming Turtles continues to build on the legacy Lauri created—growing exceptional organic microgreens while expanding our reach to retailers, chefs, and food partners throughout New England.

And while Lauri has stepped away from the daily leadership of the farm, she remains an important part of the Farming Turtles family. Living just a few steps away in her cabin overlooking the farm, she is always close by to share guidance when needed. With the farm in good hands, she now spends more time pursuing another passion of hers—traveling to beautiful coastal destinations around the world in search of sun, ocean, and the quiet rhythm of the sea.

At Farming Turtles, our story continues to grow—rooted in the land, guided by experience, and driven by a shared belief that great food begins with great farming.