Amidst the bustling crowd of Saco’s first farmers market each week, Jhoan Manuel Peña and Josh Girard of Girard Farm tend to their beautiful vegetables and lush green plants with love and care.
After studying engineering and working as an aquaculture extension agent for the Peace Corps, Josh decided to return to his hometown of Lyman and grow food for the community. He began as an apprentice and worked at local farms before starting his own farm in 2015 on a piece of rented land.
Josh has made it his mission to provide fresh and delicious vegetables directory to their neighbors through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA Shares), farm stands and local farmers markets.
Girard Farms specializes in producing high-quality, organic fruits and vegetables and follows techniques of organic farming which respects natural processes.
Their wide variety of fresh, seasonal produce is grown on-site and harvested at peak freshness to ensure the most delicious and nutritious offerings possible.
They offer a CSA program for customers to sign up in the spring and winter, which helps with the cyclical nature of the farm's cash flow and provides them with more funds to start up in the spring.
Josh said the community has been incredibly supportive of their efforts and they are grateful for their continued patronage.
“It is important to note that our farm is organic, as this is a crucial aspect of our mission. We have built a loyal customer base here that continues to support us.”
For Josh, farming is not just a job, but a way of life. He believes that small farms play a vital role in creating a healthier and more resilient food system.
