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Thank God for farmers like Neil Pomeroy.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, farmers and ranchers are the backbone of America, working from sunup to sundown, taking care of the land and livestock and providing food for their fellow citizens and the rest of the world.
“Farming isn’t just a job for me. It’s a way of life deeply rooted in my family’s history. The connection to the land, the rhythm of the seasons, and the pride in providing our community with healthy, organic produce are incredibly rewarding. It’s a legacy I’m honored to continue,” Pomeroy said.
Pomeroy’s Vegetable Farm is celebrating their 75th anniversary growing organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers for the community from three-and-a-half acres of land located on Hampden Road in East Longmeadow.
They cultivate a wide array of seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers such as lettuce, spinach, beets, all kinds of greens, summer squash, zucchini, kale, leek, green and wax beans, cucumbers, early tomatoes, basil, eggplant and many other healthy foods you often find at a local roadside stand. There are also flowers in the summer such as zinnias, asters, and beautiful sunflowers that Pomeroy uses to create bouquets for sale.
“The exact selection varies throughout the year, reflecting the natural growing cycles. We are still supplying 100% all-natural produce for our locality as did my parents and grandparents from the very beginning,” Pomeroy said.
The property was purchased by his grandmother on Jan. 1, 1950, after selling her farm on South Street in Agawam. She began to farm and sold strawberries, asparagus, and rhubarb at Pomeroys from a table set up roadside. Pomeroy’s parents moved here in 1955 where his father raised chickens, grew vegetables, and ran a Christmas tree farm until 1975. As a young farmer, Pomeroy worked beside his father while he ran the roadside stand and participated in farmers markets in the surrounding towns. When Pomeroy’s parents grew elderly, he purchased the farm from them in 1998 after his mother’s wishes to “keep it in the family.”
“Growing up on the farm instilled in me a profound respect for nature, the value of hard work, and the satisfaction of contributing something meaningful. These lessons, passed down through generations, continue to guide our farming practices today,” Pomeroy said.
The front page of their website proudly boasts in large letters: “Beyond Organic! 100% naturally grown vegetables.”
“Our commitment to organic farming is fundamental to our values. We believe in nourishing the soil, which in turn yields superior flavor and nutrition in our produce. It’s healthier for our customers, better for the environment, and reflects our commitment to sustainable agriculture. We don’t use pesticides or chemicals. It isn’t just about health, it’s about responsible stewardship of the land,” Pomeroy said.
He noted their belief in pesticide-free, organic produce, offering significant benefits beyond just taste.
“It contributes to a healthier environment and promotes human well-being. Our methods enhance biodiversity and minimize our ecological footprint. It’s about nurturing a balanced ecosystem that is beneficial for both people and nature,” Pomeroy said.
Although they no longer sell at farmers markets, their roadside stand — which Pomeroy built with his father — operates approximately eight months a year for loyal customers, and the farm also provides some fresh vegetables for area restaurants.
At the age of 70, Pomeroy sees a time when his farming days will be over, but not just yet. His son and daughter both have full-time jobs, but when not working, help on the farm as much as they can, participating in planting and harvesting to marketing and sales. But full-time farming is not in their future.
“We also have a handful of wonderful volunteers who work in exchange for fresh produce from the farm. This collaborative effort ensures we maintain our high standards of quality and care,” Pomeroy said.
He continued, “My mission is to continue to provide 100% natural vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers free of herbicides, pesticides, and GMOs. We are committed to educating people of all ages of the benefits of farming and how beneficial it is nutritionally for both body and soul,” Pomeroy said.
The farmstand typically opens in early spring and closes in late fall. Specific dates are usually posted on their Facebook page by early March and announced through various local channels and social media.
“Mother nature is generally in charge of when we open and close the farmstand,” Pomeroy said.
THE FARMSTAND IS OPEN WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 9 A.M. TO 3 P.M.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT POMEROYSVEGETABLEFARM.WORDPRESS.COM AND THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE, OR CALL 413-627-2718.
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