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Land deal's yield: fresh vegetables

Bern's wasn't maximizing its farm. Sweetwater needed space for crops. Now, they're partners.

By JACKIE RIPLEY
Published February 18, 2005

Sweetwater Organic Farm and Bern's Steak House might not have a lot in common at first glance. But thanks to a new collaboration, they'll soon share a common goal.

That's because Sweetwater has agreed to lend its expertise to Bern's organic farm in a joint effort that should result in more fresh, organic vegetables on Bern's tables and more land for Sweetwater members to cultivate.

"It will enable Sweetwater to expand by about 50 percent and also not push the land so hard," said Rick Martinez, owner of Sweetwater Organic Farm. "As it is we have no room for error."

The late Bern Laxer started Bern's organic farm, on Waters Avenue west of Benjamin Road, several years ago to supply organic vegetables to his restaurant. After his death, however, production at the farm decreased, resulting in fewer vegetables from the farm being served at the restaurant.

Partnering with Sweetwater should remedy that, while allowing Sweetwater to grow.

"We're landlocked and producing as much as we can on our current land," Martinez said. "Finding land close by is such a great opportunity for us to be able to expand production and memberships."

Sweetwater Organic Farm is a nonprofit organization with about 100 members. It encompasses 6 acres of suburban property along Sweetwater Creek in Town 'N Country, although only 2 can be used for crops.

Some Sweetwater members help grow their own organic vegetables. Others simply enjoy a supply of fresh produce they say is free of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

"We have a lot of help on a little land," Martinez said. "They have 8 acres, all for farming."

Sweetwater, which was awarded a grant for developing a curriculum to teach teachers how to farm, also will use the Bern's farm for educational field trips.

"I'm excited about it because I get so many calls for field trips and it's difficult not having a permanent contact so we can bring them out," said Heather Sherer-Berkoff, spokeswoman for Bern's. "This is really a nice partnership for us."

Martinez said he hopes to plant his first crop at the Bern's farm this spring.

"We hope it will grow into an expanding enterprise for everyone," he said.

[Last modified February 17, 2005, 10:50:08]