Bloomfield Farm Growing Strong

by Melissa Eyre and Tanya Srolovitz

Being a small-scale grower brings many challenges, the first of which is finding the right home. Having started market gardens from New Mexico to Quebec, Tanya Srolovitz and Matthew Burke settled themselves in with the launching of Bloomfield Farm, located in the Champlain Valley Cohousing off Greenbush Road, in 2006. “We appreciate living in Vermont, within a dynamic community of growers, graziers and producers,” says Tanya. “We feel fortunate to have access to a thriving network of peers, resources and local markets. Unlike so many other regions, Vermont produces an impressive quality and variety of food, in spite of a limited growing season.”

Tanya and Matthew are now in their third year of growing for wholesale and farmers’ markets. This year they’re launching a subscription membership using the community-supported agriculture model (CSA). “We have the unique opportunity to farm on land that is owned in common by the residents,” says Tanya. “The land is conserved for agriculture through the Vermont Land Trust.”

According to Tanya: “This year we will have a couple of acres in crop production to provide a diversity of vegetables, herbs and flowers. We grow all our crops without any synthetic fertilizers or pesticides and make a priority of improving the soil. We are a small operation and most of the work done is by hand. Our goals include creating an intensively-grown and integrated farm system. We seek to limit off-farm inputs and emphasize technique before technology. Although some days bring frustrations, we grow because we love the work, the learning and the rewards of defining our own vocation.”

The couple’s working partners include a flock of laying hens, a small sheep flock and soon will have some pastured pigs. They have free-range chickens that receive organic grain and sheep that are grass-fed and rotated on pasture. “We integrate the animals into our farm operation to benefit as much as possible from the synergies. It is important for us that our animals have access to fresh pasture and the outdoors.”

At Bloomfield Farm, CSA members will have the opportunity to meet the people, animals and land that provide their food. Members will pick up produce, herbs and flowers once a week from early June to mid-October. Bloomfield Farm will offer several share sizes and payment options. There will be additional products for purchase from other local producers. “Participate in you-pick and optional work days to get your hands dirty and meet other members,” encourages Tanya.

Last fall the couple put up a hoop house to extend the growing season into the early months of winter. From November to February, they will offer their new winter CSA share. Members can expect hardy greens and root crops as well as delicious pork cuts and fresh brown eggs.

“It is extremely rewarding to provide alternatives to the otherwise listless well-traveled foods in most super markets. We are grateful to have access to good farm land, and to contribute to a vital, healthy and vibrant food system here in Vermont. Although winter is hanging on this year, we look forward to this upcoming season,” says Tanya.