Farmer Profiles

"Brett Grohsgal & Christine Bergmark"
Even Star Organinc Farm, Lexington Park, MD

"When growing for the high-quality niche, choose superior varieties and then grow to maximize flavor, not yield."

Allesandra Grohsgal samples some watermelon from her parents Even Star Organic Farm.

The Farming Operation:   Brett and Christine grow organically certified fruits, vegetables, flowers and poultry on a 104-acre farm in St. Mary's County, Maryland. Crops include heirloom tomatoes, okra, watermelons, winter greens, herbs, winter squashes, strawberrries, mushrooms, cut flowers, eggs and poultry. As certified organic farmers, Brett and Christine consider cover crops, crop rotations, tillage, mowing, black plastic and manual labor to be important components of production.

Marketing:   Brett and Christine sell their farm products to high-quality niche markets, including: 8 - 10 gourmet restaurants; five grocery stores; and one farmer's market. They don't sell much in St. Mary's County since they target the affluent suburbs of the Washington DC metropolitan area. To focus on their market, they conjure up images of their customers - appearance, lifestyle, family size and values. Are customers likely to want a huge tub of tomatoes for cooking into a rich pasta sauce, or would they prefer to buy a small unit that has just enough to eat without spoiling? These images help to determine product packaging and size.

Information Sources:   Brett and Christine both have advanced degrees from North Carolina State University in the agricultural and environmental sciences, and this education has helped them to manage their soils and crops well. They feel farmer field days are great ways to see what other farmers do and advise. Their most vital agriculture book is Managing Cover Crops Profitably, published by the Sustainable Agriculture Network.

Words to Live By:   "To maximize soil tilth, use cover crops every time there's not a money crop already there, and do not over-till or over-cultivate your soils. Manage your crops for production of superior seed, save this seed, and avoid the much-hyped but often inferior hybrid varieties."

Sources of Pride:   Christine says, "We started this farm with the philosophy that we wanted to provide healthy, great tasting food that is affordable by all. While we don't believe in low-balling (prices), we believe everyone should be able to eat well. As we have diversified the farm over the years, we have tried to stay true to that guiding philosophy." Brett is proud to grow some of the best produce that is commercially available anywhere.

Contact:   Brett Grohsgal & Christine Bergmark, 48322 Far Cry Rd., Lexington Park, MD 21631; phone 301-866-1412; email evenstarfarm@starpower.net

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