“This is the first year that organic baby leafy greens are grown on the US East Coast,” says Roger Zlotoff with M&R Farms. Because of the milder climate, baby leafy greens for commercial quantities are only grown in California and Arizona. “We are proving that it is possible to grow them year-round on the East Coast.” In winter, they are grown on 150 acres in Florida and this time of the year, about 20,000 pounds of spring mix are harvested each day at the company’s farm in upstate New York. “Our baby leafy greens are about 3-4 inches tall and are used in organic spring mixes,” mentioned Zlotoff. The company’s leafy green varieties include red romaine, green romaine, spinach, kale, red mustard, mizuna and chard. All varieties are grown in the open field.
Less transportation time
The main benefit of growing organic spring mix greens on the East Coast is that it takes less time to get the product into the stores. “From the West Coast, it takes about four days to truck them to the East Coast and we can do it in less than 1.5 days,” commented Zlotoff. This significant reduction in transportation time results in a fresher product in the store and reduces the amount of waste for the retailer. Additionally, a fresher product provides households with a longer shelf-life. From an environmental perspective, the carbon footprint of this green product is much smaller.
M&R Farms’ organic spring mix comes in bulk as well as retail clam shells. Currently, it is mainly available at upscale, local neighborhood stores in the New York City area. Additionally, the company grows and packs organic spinach, kale and arugula for major markets in the US and Canada.
For more information:
Roger Zlotoff, President
M&R Farms
Tel: 248-594-6812