Hi Everyone,

I had a great interview on Thursday with farmer, Patty Gentry, from Early Girl Farm in Brookhaven, NY. Patty was a professional chef for 25 years before deciding to leave the kitchen to grow food for fellow chefs. She wanted to bring highly diversified, lovingly raised produce, to hard working chefs, both in New York and on the Island. With no former experience, she jumped in, made mistakes, and learned as she went. Her biggest suggestion to anyone wanting to follow in her shoes is to make a plan, start small and specialize in certain crops. Don’t try to do it all!

Last year, she decided to start a small CSA (community supported agriculture) with only 35 families, and this year she has expanded it to 65 families. It has turned out to be such a blessing, both for her and the families, during the Covid19 pandemic. Since the restaurants are closed and she has a greenhouse full of vegetables, she is able to deliver her early crops directly to the CSA members. She is so appreciative of the community that has rallied around the farm, and they are so thankful to her for the beautiful produce she provides to them.

Patty has a wealth of knowledge and a passion for learning, and is happy to share that knowledge with anyone wanting to grow food. If you missed our interview, you can listen to it here.

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