AGRICULTURE
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For more information,
visit www.ecotonefarm.net
or call 772.713.9276.
however, water and fans keep the air at the
optimum temperature. Because of the expenses,
the Renicks are looking for ways to
increase its effectiveness, perhaps putting
in additional levels.
Ecotone uses natural, organic pesticides
to protect plants. Fencing keeps out
animals in search of a tasty meal. “We don’t
even see rabbits out here,” Tamara says.
EXPANSION AND DIVERSIFICATION
Ecotone grows cherry tomatoes using
soil and drip irrigation and plans to add
squash, okra and cut flowers. Fruit trees and
blueberries are already in the ground. Ornamental
plants comprise a small but expanding
part of the farm. Nasturtiums are edible
flowers with a spicy taste that can be used
as garnishes or to add color to a gift basket.
Sunflowers can be used as decoration, for
seeds, even oil.
A community kitchen using local sources
is part of the bigger vision.
“We want to bring the farming community
together in a cohesive, successful unit,”
Jerry says. “Farming is a struggle. People
put their life savings into it. We help one
another; we help our suppliers.”
Ecotone’s expansion will mean more
employees and opportunities.
“I love to cook,” Tamara says, “and would
love to provide healthy meals and readymade
salads to drop off at retailers. There’s
a community of local suppliers here who
could provide chicken, lamb, beef.”
In the future, Ecotone may offer eco
lodges — a way for visitors to stay and work
on the farm. “You can go to a workshop, but
you learn best by living it,” Tamara says.
The Renicks are pleased to be part of the
growing Florida business that is agritourism,
offering school groups and others a
firsthand look at how food is grown or hosting
events in a unique setting.
SUPPORTING LOCAL FARMS
Local farm-to-table items have tremendous
appeal — obvious by the company’s
growing list of customers along the Treasure
Coast and beyond. Jerry points out
that agriculture has also become a matter
of national security. As food suppliers have
Lettuce is delivered to restaurants and individuals with roots attached, extending its life and freshness.
On opening day for the market last
October, Tamara greeted guests as a
scarecrow. Ecotone Farm is also available
for hosting special events.
JERRY RENICK
left the country, there has been a growing
dependence on foreign land and workers.
A food crisis in the future is not unthinkable
and is one more reason why local
farms are so important.
Today’s farmers have to know more than
seeds and rainfall.
“One reality is climate change,” Jerry
says. “In the last two years, winters have
been warmer. The sun has been hotter.
This impacts what you grow, how you
manage pests, how you deal with it, what
you grow.”
Ecotone Farms has a vision for today
and for the future. So … what’s in your
salad? v
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