I Heard It On the Radio

Here’s a story of sustainable food right in your backyard, along with a radio program about organic food.
We here at New Entry know Mrs. Caroline Zuk as the landlord to three of our Cambodian farmers at Saja Farm. Today I had the opportunity to talk to her briefly about the history of the farm and her passion and enthusiasm for sustainable agriculture. While Saja is a third generation farm, it is in its first year of production for the public. They grow their own produce (more traditional American crops) and buy Asian varieties wholesale from Mr. Sorn, Mr. Nil, and Mr. Emchak (graduates of the New Entry program).
Saja began as a dairy farm in 1915, with vegetables grown solely to supplement the family and not for profit. Back then everybody in the community had a source for their produce since most had their own vegetable gardens, so giving away your summer squash or tomatoes was very hard to do. Thus, it never occurred to them to turn their vegetable gardens into a business operation until recently. Whenever they kept trying to share their summer bounty with friends, they were told they should sell their sustainably-raised vegetables to the public. After much prodding, they decided to make the leap. They’ve had a remarkable response, and now they are trying as hard as they can to keep up with the demand-selling at two farmers’ markets, wholesale, and to restaurants. They are thrilled that their produce is going straight into the hands and mouths of the consumer.
Mrs. Zuk learned from a young age the importance of sustainable agriculture, and keeping the soil as healthy as possible. She recalls her grandmother always having a broom nearby to chase away those who attempted to get them to try some new quick fix for the soil. Even her aunt maintained the integrity of organic farming before it was trendy to do so. Mrs. Zuk emphasizes the importance of sustainablity in their family and their understanding that everything comes full cycle. Three generations of organic farming has maintained a rich and healthy soil, and the family is proud to offer produce that is good for the earth and the people.
If you have questions about organic farming, or love to talk and hear about it, Mrs. Zuk started a 13 week radio program on the local station (WCAP 980). It is on each Monday from 4:30 to 5:00 pm and you can listen live on the WCAP website. Last Monday, she talked all about tomatoes, how to handle them at home and recipe ideas. Next week, she plans to talk about Farmers’ Market etiquette–for the farmer and for the consumer. She will share what goes on behind the scenes before the market and the preparation involved. In the future, she hopes to be able to take questions on air.
If you have more questions, she is more than happy to answer them or talk to you more about organic farming. Beware, her energy and passion is contagious!
For more information:
www.sajafarm.com
978-454-SAJA
403 Parker Rd (Farmstand)
Dracut, MA 01826