Edible Voices
Editor’s note: The COVID-19 crisis has hit us all; we have been heartbroken, uplifted, unmoored. To help document the moment, Edible Jersey is sharing a few stories from our community.
EDIBLE VOICES
Built By Farmers
During an unprecedented moment, B&B Farms sells to its next generation
Editor’s Note: The COVID-19 crisis has hit us all; we have been heartbroken, uplifted, unmoored. To help document the moment, Edible Jersey is sharing stories from our community.
We did it. In the heart of the pandemic, we bought B&B Farms.
Due to social distancing, we closed the deal at separate appointments on April 15th and wore masks and gloves. Still, somehow the significance of the moment was not lost.
The day had been years in the making. After business planning, exploring all options, negotiating, stress and doubts, Ryan and I came to terms several months ago to purchase the farm from his aunt and uncle, lifelong farmers Art and Carolyn Brown. At times, it was not clear if retiring and passing on the farm was the right decision. It’s a family, it’s a business, it has personalities, and a history. And it is complicated. In my heart I am conflicted that the Browns are moving off the farm to make room for us, yet I’m forever grateful to continue to grow the farm that I love.
Art Brown was New Jersey’s Secretary of Agriculture for 20 years; his contributions to the industry are widespread and include establishing the Jersey Fresh marketing program, which has been modeled across the county, and the Farmland Preservation program, which allows farmland to remain farmland in perpetuity and keeps farmers on their land. Being the farmer that he is, Art would do anything to help another farmer, including selling his farm to a next-generation farmer like me. I have farmed with Art for 10 years; retired or not, his help and advice will continue to shape the farm’s progress. B&B Farms was built by farmers, and it will continue to be owned and operated as such, by the next generation of farmers.
At times, it was not clear if retiring and passing on the farm was the right decision. It’s a family, it’s a business, it has personalities, and a history.
Ryan and I did not start off as farmers. I grew up in Trenton. I have a degree in marine science from Stockton University. After 10 years of hauling nets and sorting fish, seasickness and contemplating graduate school, I got involved in agriculture. After a two-year apprenticeship at Fernbrook Farms CSA, I wanted my own operation. I approached my husband’s aunt and uncle, Art and Carolyn Brown, and leased a few acres of land and equipment from them. Over time, I made my way from about 2 acres and a handful of customers to now owning B&B Farms, which is 20 acres, and leasing another 30 acres from surrounding farms. I grow 50 different crops and 150 varieties for an expanding CSA, on-farm retail market and on-farm events, and operate pick-your-own operations. My husband, Ryan, is a generation removed from agriculture; his own family’s farm was sold when he was too young to remember. Ryan grew up in Egg Harbor City. He has a degree in visual arts and has worked as a graphic designer for 20 years in the casino industry and owns Creative Solutions Graphics.
Buying and selling in this current climate is not business as usual. Virtual hugs and handshakes to everyone who helped us manage and navigate the farm sale amid Covid-19. From family and friends to other farmers, the lawyers, Farm Service Agency, and local business partners, all of us are adaptive and resilient. There is hope, and we will have much to celebrate together.
Times are uncertain; it is an unprecedented time to live in and to buy a farm in. This has been an emotional journey, especially during a global pandemic. The silver lining is we are still farming. We are planting and growing healthy, quality food for our community. We value your business and are proud to be “essential” and put food on your table. Local support for our CSA bought this farm! We are focused on the future and ready for whatever comes next.
B&B Farms
250 South Mannheim Ave., Egg Harbor City
609.338.8690
bbfarmsnj.com
Jennifer and Ryan Lamonaca, the new owners of B&B Farms.
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