Photo supplied.
Jamie Ferguson and family is one of the new vendors for this year’s Millbrook Farmers’ Market that opens April 22nd.
With a background in grain crops, Jamie Ferguson transitioned his farming business into vegetables four years ago, and the Ferguson family is now firmly ensconced in the market gardening. They have also taken over the seasonally operated Garden Hill Market which has been operating for more than 40 years.
The Fergusons have recently added 50 acres to the 85 acre property where they grow a variety of vegetables including potatoes, asparagus, onions, tomatoes, squash, and pumpkins. They also carry local products and seasonal decor at their location in Garden at the corner of Mill St. and Ganaraska Rd.
Jamie made the transition from working in the trade to full-time farming eight years ago and has never looked back. He enjoys living and working in an agricultural setting which allows him a close proximity to his young family.
During the growing season they rely on the help of seven local staff. With the newly acquired land, they are establishing a “u-pick” strawberry operation as the neighbouring strawberry operator is planning his retirement. With plants in the ground this year, they hope to be up and running for the 2019 strawberry season.
With plans to upgrade their cold storage facilities, they hope to expand their wholesale market. Currently they sell their produce at their own location in Garden Hill and at the Port Hope Farmers’ Market, in addition to providing wholesale produce to local grocery stores in Port Hope and Cobourg and to Trinity College School in Port Hope.
This year they look forward to bringing their fresh produce to the Millbrook Farmers’ Market. At the April opening market they will bring radishes, green onions, lettuce, and kale from their greenhouse, as well as some of their stored vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, onions, and rutabaga. Welcome to Millbrook! KG
