Bees Honey and the Taste of Appalachia with Eric Grandon

I talk with Eric Grandon from Sugar Bottom Farm. His farm is based in Clay County and produces raw honey sold in about 25 markets across West Virginia and shipped all over the country. He tells me he is working with the state Board of Education to get honey into schools, a step that could expand both access and awareness of the value of local products.

Eric shares how his journey into beekeeping began after six tours of duty in the Middle East. He explains that the challenges he faced when he came home were eased by working with bees. Instead of adding to his stress, the bees gave him calm and focus. He describes this as his new normal and credits the work with helping him heal in ways that traditional approaches could not.

The farm became a business in 2013, and Eric has continued to grow its offerings. He produces raw honey that helps with allergies and has developed value-added products like single serving honey packets. He points out that Sugar Bottom Farm is the only honey company in the United States offering West Virginia honey in packets, something he takes pride in.

Eric also talks about the Taste of Appalachia initiative that brings together artisans from across the state. He is part of several of the food boxes that will be offered as gifts for the holiday season. He says this effort highlights the best food traditions in West Virginia and gives farmers and makers a new way to reach customers.

As we wrap up, Eric explains that people can learn more by searching for Sugar Bottom Farm online. His work has been featured in over 100 interviews, podcasts, and documentaries, and he continues to promote West Virginia products while sharing his personal story of resilience through beekeeping.