New farmer’s market opens on U.S. 41 in Lutz By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznes.com
For months, it was hard to figure out what was going on at the lot the east side of U.S. 41 just north of Newberger Road. First, the field was empty.Then, the land was cleared. Then a building that looked like a barn was built. Then, the earth was plowed. In mid-May, it became abundantly clear what was up — a new farmer’s market was opening on the Lutz site, not far from Land O’ Lakes. The business, called The Family Farm on 41, opened May 23. It is co-owned by Angela Madonia and her mother, Josephine Argento. The market has a diverse selection of fruits and vegetables, as well as a few flowering plants. Besides the old standbys of corn, potatoes, apples, melons, onions, zucchinis and tomatoes, there also are more interesting choices such as Italian squash,
B.C. MANION/STAFF PHOTOS
The Family Farm on 41 in Lutz hopes to entice passersby to drop by and pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables. The business opened on May 23.
Angela Madonia and her mother, Josephine Argento, own The Family Farm on 41, a business that wants to provide fresh vegetables and fruits to encourage healthy eating.
tomatillos, Hungarian wax peppers, specialty squash and jicama. Beyond produce, the market stocks milk without hormones, farm fresh eggs, honey, cakes, jam, cheeses, ice cream and juices. “The concept is providing the freshest and healthiest fruits and veggies to our customers,” Madonia said. “We will be Besides fruits and veggies, the market also stocks other items, growing strawberries, including Florida honey and jam. tomatoes, cucumbers,
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squash, peppers, carrots, corn, radishes, pumpkins and okra.We will start harvesting in late August or early September.” The market and the field where the fruits and vegetables will be grown are on an 8acre plot on the north side of Newberger Road. Just across the street, on the east side
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Corn, watermelon and lots of other produce is available at The Family Farm on 41.
of Newberger Road, the family is planning a pumpkin patch and hayrides on another 8acre tract. The family chose the location because it is ideally situated between Tampa and Land O’ Lakes, on a road traveled by thousands of people. They chose to get into the fresh food business because they understand that people are becoming more interested in leading a healthy lifestyle, Madonia said.The business also fits her family’s personal goals. Madonia and her husband have two small children, and they want to teach them how to eat properly to maintain good health. Eventually, the business will offer a “Upick” option for customers. The market’s hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., every day. At some point they plan to close one day a week, but they haven’t determined which day yet. That will depend on customer demand, Madonia said.
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June 11, 2014
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