Farm49 is a Colorado farm built around a single crop that remains largely unfamiliar to U.S. consumers despite its long global history—sea buckthorn. Eight years ago, its founder, Nadia Artman, made the deliberate and challenging decision to cultivate sea buckthorn berries locally, knowing it would take four to five years before the trees produced meaningful yields. That long wait, combined with the demands of meticulous, manual harvesting, made the venture a high-risk agricultural undertaking. Through sustained cultivation and steady community engagement, Farm49 has introduced this hardy, nutrient-rich berry to the U.S. market.

“We truly believe in this berry and its ancient origin and tradition. That’s why we cultivate it,” says Nadia Artman, Steward.

Sea buckthorn has roots in ancient Greek, Hindu, Buddhist and Tibetan traditions, earning the Greek name “shining horse” after soldiers observed its restorative effects on their horses. Farm49 locally grows sea buckthorn and offers it as a regular food item rather than a “trend.”

Beyond cultivating the berries and producing the Fruitulu fruit rolls and juice, the farm operates with a deeply rooted philanthropic mission. The proceeds generated from its produce are directed toward supporting animals in need. Each year, the farm contributes to several animal non-profit organizations, demonstrating an ongoing and expanding commitment to animal welfare. This dedication is a central pillar of its identity. Every purchase extends beyond nutrition and quality; it actively supports compassion-driven, regenerative and community-focused efforts.

Cultivation, Competition and Strategic Shift

At Farm49, berries are grown using sustainable regenerative agriculture and organic practices. This commitment to responsible farming not only protects the land but enhances product quality, which is why many are willing to pay a premium for Farm49’s berries.

What began as a straightforward plan to sell raw berries quickly revealed a crowded landscape. China could underprice at scale and Canada was producing in large quantities as well, making commodity-level competition challenging. Instead of compromising on quality or competing on scale, Farm49 focuses on direct customer relationships and the creation of value-added products.


With 98 trees, it is the biggest sea buckthorn grower in Colorado. Cultivation has been a matter of patience and risk. Sea buckthorn needs years to offer significant yields, while the bushes have thorns and the berries are delicate. Farm49 hand-picks the berries to ensure quality and protect the plant.

This meticulousness prevents debris from mixing into the yield while safeguarding the plant’s vitality. By relying exclusively on organic inputs and manual harvesting, the farm reinforces its premium, quality-driven positioning.

From Harvest to Community Impact

The farm is a place where people and the land are one. For Nadia, it’s not just about cultivation but also caring for the community and bringing people together. Farm49 serves as a space where the local community can learn about sea buckthorn and participate in harvesting through a shared 50–50 picking program.

This close engagement with customers not only strengthens community ties but inspires the farm to explore ways of transforming its carefully harvested berries into accessible, shelf-stable products. Farm49’s first packaged product was a sea buckthorn Fruitulu roll made with the berry, maple syrup, vanilla, apple pectin and purified water. No further processing was involved apart from drying. This preserves the berry’s natural qualities while yielding a stable product.

The product is not only a source of good nutrition but a foodstuff for everyday consumption, rather than a supplement. It has been widely accepted by athletes, hikers and health-conscious consumers. The farm also makes sea buckthorn juice with very few ingredients. Such products are retailed locally through health-focused stores in and around Boulder, Colorado.

Fresh berries are the farm’s primary direct-to-consumer product, as their perishable nature limits broader distribution. While shipping is possible, it is limited due to the need for freezing and rapid delivery. Customers are ready to pay higher prices for Farm49 because of its cultivation methods, meticulousness, and honesty.

Beyond food production, Farm49 directs surplus proceeds from berry and product sales to support the Colorado Farm Animal Sanctuary. This is a part of the farm’s regenerative agriculture approach and underpins its larger mission. Through farming, community involvement and manufacturing products, Farm49 has grown into a community grounded in respect for the earth, the sea buckthorn plant and the regenerative agricultural principles that shape every stage of its cultivation.