There is an old farming saying that, "you grow what the earth gives you." Randy Bailey looks at things a little differently. Along with his wife, Debbie, Randy is the owner and driving force behind Bailey Farms in Oxford, NC – regarded as the largest specialty pepper farming enterprise on the east coast.

The "text book" analysis would be that Bailey Farms’ is able to produce high quality, fresh specialty peppers, because they control every part of the supply chain, from the vine all the way to delivery at a retailer’s warehouse. The "boots on the ground" analysis is that Randy has a love for the land and a passion for peppers.

Farming is the family business. With his siblings, Randy was raised working on the land. His father, a chemist, was passionate about farming and he farmed on the side in the 1970’s and 1980’s – all the while, says Randy, "instilling in me the drive to succeed and teaching us to earn our money." At age 20, Randy formally joined his father’s business as a partner. But sensing a need for a change, the two started to look beyond the traditional crops for an opportunity to grow.

At that time, Randy had started to fall for spicy Mexican food. He also saw the growth of the Hispanic market as an opportunity. Given the circumstances, it was a natural decision to focus on growing and marketing hot specialty peppers. It was a small operation in the beginning, just a few acres. "We were delivering the peppers in pick-up trucks at that time," says Randy.

Over the next years, those few acres expanded. Food Lion, signed on as a retail partner. What was initially a summer crop turned into a year-round venture. More local growers were added and the business grew six-fold over a 4-year period. Unfortunately the growth and success did not come without challenges and tragedy. In 2002 Randy’s father died in an explosion on the farm. With Debbie at his side (she manages the office side of the business), Randy moved ahead, motivated by the challenge and passion that he shared with his father. "His death motivated me even more to make this business succeed, to become the leading supplier of our products in the East."

Over the past few years Randy and Debbie achieved that goal. The Bailey’s business is dedicated to such specialty chilipeppers as poblano, jalapeno, serrano, Hungarian peppers, and of course Carolina Reapers. But they have also branched out to Bellfina and mini-sweet peppers. And as the business has expanded, so too has the brand. Bailey Farms now offers tomatillos, the ‘Mexican green tomato,’ as well as a line of all-natural, award winning hot sauces, which are available nationally through their expanding online presence.

This expansion has also required their farming footprint to grow. The enterprise now includes their own 75 acres, 150 additional local acres and a farm in South Florida. In all, the business has grown 35 times the size it was in 2000. It is this local growth that also most pleases Randy, "it is so rewarding that the business has grown so much locally. I’m from here and it’s great to be able to contribute to the Granville County economy."

In addition to helping the local economy, the Bailey’s are leaders in the community, best known for their role in hosting the North Carolina Hot Sauce and Pepper Eating Contest each fall. A Granville County tradition, the event and street fair attracts thousands to the area to sample food, spices, and if they dare, the hottest of hot peppers. To the Bailey’s it’s just another opportunity to give back to the community and show their "Passion for Peppers."

The Baily Farm is a full-time working business, so tours are not generally on the agenda, but you can learn more about the farm, peppers, and this Uniquely Carolina business by visiting www.baileyfarmsinc.com.