Marshfield Farmers' Market

Visiting Norwell Farms was a learning experience. It is 2 organizations spanning 4 different properties, including Mounce’s Meadow in Marshfield, totaling 12 acres tilled and 3 more planted with cover crops to rejuvenate the soil. Scott Franklin doesn’t own any of the land he farms, so he must work with another farmer plus the historic and conservation commissions in two towns coordinating his efforts keeping everyone happy. The farm dates to the 1700’s. Franklin and his wife, Elise, began cultivation in 2010 and live in the farmhouse situated on the property. Upon arrival I was greeted by the "3 little pigs", and "chicken little". Actually there was a whole henhouse of chickens but since the farm offers a story telling hour each week with information about farming and food for children, fairy tale names fit. The pigs are part of the farm’s educational outreach organization, made possible in part by a grant won this spring from Seeds of Change. This portion of the farm includes a summer camp, school programs, Friday morning story time, and works with community shelters. Franklin described how he came to be a farmer at historic Jacobs Farm in Norwell as “an amazing journey”. Completing his degree in environmental science and plant/soil studies at the University of Vermont he knew he wanted to work outside, but at what he didn’t know. When Franklin and his wife went to live in Brittany, France on a small family farm, his hands-on work at this biodynamic homestead provided that “ah-hah” moment that led him to farming. Next employment on an 80 acre farm on Long Island provided a fast education running a certified organic farm. From there Franklin went to Siena Farms in Sudbury, MA which operates a 750 share CSA. CSA means Community Supported Agriculture; a system where consumers pay early in the season for a set number of weeks of produce. This model allows the farmer to purchase supplies, seeds, and pay his laborers while not worrying about how he will sell his products. Instead he focuses on growing and providing weekly harvest “shares” to the investors. The consumer shares the risk with the farmer, and generally receives better priced produce for shelling out their money and trust in advance. Norwell Farms’ grows 130 CSA shares with a pick-up option at the Marshfield Farmers’ Market. At the Market many refer to Franklin as the happiest farmer ever met; he loves his job and the passion shows in the quality product he brings to market each week. He has joy in his eyes and always a smile as he explains things to customers. When asked what is your favorite vegetable, Franklin responded “to grow, it is all cucurbits (cucumbers, squashes, melons), and to eat it has to be warm, sun-ripened watermelon with salt”. I loved checking out his gardens with strawberries, raspberries, melons and flowers, the hot house with the garlic drying and the many rows of leeks, onions, beets, carrots and sweet potatoes. Franklin showed me his latest “toys” for the tractor which save a farmer tremendous amounts of time. These included wheels which automatically punch through a ground cover, provide water and actually plants the seedlings all in one motion. The wheels come in different sizes depending on the crop to be planted. In addition to farming he loves to cook, so ask for a recipe if you don’t know what to do with a vegetable. Franklin farms year-round for the Marshfield Farmers’ Market, providing fresh and local goods even in New England’s dreary winter months. The farm awaits official certification as an organic grower, and Franklin uses no pesticides or herbicides, only organic seed and amendments. Some of the more interesting things he is growing includes dent corn, for corn flour, sweet potatoes, 6 varieties of onions, fennel and flowers in addition to a winter CSA of greens and regional products like honey, maple syrup and whole wheat flour for which you can now sign up. The Farmers’ Market is open every Friday through October 9th from 2-6 pm offering both organic and conventionally grown produce from 6 local farms. Beginning in November the market moves to a one-monthly status on the third Saturday of each month.