Explore produce from up-and-coming farms at the Farms for the Future stand in Southold

The Farms for the Future Initiative, Peconic Land Trust’s incubator that leases affordable land for the purposes of cultivating new farm production, has opened a farm stand showcasing what the participants have been working on. 

This new stand not only offers some interesting and quality produce to local passers-by, but also helps the farmers of the program. Located at the Agricultural Center at Charnews Farm in Southold, it showcases the wares of Fire for Effect Farm, Fishtail Farm, Hampton Oyster Company, Heirloom Taste, Priscilla’s Farm, Sweet Woodland Farm and Akio Shoji, all of which have land at the farm. With six different farms, there’s a lot of variety at the stand, from vegetables to flowers. You can pay with cash or Venmo.

“You’ve got to be able to grow it, but you have to be able to sell it,” said Den Heston, who runs the Farms for the Future program. “This is where our incubators are, but we had no retail space…this is sort of a natural next step. Our farmers are enthusiastic about it.”

The farmers have enjoyed the farm stand so far and are happy that the farm stand is raising awareness about Farms for the Future. 

“I think it’s great that we’re growing everything here and selling it right here,” said Helena Ludrowski of Fishtail Farm. “A lot of days when I’m bringing my flowers and produce here, people will stop by and are really curious and positive about what’s going on. A lot of people don’t really know about this place, so I think it’s wonderful and continues to do well.”

“It’s nice to have an outlet here,” added Leslie Howard of Priscilla’s Farm, who also sells at area farmers markets. “It’s pretty fun to come here and find money in the box, or a Venmo click out of nowhere!”

The Farms for the Future Initiative farm stand is located at 3005 Youngs Avenue, Southold. If the flag for the farm stand is out, the stand is open.