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Alumni Spotlight: Treasured Roots Farm

Rooted in Family, Growing for the Future

In the rolling hills of Frederick County, Maryland, Treasured Roots Farm is rewriting the story of what local agriculture can look like. Led by Laura Kefauver, a CAIC Value-Added Program alum, this family-run farm is cultivating European black truffles, culinary lavender, and other gourmet flavors like honey. What makes their journey unique is the balance of innovation and tradition—three generations, from Laura’s father to her young daughters, all play a role in shaping the farm’s future.

 

Leaving behind a 15-year career in corporate consulting, Laura embraced the challenge of farming with no prior experience. “Our proudest achievement has been simply having the courage to jump in,” she reflects. That leap is paying off as the farm grows stronger roots each season.

Lavender, Truffles & Beyond: Products That Inspire

While truffles take years to mature, Treasured Roots is already delighting customers with a range of culinary lavender products, including:

Shoppers can explore their online store at treasuredrootsfarm.com, with free shipping on orders over $35 and local pickup options in Frederick and Myersville, MD. Laura and her team also bring their products to select markets and events in the region.

 

Every product reflects their philosophy: “Food should spark curiosity, bring people together, and deepen our connection with nature.”

How CAIC Programs Made a Difference

Treasured Roots joined CAIC’s Value-Added Program to validate their idea and connect with the right people to bring their vision to life. For Laura, the program provided both practical business guidance and a supportive community of peers.

As Treasured Roots looks ahead, they’re planning new collaborations—from lavender sachets in local hotels and B&Bs to culinary partnerships like lavender honey ice cream and truffle cheese. Their mission is clear: create flavors and experiences that honor the land while building something lasting for future generations.

Last Chance! Join One of Our Upcoming Programs Today!

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© 2025 Chesapeake Agriculture Innovation Center (CAIC). All rights reserved.
CAIC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting value-added producers and agribusinesses across the Delmarva region.
For more resources, programs, and support, visit www.caic.org.
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MINI-GRANTs

Mini-Grants up to $5,000 are available for:
– Market Research and Validation of Target Market
– Customer Acquisition
– Product Development Initiatives
– Food Safety Classes
Eligibility
Value-added producers and companies with traction ($20,000 or more in yearly revenue) in Maryland and Delaware are eligible to apply for Mini-Grants. Participants may apply once for each of the categories. Applicants must demonstrate that they have a unique and differentiated product or service that incorporates an aspect of innovation or technology in its production, processing, distribution, or other element of the food supply system.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Award decisions will be made and funds will be available no later than three weeks following the receipt of a completed application.
Application Process
Applicants must submit Mini-Grant proposals by filling out the form at this link. Copy(ies) of quote(s), proposal(s), estimate(s), or any other supporting documents.

MINI GRANT APPLICATION

ACCESS TO SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS (SMES)

CAIC offers access to Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who can offer authoritative advice based on their deep knowledge and experience in a specific area. See the ADVISORS page of this Web site to learn more about the SMEs who are available to CAIC participants.

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