Happy Dirt was founded in Durham, North Carolina in 2004 to make certified organic produce more accessible to retailers, chefs, and shoppers alike. The company pools harvests across multiple growing regions to maintain a consistent, year-round supply, and holds certifications as a USDA Organic handler, Certified B-Corp, and Certified Living Wage Employer.

Several of the North Carolina farmers who grow for Happy Dirt are also co-owners of the business. Stanley Hughes has been growing certified organic sweet potatoes and mixed vegetables since 1996; Herbie Cottle has held organic certification since 2007. They are two of a wider network of farmer-owners and farmer-partners who share in Happy Dirt's mission to make high-quality organic produce accessible to everyone.