Mark Stokes and his father Dale stand amid young black raspberry plants in a greenhouse on their farm in Wilmington, Ohio, where they grow fifty-six acres of berries. For twenty-three years, Dale has partnered with researchers from Ohio State University in studying the effects of black raspberries on cancer prevention. “Cancer is complex. To think that there’s one magic bullet out there to cure it is just not practical,” Dale said. “But black raspberries might be that bullet.”
Research has shown that the high level of antioxidants found in raspberries can help prevent cancerous lesions and stem inflammation in the body. In addition to their research, the Stokes also want people to eat more nutritious food. “A lot of people don’t believe that good nutrition can be responsible for cancer prevention,” Dale said.
This is the first in a series of portraits of residents of Clinton County, Ohio, where agriculture remains the biggest contributor to the regional economy. This series will highlight actors in the county’s local food economy, from farmers and restaurant owners to community gardeners and food pantry directors.
The photographer, John Cropper, is a Clinton County native, a journalist at the Wilmington News Journal and a fledgling gardener. He came to CoLab Radio via Energize Clinton County, which “grew out of a citizen movement to broaden participation in economic development, and regain control of our local economy.”