Meet Regina Gentile, one of our favorite Local Organic farmers. She has been farming since she was around five years old. Learning quickly from her grandmother, who was known throughout Italy for her incredible eggplant, string beans, and not to mention her San Marzano tomatoes.
Regina’s Grandfather wanted to start a business in America so he sold the farm in Italy and lead his family to Freehold, NJ. It was there that Regina would be called on as a child to help her grandmother in the garden- learning early on that Organic is best not only for the crops, but also the environment, and the consumer.
Fast forward to 1999, when Regina’s husband was looking for some property for his dog training business. Regina kept quiet but knew the property they chose in Howell, NJ would one day become her prized Organic farm.
She began with one small field growing veggies for friends and neighbors. This is when she felt all of her grandmother’s lessons come back to her. She began saving for a greenhouse to expand her growing capabilities.
Finally in 2007, Regina became Certified Organic, although her methods have always been organic. As of today, her farm keeps sheep, a miniature donkey, and horse to accompany her potted herbs, potted tomatoes, cucumber, eggplant, sweet pepper plants, zucchini, yellow crookneck squash, assorted hot peppers, potatoes, peas, and arugula.
With a team of all-volunteer workers, she hopes to instill her knowledge onto them to keep the tradition of farming alive.
Make sure to try Regina’s favorite crop, the Yellow Crookneck Squash, which she says is perfectly buttery and creamy. We are proud to be one of Regina’s first customers and we hope to pass along her fantastic produce to our customers supporting LOCAL. HONEST. FOOD.
