Wainer Family Farm

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HISTORY The farm was founded in 2002 when the Wainer family purchased 22.5 acres of land in Dartmouth, MA. Two years later, they purchased an additional 27.5 acres across the street.

Farming operations expanded in 2004 to include the Wainer Family Greenhouse in the heart of New Bedford, Massachusetts. The land on which it sits had previously been abandoned for over 10 years. Sid Wainer & Son速, in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Management transformed the underutilized land into one of the first inner city farms in the Northeast.

TODAY Today Wainer Family Farm grows extraordinary produce and experiments with small specialty crops. We grow over 20 different types of tomatoes, more than a dozen types of summer squash, and over 10 varieties of eggplant; more than 150 different products that change season to season and year to year.

The greenhouse was created to grow highly perishable products that would otherwise have to be flown in from California. By growing the products locally, shelf-life was extended, local economy supported, and carbon footprint decreased. The process of growing offseason and bettering quality and yield was always experimental. Now, much of the greenhouse is exclusively dedicated to test cropping micro greens, living lettuces, pea greens, and anything else changing food trends demand.

We are a G.A.P. (Good Agricultural Practices) certified farm and the first in Massachusetts to receive that recognition by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Although we are not a fully certified organic farm, currently we follow organic practices such as Integrated Pest Management. We sponsor the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) and South East Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership (SEMAP) as well as participate in the UMASS Extension service.

OUR COMMITMENT The Wainer Family Farm is committed to using sustainable growing practices and partnerships with family farms of all sizes to grow varietal produce that

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meets the standards of the finest chefs in America. we experiment with crops on our own farm, then share seeds, techniques, and technology with those farms that meet our food safety standards. A well planned varietal crop, based on topography and climate, enables farms throughout the country to thrive.

SUSTAINABILITY Sid Wainer & Son is committed to being a green, sustainable company by doing everything in our power to protect the environment and support the community in which we operate.

On our 50 acre farm, we evaluate the plants based on variety and yield and once a crop is deemed successful, then pass the information onto other local farmers in our region to grow for us. We educate farmers locally to grow high value crops that will give them the best return for their efforts per acre. We help them to source seeds and choose crops that will bring them the optimal return for their investment and their hard work. This is a true preservation of open space and sustainability.

With the purchase of hundreds of trailers of produce from local farms, we reduce our carbon footprint – a program which continues to grow over several generations.

The successful conversion of a brownfield to the first inner city working agricultural farm in the Northeast allows us to grow highly perishable products that would otherwise have to be flown in from California. By growing the products locally, shelf-life was extended, local economy supported, and carbon footprint decreased.

LOCAL PRODUCE PARTNERS For four generations spanning over 100 years, the Wainer family has supported the community and maintained relationships with local farmers.

The knowledge and experience we gain is shared with the other farms in our community. By improving education and cultivation throughout the area we ensure that we are able to source the highest quality, freshest produce.

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CONFREDA GREENHOUSES AND FARMS

Founded by John and Anna Confreda, the Confreda family began farming in 1922. Following were John and Anna’s sons, Vincent P. Confreda and the late John V. Confreda. Vincent is still actively working now side-by-side with his son, third-generation farmer, Vincent J. Confreda, who now oversees and manages the business. The fourth generation is up and coming as the farm expands into the 21st Century with Vincent J. Confreda, Jr., Corey Confreda, and Jonathan Confreda. The farm is growing rapidly as the family expands.

The Confredas farm just over 400 acres of land, most of which is in Cranston, Rhode Island; the balance of which is located in Scituate and Warwick, Rhode Island. The primary crops grown at Confreda Farms & Produce are summer and zucchini squash, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, and pumpkins. The “top” Confreda crop is corn, which is picked and delivered within hours of harvesting.

They also grow field corn, which is cut for cornstalks, and Indian corn, used for decorations.

Having also created a bedding plant division in the 1970s, Confreda Greenhouses & Farms now grows over 160 varieties of annuals, 90 varieties of vegetables, 75 varieties of hanging plants, and over 90 varieties of four-and-a half-inch potted plants. This division services garden centers from all over Rhode Island, as far north as the New Hampshire border, and as far east as the tip of Cape Cod. Food safety is considered a high priority at the farm. Confreda Farms & Produce is GAP Certified – which is the acronym for Good Agricultural Practices, and also utilizes and follows the Integrated Pest Management system, known as the IPM method.

The Confredas have worked to make their farm a part of the community by hosting educational programs for pre-school and elementary school students, so children can gain a greater understanding of where their food comes from. Its role in initiating and supporting the Farm to School Program in Rhode Island has been essential to helping ensure that local kids can access to local produce and healthy foods in their school lunches. This program has expanded into local universities, institutions, and restaurants promoting fresh produce from the farm to the table.

SWAZ POTATO FARMS

Szawlowski Potato Farms was started by a Polish immigrant, John R. Szawlowski, in 1910. The farm has weathered changing economies, new lifestyles, and even the seizure of the original farm for an industrial park. The largest potato grower in Massachusetts, it is now headed by John’s four grandsons.

The corporation grows Round White, Red, Red Russet and Yukin Gold potatoes on 2,500 acres of land in Hatfield, Northampton, and Whately.

ARAUJO FARMS

It all began in 1927, when Manuel and his wife Rita, opened M. Araujo & Sons Dairy and Produce.

In 1949, his sons Manuel and Caesar took over Araujo Bros. Produce. The brothers concentrated on growing produce, bedding plants, and geraniums. Manuel Jr. retired in 1978, and Caesar and his son

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Ken continued raising plants and vegetables. In 1981, Caesar retired and Ken chose to continue on the family legacy.

In 1984, Ken and his wife Darlene opened up the retail stand called Araujo’s Cabbage Patch where they sold fresh vegetables, fruits, and plants. Customers came from miles away for the fresh produce and quality plants. In 1990, Ken and Darlene relocated to the current site to expand the garden center. Customers are still coming from miles away to experience the lifelong commitment Ken and Darlene have made to grow and sell quality products.

In 2001, Ken and Darlene’s daughter, LeeAnne, joined the business, and has become the fourth generation to continue the legacy. Gardening has become a generational hobby for them and they hope for their customers as well.

The Aruajos are growers of quality summer squash, zucchini, peppers, and butternut corn. In the fall they pride themselves on their mums, pumpkins, and butternut squashes. They are always growing and changing to meet the needs of their customers and to keep gardening a part of everyday life.

BACKYARD FARMS

At Backyard Farms they’re focused on being really, really good tomato growers. It’s their goal to provide the Northeast with the freshest, best-tasting tomatoes possible—year-round. That’s why they leave their tomatoes on the vine as long as possible. And it’s why they are so passionate about their produce. At the same time, they’re focused on providing good agricultural jobs for people in the community. They wouldn’t have the tastiest tomatoes in the region without their people. They show their appreciation by giving back to their community and continuing to invest in their business so that they can be the best growers possible.

Today, Backyard Farms delivers a better, fresher tomato to the Northeast all year long. Even during the long New England winter. They’ve introduced a new way of doing business to the tomato industry.

One where freshness and quality of the tomatoes comes first. And that’s the way it should be.

They think people should know where their food comes from and who’s growing it. They built their business on this belief, and never compromise it. They believe in and support local produce— particularly the desire of people to have a higher-quality, fresher, better-tasting tomato. Quality comes first. Quantity second.

Backyard Farms tomatoes spend their days ripening, not traveling. And that makes for some tasty tomatoes. Want a versatile tomato? Their multitalented Tomatoes on the Vine taste great any way you slice ‘em. Looking for a smaller tomato packed with big flavor? Their Cocktail variety is the one for you. Or enjoy both and see what each brings to your table.

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PIONEER VALLEY GROWERS ASSOCIATION

The Pioneer Valley Growers Association is a cooperative of farmers located in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts. The PVGA sells produce grown by local farmers within Massachusetts and throughout New England. Started in 1978 by eight growers, the PVGA began its first marketing season in 1981. The PVGA is currently managed by a board of directors, who are elected by the members of the co-op.

The mission of the PVGA is to provide consumers with the freshest, highest quality locally grown produce. The farmland in the Pioneer Valley has some of the richest soil in the world. This, combined with state of the art cooling technology, allows their farmers to produce the finest looking and best tasting vegetables around. Throughout the year, the PVGA offers a wide variety of produce including apples, cabbages, squash, kale, berries, and much more!

JONATHAN’S ORGANIC

Jonathan’s Sprouts, Inc. is New England’s pioneer sprout company and only full line sprout company.

A family business owned and operated by Barbara and Bob Sanderson, it is the oldest and the best,with an unsurpassed reputation for quality, service, and dependability. Since March 17, 1976 they have built their reputation through continued personal contact with their customers, standing steadfastly behind their quality products and offering support and education.

Whenever possible, they grow the sprouts from organically grown seeds. When the supply of organic seeds is inadequate for their needs, they offer customers a choice of organic or conventional sprouts.

The only difference between the two is the seeds. At Jonathan’s, all of their sprouts are grown in pure drinking water from their four deep wells.

WILSON FARM

Founded by Irish immigrants, Wilson Farm has been in operation at its present location since 1884.

James Alexander Wilson, W.M. Wilson, and brother-in-law George Reynolds came to Lexington from Enniskillen, Ireland. Here they were able to buy 16 acres of land and rent some of the surrounding fields for farming. James A. Wilson was the salesman, and the other partners worked the farm, growing vegetable crops and plants. Included among them were: cabbage, white turnip, celery, carrots, and beets.

Move forward two decades, as Scott Wilson purcgased an 8,500 square foot barn was built of recycled lumber with only four joints containing metal, everything is pegged together.In 2000, the barn was joined by a state-of-the-art 37,000 square foot greenhouse; now a favorite touring site for local and national growing associations.

Today the farm has expanded from 16 acres to 33 acres in Lexington; and to an additional 500 acres in Litchfield, New Hampshire. They grow a wide variety of produce including avocados, beets, carrots, celery, cucumbers, endive, French beans, horseradish root, tomatoes, and more! This year they celebrate their 132nd Anniversary.

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LOOKOUT FARMS

Three centuries before Steve and Joan Belkin of Weston, Massachusetts purchased Lookout Farm in 2005, Natick was just a small settlement west of Boston. In 1650, Minister John Eliot (whose name now graces the town’s Eliot School and the Eliot Church) and a group of settlers paddled down the Charles River in canoes and made their home by the fertile shores of the river. This group later established the farm.

Over the years, Lookout Farm has become one of the oldest working farms in the country, and an important part of the history of South Natick. Originally, the land yielded beans, turnips, strawberries, and grapes. Eliot and his community were friendly with the Native Americans who inhabited the area, which was known to them as “the place of the hills. ”Today, this “place” is Lookout Farm.

Belkin Family Lookout Farm is dedicated to being the #1 healthy, outdoor, family fun destination in the Boston and Metrowest Area. They embrace a philosophy surrounding healthy nutrition and respect for the environment. Belkin Family Lookout Farm is committed to the preservation of their exquisite farmland and they look to share the virtues of all their products through solid corporate sponsorships, community education, and philanthropy.

Lookout Farm grows strawberries, peaches, nectarines, plums, Asian pears, pumpkins, and a wide variety of apples.

WARD’S BERRY FARM

With a keen eye towards land stewardship, Ward’s Berry Farm manages 175 acres of vegetables and small fruit. They select their varieties for flavor and pride themselves in supplying the people of Sharon (as well as some of the great restaurants in the area) with corn picked that same day and delicious field ripened tomatoes, including their famous heirlooms! Strawberry season lasts just a few weeks, but the incredibly sweet and juicy fruits are memorable all year long. Most people have never tasted a peach ripened on the tree, and they aim to share this delight with as many of their neighbors as possible.

Their marketing philosophy is simple: keep the chain of distribution short and fast. As they work on production, they also work towards building the health of the soil and increasing its organic matter.

Diversity and sustainability are of prime importance. They grow 18 acres of certified organic crops, and their other 160 acres are farmed using Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The goal of IPM is to manage pest damage economically while protecting people, property, and the environment. All available pest control methods, including the judicious use of pesticides, are considered; choices are based on extensive data about the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment.

Organic farming employs many of these same methods, but prohibits the use of synthetic chemicals.

They are proud to be a genuine, productive farm, sustainably feeding the people of their area real food picked at the peak of ripeness, while nurturing the soil and making Ward’s Berry Farm a healthy place for their family and yours

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STEERE ORCHARD

Steere Orchard is a fourth generation family orchard that started around 1930 by Arthur W. Steere and his son, Henry J. Steere. Today Jim Steere, grandson of the orchards founder, continues the tradition with his son. Steere Orchard is the largest orchard in Rhode Island.

The Orchard features “Pick Your Own” Apples, and produces about one dozen varieties, including macoun, cortland, red and golden delicious, macintosh, and RI Greening. Also available in their stand are their own peaches in early Sept, pumpkins, gourds, squash, Indian corn, jams and jellies, apple butter, apple cider, and locally produced honey.

FARMING TURTLES

Around the premises of her 22-acre farm, Lauri Roberts is known as Chief Turtle – a title that reflects the sense of fun that she brings to her work at Farming Turtles in Exeter, Rhode Island. Farming Turtles, a top grower of fancy micro and baby greens in the northeast, is much loved by restaurant chefs who prize the flavor and freshness of her tiny produce. What sets Lauri apart? Her commitment to quality, and the fact that she offers her micros and baby greens still growing in soil, so chefs can literally harvest and serve them immediately.

Raised in Scarsdale, New York, Lauri graduated from Brown University with a degree in environmental studies. She got her start in the produce business growing sprouts, wheatgrass, and baby greens at Chicago’s Indoor Garden, an urban farm in the middle of the city. She quickly built her reputation for quality organic greens, and started selling to top restaurants including Charlie Trotter’s, as well as high-end supermarkets including Whole Foods.

She started Farming Turtles in 2006 in a warehouse in an industrial park in Warwick. She grows baby greens and microgreens for high-end restaurants and distributors. “When micros first hit the scene in the mid 90’s, I immediately knew they were going to be a big thing,” she recalls. “They’re gorgeous, they’re full of flavor, and they grow quickly.” She moved the rapidly growing business to Exeter, Rhode Island in 2008, where she purchased her farm and put up a state-of-the-art greenhouse.

The business has continued to expand and develop new products, including mushrooms and baby lettuces. But Lauri reserves a special enthusiasm for the microgreens. For her, expressing her passion in business is what it’s all about – and Farming Turtles is a dream come true

YOUNG FAMILY FARM

Farming over 200 acres since 1997, Young Family Farm grows the freshest fruits, flowers, and veggies in picturesque Little Compton, RI. Tyler and Karla Young started with a strawberry crop sold on a picnic table on their front lawn. As locals and summer visitors soon discovered their farm fresh berries, Tyler began growing a variety of vegetables for their customers. What started as a small wholesale potato business soon grew into a diversified wholesale and retail business with the help of their three daughters. The lawn became too small for their fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers and their retail farm stand opened in fall 2006, just in time for their first apple crop!

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Now their products can be found at grocery stores throughout New England and at their retail stand, located at 260 West Main Road in Little Compton.

From planting to picking, Young Family Farm is in operation from March through November. The retail stand door opens the beginning of May until Thanksgiving. During these months, customers enjoy farm fresh annuals, perennials, fruits, and vegetables.

4 TOWN FARM

This family owned farm is located in Seekonk, MA, a few miles east of Providence, RI. They open their season mid-April with a large selection of perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, and mixed containers.

The farm stand is open through the holidays, selling fresh cut trees and wreaths.

4 Town Farms grow most types of small fruits and vegetables that are acclimated to this climate. They are especially known for their asparagus, strawberries, sweet corn, melons, and fall crops, and also offer “pick your own� which includes strawberries, fava beans, English peas, raspberries, pumpkins, and cut flowers.

They welcome you to visit and enjoy a genuine farm experience with your family.

WYSOCKI FARMS

Established in 1930 by Joseph Wysocki, the farm consists of 60 acres in Amherst, MA, with an additional 55 acres that are rented from nearby land owners. It is currently owned by Paul and Patrick Wysocki, who are the 3rd and 4th generations on the farm. Crops consist of yellow and green squash, bell peppers, napa cabbage, green cabbage, beets, and cauliflower during the summer months. Fall crops are beets, cauliflower, cabbage, parsnips, and turnips.

QUANSETT NURSERIES Spread over fifteen acres, Quansett Nurseries produce a large variety of annuals, herbs, perennials, ornamental grasses, groundcovers and vegetables. They specialize in herbaceous plant material, which includes annuals, ground covers, herbs, grasses, perennials, and vegetables. Quansett Nurseries provides New England customers with great, personal service and top quality. Many of the plants are propagated at the nursery where they are always searching for new varieties that have ornamental and environmental appeal. They believe in a flexible approach to the market place and constantly experiment, not only with new varieties, but also with new methods of packaging and presentation.

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LETTER FROM HENRY WAINER When our company started there was no such thing as, what we call today, specialty produce. We picked up carrots, potatoes, and onions and delivered them off the back of a truck. Today, thousands of farms throughout the world are growing varieties of product which we never even imagined existed in my grandfather’s day.

Our partnership with the farms is the single most important aspect of Sid Wainer & Son®. With the farmer, we decide what we want grown, and we ensure that the farmer has a ready marketplace for his harvest. The farmer gets stronger and so do we. More and more farmers today are showing us their willingness and ability to partner with us and secure our futures together. It also allows us to grow produce which would otherwise never be available locally.

We have been thrust into a world that demands food safety and we make it our responsibility to not only practice HACCP procedures, but to make ourselves available to teach food safety. Sid Wainer & Son is the first HACCP certified produce company in America to obtain this certification. We are subject to surprise inspections by both the Department of Commerce and the FDA. We are also ISO certified.

Often people ask, “Where are you going to be in the next five years?” My response hasn’t wavered in the last 30 years, “more of the same, as well as I can do it”. All of my life I have been a produce guy. All of my life I have had a dream and a mission to bring the finest agriculture to the best chefs.

It started in the 60’s when someone asked me to get them large artichokes. It wasn’t something a supermarket would carry. My suppliers at the time couldn’t be bothered, so I flew to California

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and got them myself. I met the pioneers of the farming industry back then. I fell in love with what they grew. I brought it to the east coast. I created demand for it. I created recipes and trained the students who are now in the kitchens. Over the last 30 I years have talked to farms in the northeast that are now growing what we previously imported from other regions. I could then offer my customers the freshest, highest yielding local produce available in the marketplace, next day, first pick from the fields, and now from the Wainer Family Farms. Farming isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.

The Wainer Family Farm in Dartmouth, Massachusetts is the site of continual education of sustainable agriculture and organics. The newly built farmhouse features a wonderful kitchen where chefs from around the world can sample the farm’s products and discover and create recipes throughout the seasons.

In addition, we have created inner city farming on recently acquired acreage adjacent to our facility. It has lead the way for inner city farming throughout the country.

Every time I have had a visit from anyone throughout the culinary industry, my company has become stronger and more committed than ever. I look forward to joining you in striving towards this massive achievement.

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