A ‘Growing’ Operation
A ‘Growing’ Operation
Ellicottville Greens expands its footprint; purchases Vertical Fresh Farms
Despite Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of a longer winter, warm weather is certainly on the horizon! For many, that means a new season of fresh greens from local producers or even one’s own garden … at last! But what if you knew you didn’t have to wait until summer to enjoy locally grown salads and herbs? What if you could count on local organic, non-GMO greens all year long, even in February?
Thanks to Ellicottville Greens and their home subscriptions, you can receive fresh batches of bibb lettuce, cilantro, arugula and more all year! Founded in 2018, Ellicottville Greens is the largest sustainable vertical farm in western New York. According to co-owner Gabe Bialkowski, the business began with just one shipping container that he and his business partner, Sal LaTorre, outfitted as a hydroponic farm in Ellicottville. Now, Ellicottville Greens operates six shipping containers in western New York, including locations in Clarence and Williamsville behind the Eastern Hills Mall.
Bialkowski is pleased to announce, “We just bought Vertical Fresh Farms, based in Buffalo, too. They’re one of the largest microgreen farms in the area and have been in operation since 2015. Now we’ve taken that over and are operating that as a microgreen facility.”
Currently, the business has several large buyers from the local restaurant industry. Since more and more restaurants have reopened or expanded their hours in recent months, Ellicottville Greens has scaled up production and has grown from a two-man operation to a team of eight including farmhands, a marketing specialist, and operational and financial chiefs.
But unlike many producers that offer their products exclusively to large buyers, Ellicottville Greens offers their full range of crops to local customers who can purchase home subscriptions! What can customers expect? “We have 20 different types of microgreens we offer. Our top crops are bibb lettuce, and for microgreens people love sunflower shoots,” Bialkowski explained. “People also like micro arugula and micro cilantro - both are very popular. Other herbs we grow include Italian basil, lemon basil and dill.”
Bialkowski noted, “Everyone is used to great produce in the summer, but once it gets to be mid-winter, produce often comes from out west or other countries. Transportation causes harm to the produce and the environment. By bringing our farms to certain locations, we’re able to get produce in the hands of people much quicker, more efficiently and in a way that’s better for the environment.”
Customers who live in the Ellicottville, Clarence, East Aurora or Williamsville areas can choose home delivery all year. “Being in the local communities and providing great customer service is really important to us,” said Bialkowski. “Reach out through email or by calling and we’ll walk you through the subscription process. We’ll ask what kind of crops and microgreens you want and any allergies you have. We have some pick-up locations that we can arrange if people live outside our home delivery area. Basically, we’ll work with you to figure out what’s best!”
Why not make Ellicottville Greens your personal farm? Reserve a spot now for weekly or monthly deliveries! For more information, email info@ellicottvillegreens.com or call 716-296-0826. More information is also available online at ellicottvillegreens.com and on Facebook and Instagram.
Biakowski said, “We’re really trying to expand within the community and outside the community. We want to start bringing more farms and products to people, anyway we can do that. We’re always open!”