Hug a Farmer

For my Theory of Food II class we had to talk to a local farmer.  Since my dad works at the Ontario Food Terminal, I was able to speak to Rosario Riga owner of Riga Farms.

My Dad and Rosario Riga

Riga Farms' Mission Statement

"Riga Farms is focused on growing and distributing vegetables and herbs with an emphasis on quality and freshness.  We are committed to providing Ontario with fresh and affordable produce."

History of Riga Farms

Riga Farms

Rosario Riga, owner, was born in Crotone, Italy.  Growing up in Italy, Rosario worked with his father at different fruit and vegetable markets.  Rosario moved to Canada in 1971, where he accepted a job with his father-in-law Peter Ferragine at a vegetable farm. While working at Peter Ferragine and Sons, Rosario learned about vegetable production and the challenges associated with farming in Canada.  In the late 1980's, Rosario took a job as a produce manager at a local grocer.  In 1994, Rosario, his wife and three sons, returned to farming on their ten acre farm in the Bradford Marsh.  At that time the company name was Rosario Riga and Sons.  In 2010, they changed the name to "Riga Farms Ltd." and they now grow over 300 acres of vegetables and various root crops. 

Peter Riga

Rosario and his sons chose farming because it is what they love and have been doing for most of their lives.  Peter Riga said that the most important thing that he learned from being a farmer is diversification.  Riga Farms feels they are responsible for their land and the environment.  They say that a diverse field is good because it allows for crop rotation and it is good for the land because it lets the land put out different nutrients.

Riga Farms Ltd. grows and sells:

Riga Farms Produce

VEGETABLES	HERBS
Red, green, and black kale	Basil
Red and green dandelions	Thyme
Red, green, and rainbow chard	Sage
Red and yellow onions	Chives
Carrots	Italian oregano
Radishes
Beets

crops are picked by hand

The list above is just a few of the vegetables and herbs that Riga Farms Ltd. produce and sell.  All vegetables and herbs are hand picked and quick cooled in the field so that the produce lasts longer.  Riga Farms Ltd. sells their crops to major grocery chains in Ontario, like Loblaws, Sobeys, Metro, Longo's, Highland Farms, Copas and Vince's Market, just to name a few.  Their prices are comparable to other farmers but wholesalers are able to sell the produce at a higher price because of the quality and freshness.

The price of their products as it relates to the pillars of sustainability are justified.  I feel that it is worth the price because of their commitment to freshness and quality.  They hand pick all their crops which limits their carbon footprint.  They believe in diversification which allows for crop rotation and for the land to put out different nutrients.  Riga Farms Ltd. feel responsible for their land and the environment.  Riga Farms is part of the community, they give back to the food banks and helps local charities. 

What I learned from the experience is how hard it is to be a farmer and the commitment and time that is needed to grow a business.  You have to love what you are doing to succeed in it.

References

www.ontario.ca/foodland/page/meet-peter-riga

www.rigafarms.com

www.vincesmarket.ca/vinces-market-visits-fresh-ontario-produce-supplier-riga-farms