04-14-2009

Spring tours for chefs and wholesale buyers

Farm toursSpring is here! With storage veggies on their way out and new growth just sprouting, now is actually the low point for the availability of local produce. But it only gets better, with asparagus and cilantro just around the corner. It’s the perfect time for a trip to the farm.

Farm Fresh RI is sponsoring a different tour every week this spring for chefs, schools, grocers and other wholesale buyers. Meet local producers who will be selling on Market Mobile or directly to your business this summer.

Sign up for a tour. Tours are free but space may be limited. RSVP to Jen for you and your staff at least five days prior.

  • April 20: New Harvest Coffee Roasters - Pawtucket
    While the fair-trade organic beans are roasting away, Rik, Gerra and the crew at New Harvest will take us through a French Press Tasting and explain: it’s about the coffee, how it’s grown, roasted and brewed.
  • April 27: Allen Farms - Westport
    Don’t have a green thumb? Debbie Allen will show us around her organic farm while giving us some insight into growing the perfect greens and herbs.
  • May 4: Aquidneck Farms - Portsmouth
    While the pasture-raised cows are grazing in the fields, Mike Victor and Jim Booth will give us a tour of their farm and show us why Aquidneck Farms is a model for protecting working agricultural land through sustainable agriculture and land conservation.
  • May 11: Matunuck Oyster Farm - Matunuck
    Perry will guide us through Potter’s Pond and we’ll explore and discover why Matunuck Oysters have such a wonderful crispy, briny flavor with a slightly sweet finish. We will even get to shuck and eat some fabulous clams and oysters.
  • June 1: Narragansett Creamery - Providence
    Our trip to Stoney Hill Cattle Farm has been rescheduled to the fall. Instead, we will venture to Providence where we will experience first-hand how Louella Hill and the folks at Narragansett Creamery create their award winning Ricotta, Mozzarella and  the other terrific cheeses you have been enjoying this year!
  • June 8: Four Town Farm - Seekonk
    Founded in 1920, Four Town Farm is a 175 acre family owned fruit and vegetable farm located at the points where Seekonk, Swansea, Barrington and East Providence all come together. Chris Clegg represents the fifth generation to run the land.
  • June 14: Blackbird Farm - Smithfield
    Come see Ann Marie and Kevin’s passion for cattlte. They’ll demonstrate breeding and feeding for natural marbled angus beef, plus sample various cuts of beef with wine provided. 1-4pm.
  • June 22: Ledge Ends Produce - East Greenwich
    Founded in 2004, Ledge Ends Produce is a 12 acre farm run by Erik Eacker and Trish Garland located at the historic Briggs Boesch Farm. Ledge Ends grows certified organic vegetables and small fruit.
  • June 29: Hill Farm - Foster
    Farmer Louis Vinagro, a member of the RI Raised Livestock Association, will introduce us to his 14 acre farm located in Foster, founded in 2003. Louis and his wife Maria raise pure bred Devon cattle and pure bred Berkshire hogs. We will end our tour with a good old-fashioned, pig roast.

All tours begin at 10:30am unless otherwise noted and are FREE for chefs and other wholesale buyers. Bring your staff to see and taste why local food is so important for the environment and economy of Rhode Island. Please e-mail Jen to RSVP or to carpool.