York Fresh Food Farms

This interview details York Fresh Food Farms, an indoor farming company based in the United States. The interview is with Bruce Manns, Farm Manager at York Fresh Food Farms.

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What is the origin story of York Fresh Food Farms?

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I had the opportunity to visit several Urban Farms locations in Baltimore, Washington DC, and Philadelphia. I was intrigued by their size and scope as I was currently managing a community garden in York City Pa. While taking a Master Gardener Certification Course at Penn State, I got to share my desire to start one with my future partner who had just retired from a law firm and handled non-profits.

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What are some of the biggest challenges facing York Fresh Food Farms in the future? 

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As our price points are lower than the markets around us in York County, funding is always on the forefront. Opportunities to engage the community in nutrition education and general availability of our produce via our mobile market stops as well as our share (CSA) program.

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What is unique about York Fresh Food Farms compared to competitors? 

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We’re focusing on standard Commercial practice as a means of growing intensively. Our balance of organic/conventional means for most growing is around 70/30 with organic/bio based as the majority of our growing practice. We also are FSMA and ServSafe certified.

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What are some other relevant metrics of the company (growing area size, production quantity, team size, etc.)?

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We have almost 4 acres of field grown vegetables as well as 4 high tunnels in which we grow year round.

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What are some goals in 2024 and beyond for York Fresh Food Farms?

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We are now in process of starting a partnership with UPMC Pinnacle Foundation York with a farm on the hospital grounds. It consists of three 30 x 96’ High Tunnels. The produce grown here will be utilized by the hospital nutritionists in assisting diets for their patients as well as a kiosk located on hospital grounds. Education programming as well as tours will be forthcoming in 2024.

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How can people connect with you or learn more about York Fresh Food Farms?

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Facebook: York Fresh Food Farms

Webpage: yorkfreshfoodfarms.org

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