Episode 452
Organic Farming With Matt McLean, Founder Uncle Matt's Organic
The real-life uncle to ten nieces and nephews, Matt McLean ventured into the organic juice business in 1999 with a passion for healthy living as well as a long family history of growing citrus in Florida. Matt’s goal was, and still is, to produce the highest quality juice, using only premium 100% organically-grown fruit that is free from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
We’re not just a juice company. We’re a family rooted in organic agriculture.
A message from Uncle Matt
My roots run deep in Florida. As a fourth-generation citrus grower and a real-life uncle to ten nieces and nephews plus, father of two beautiful daughters, I ventured into the juice business with one goal: to fuel families with uncompromised nutrition.
On three acres in my dad Benny’s backyard, my family began growing oranges without harmful synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Why? Because organic makes the most sense for you, me and the planet. Healthy soil means a healthy tree and even healthier fruit. If you ask my dad, my childhood summers spent working on the citrus groves was time well spent. Little did I know at the time that it would be a catalyst for launching Uncle Matt’s Organic in 1999.
More than two decades later, we’re busier than ever helping a new generation flourish through sustainable organic farming. It’s still a family affair around here too. My wife, Susan is at the helm of product innovation and marketing, while my father and brother, Ben McLean, oversee our grower and community relations.
Benny and Ben have spent the better part of the past decade trying to solve the citrus greening disease that has devastated Florida’s citrus industry. Sadly, Florida is ground zero for the epidemic, which in turn makes it the best place for running field trials. Everyone at Uncle Matt’s is dedicated to finding citrus greening remedies that will alleviate the heavy burden Florida farmers are facing and we’ve already made promising strides towards finding a cure. In fact, each morning, my father walks barefoot in our experimental groves to stay “grounded” and optimistic.
Because of my expert lineage of agronomists and long-term partnerships with farmers who share our values, Uncle Matt’s Organic is now the best-selling organic orange juice in the nation. Powered by 100% organically grown fruit that’s free from harmful chemicals, we’re also proud to be the first juice company in the US to be certified Glyphosate (RoundUp) Residue Free. So, take comfort in knowing that when you bring home our organic goodness, you’re feeding your family with the healthiest juice under the sun!