Next Step Produce Finds Strength In Community After Devastating Fire

NEWBURG, Md. — Weeks after a fire leveled the grain house at Next Step Produce, the Southern Maryland community continues to rally behind Heinz and Gabrielle Thomet as they work to recover from more than $1 million in losses.

The blaze broke out around 10 p.m. on Oct. 1, 2025, destroying the Thomets’ 75-by-100-foot processing building — once filled with sorting, drying, and milling machinery that supported small-grain growers across the East Coast. Investigators with the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office determined the cause to be accidental, linked to discarded fireplace ashes that ignited combustible material inside.

Before the fire, the facility housed a sophisticated system of grain-cleaning and processing equipment carefully assembled over decades. Now, drone footage shows only collapsed metal beams, charred machinery, and piles of scorched grain. In the days since the blaze, volunteers and neighboring farmers have helped clear debris and recover usable equipment as the couple prepares to rebuild.

“The estimated total loss was about $1 million, and while insurance will cover part, the farm still faces a large gap,” said a close family friend. “The community’s response so far has been inspiring, and momentum is building quickly toward the larger $250,000 goal.”

A GoFundMe campaign organized by friend Whitney Valcarcel has drawn an overwhelming response, raising more than $55,000 from nearly 300 donors in just over two weeks. “Heinz and Gabrielle would never ask for help,” Valcarcel wrote. “Their once-bustling grain mill is no more, and every single machine used toward their production has been lost to the fire.”

Valcarcel shared an update Oct. 13 on behalf of the farm’s supporters:

“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of generosity and support that has followed our recent loss. Your kindness has carried us through these first difficult weeks, and with your help, our $250K goal feels within reach,” she said. “Next Step Produce has been working hard to maintain current orders and continue harvesting while beginning to navigate the complex process of recovery. Each day brings new reminders of how strong and caring this community is.”

Local assistance has been extraordinary. A donated furnace was delivered last week, neighbors at Maiden Point Farm loaned a loader tractor for the upcoming grain harvest, and Potomac Vegetable Farm plans to join cleanup efforts this week with additional equipment and manpower. Meanwhile, a former worm-casting bin is being converted into a grain-drying space — a creative example of the resourcefulness keeping the farm moving forward.

For more than 25 years, Next Step Produce has been known for pioneering “morganic” — more-than-organic — grain, fruit, and vegetable production in the Mid-Atlantic. Their products have supplied some of Washington, D.C.’s and Baltimore’s finest bakeries and restaurants and inspired a regional network of sustainable growers.

Supporters say the Thomets’ resilience is already shining through. “They’ve spent decades helping others grow good food,” said one longtime customer. “Now it’s our turn to help them rebuild.”

With continued help from friends, neighboring farms, and donors across the region, the Thomets say they’re determined to rebuild stronger than before. Plans are underway to design a new mill structure with improved fire safeguards, with hopes to resume full processing operations in 2026.

To contribute to the recovery effort or follow updates, visit www.nextstepproduce.com or the official GoFundMe campaign.