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One year in, Backyard Farms is a Growing Success

Backyard Farms shows its community spirit by participating in the Madison-Anson Day Parade

Backyard Farms, one of Madison's business success stories and the largest producer of year-round tomatoes on the east coast, has big plans for its Madison greenhouse facility.

Not shy about the ambitious growth plans, CEO Paul Sellew recently discussed the company's plans to "turn Madison into the produce capital" of the New England area. During an interview with Boston-based WBZ News Radio, station 1030, Sellew answered questions about the modern greenhouse facility. He talked about how they use a hydroponic method that doesn't involve a soil medium and the use of biological insect controls so the plants don't require chemical pesticides.

A veteran of the agriculture business, Sellew has created a business model that is poised for continued growth at a time when more and more consumers are shopping for locally-grown foods that are raised in an environmentally-responsible manner.

As many consumers know, July through early September is prime tomato season in the Northeast, when the fruits come straight from people's gardens to the table, full of summer flavor. Most tomatoes bought during other parts of the year bear no resemblance to the summer, homegrown variety. That is because they are picked while green and allowed to ripen while being shipped from places like Mexico, California, and Holland. When the tomatoes come off the vine before they are ripe, the sugars don't develop and the flavor just isn't the same. Backyard Farms is changing that model for New England consumers.

Governor Baldacci picking tomatoes at Backyard Farms

By picking the tomatoes when ripe and shipping within 24 hours, locally-grown, flavorful tomatoes are available year-round. In addition to improved flavor, consumers can be confident knowing that the tomatoes are grown in a state-of the art, environmentally friendly greenhouse, and don't carry a large carbon footprint that other produce does due to shipping over long distances and agricultural chemical applications.

The company's expansion plans include additional greenhouses to grow more tomatoes, including several special varieties and additional crops like peppers, eggplant, cucumbers and herbs that will bring summer flavor to Maine and New England tables year-round.

Backyard Farms plans on expanding its operation in Madison and increasing the workforce from 100 (approx.) to 400-500 in the coming years. A biothermal energy plant is under consideration, as is a visitor center that will educate people about the greenhouse and benefits of locally-grown produce. Sellew isn't the only one optimistic about the greenhouse's future. Boston-based Fidelity Investments has recently invested heavily in the company. Closer to home, Madison's town manager Norman Dean stated, "We are proud that our town is home to such a successful business and welcome others to come and see how Madison can contribute to the success and growth of its businesses as well."

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