A fourth generation fruit and vegetable farmer, Jamie Cruz, is the owner/grower of Springdell Farm in Littleton, Massachusetts. Jamie served as a panelist for the Boston Food Dialogues.
The family farm also raises hogs, cattle, poultry, sheep and goats. They proudly sell 99% of their products through their farm stand, various CSA programs, local restaurants and farmers markets.
“The increase demand for local food has really helped us. Here where we are it is a make it or break it for some of the local farmers in the area. So we are very fortunate that the family farms in the area are thriving and we are lucky to have that consumer base.”
Farm size was the topic for the days conversation and Chuck asked Jamie what her thoughts were on the issue.
“Our average farm is about 60 acres here. We have some farms farming as small as an acre and producing food off of it. Is the size of farms an issue? I don’t see so myself personally, but I do see how some of the consumers have some confusing information in front of them about farm size outside of Massachusetts.”
Jamie goes on to share that farm size doesn’t matter when talking about food safety, stewardship, animal welfare and the care of employees. She believes that small farms serve their purpose in niche markets and large farms are able to supply the grocery stores.
Listen to Chuck’s complete interview with Jamie here: Interview with Jamie Cruz