Barn Again Farm, now located at the Ketcham Inn Foundation’s Duck Barn at the corner of Bay Avenue and Montauk Highway in East Moriches, is gearing up for their season opening on Friday, April 3.
“We have been blessed to have the privilege of promoting farming to the next generation and raising awareness of the historical contributions of farmers on the East End,” owner and founder Matt Gartelman said of the historical location. “We have had the great honor of speaking directly to members of the family that farmed there for generations, who shared stories and photos of their experiences. It was amazing to hear how farming influenced their lives and we hope to influence the next generation to continue to pursue farming throughout the island.”
The farm stand will feature new products and, of course, familiar favorites like their Greek and local honey, olive oil, hand-poured goat soaps and freshly baked goods.
“We have a great selection of plants to celebrate the Easter season,” added Gartelman.
He said they also plan to continue their collaboration with Jack Dusty LI, featuring their hand-painted items celebrating the natural beauty of Long Island. The stand will also feature finds from Mantis BBQ sauce, Dickles Pickles, The Porch coffee, and Erica’s Jamaican Jerk Seasoning.
“Owning a local coffee-roasting business and Missional community, we were excited to hear about what Matt was doing at the farm in building a faith-based business,” said coffee roaster owner and senior leader of The Porch Missional Community, Jay Urena, impressed by the maturity of Gartelman. “He took me around the property a little while, sharing his testimony, his ideas for how to build real community impact through the farm, and his clear love for Jesus. I got back to the car and told my wife we needed to support what he was building and partner however we could. That started our collaborative relationship, and Barn Again has carried The Porch coffee ever since. I’m very excited to see how Barn Again continues to grow, an even more excited to see how God uses Matt and his vision to impact the community.”
Gartelman’s goal, this year, is to continue growing and improving their organic crops.
“We have learned so much these past few seasons and had both success and some failures as we continue to expand our selection of fresh, local produce,” he said. “The guidance and mentorship of the community of local farmers as well as Bert Seides and the Ketcham Inn foundation has been instrumental to our success, and we are forever grateful.”
According to a member of the Smith family, they are thankful for Gartelman and his efforts to stay in touch and ask about the history.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here