Local Producer: Gilbert Farm

It's always a pleasure to talk with Don and Jane Gilbert of Gilbert Farm! You can find them together on Saturdays, working as a delightful team in a way that only people who have been married over 50 years can. They've always got something new to try - the past few weeks have brought baby turnips and scuppernong grapes to the table. Recently, the Gilberts were kind enough to take the time to answer some of my questions:

You both used to have other professions (a teacher and small business owner)-tell us a little about how and when you started Gilbert Farm.

Gilbert Farm really was never officially formed. It just kind of evolved after we sold our hydroponic business back in the late 90's and went into growing for farmers' markets and restaurant direct sales exclusively. However, I had been active in the local farmers' markets since we moved here in 1985.

Some of your produce is hydroponically grown. What is the benefit of growing this way, and how is it different than produce that is greenhouse grown?

Hydroponic growing is done in a greenhouse with strict controls without soil or chemical pesticides, and allows us to grow fresh vine ripened produce during the off season when local field grown produce is not available. Growing this way allows us to feed the plants exactly what they need when they need it to obtain maximum yields and superior taste in the off seasons.

What is your favorite produce to grow?

I like it all. In addition to regular produce, we attempt to grow as many specialty crops as possible that are normally not available in the supermarkets, such as Kohlrabi. My favorites are tomatoes and red raspberries.

You recently switched to the Southport Farmers' Market on Wednesdays. How is business down there?

Business at Southport is about the same as at Poplar Grove except we don't have as much competition as we did at Poplar Grove. The riverfront location is also nice and since I live in Brunswick County I feel some obligation to support Brunswick County business.

Is there anything else you'd like us to know about Gilbert Farm?

It should be noted that in addition to what we grow at our home base Leland operation, we network with two other quality growers in Pender County who do not desire to sell at farmers market. They are Thomas Produce Farm just west of Burgaw on NC53 and St. Helena Nursery in St. Helena just south of Burgaw. They grow a large variety of field grown and hydroponic grown produce. We work together on who plants what and when, and assist in the harvesting, packing, and selling of the products. This is an oncoming trend in the agricultural business, particularly with small growers who are being forced out of business by large growers and cheaper foreign imports.