A family owned business for over 30 years, E.F.T. Farms has been busier than ever despite the pandemic.
Located at 5420 10th Sideroad in Innisfil, the farm is run by brothers Emilio and Tony Spina and assisted by their four nephews and nieces.
The farm, named after the first initial of the brothers and their father Frank, sells everything from potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, mixed squashes, and pumpkins, as well as fruits from Niagara-on-the-lake, and has a roadside stand open to the public Tuesday-Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We do a fair amount of our own product, and then whatever we don’t have we bring in,” explains Emilio.
The farm also sells their produce at the farmers' markets in Alliston (every Saturday) and Thorton (every Friday). They are also a vendor at the Woodbridge market run by one of their nephews.
When the pandemic first began, the Spinas decided to launch a box program where customers could pre-order a box of vegetables or fruit and pick it up at the farm for $30.
“We took a lot of risks in the beginning as we were not sure if the boxes would take off," admits Emilio. “But a lot of people are still scared to go into the grocery stores, so if we can provide an alternate option for them, this is great!”
E.F.T. Farms recently completed upgrades to the roadside market for easier access and nicer presentation for clients driving by.
“All our products are non-GMO (not genetically modified), so no sprays/herbicides and all natural-seeds," explains Emilio. “Most products are grown on plastic which allows the weeds to grow on the outside of the plants so there’s no need to spray, the weeds will collect all the bugs."
Spina adds that the farm has not sprayed for potato bugs in six years, something he is very proud of.
“Rotating the crops is key. If you get them in your crop, you’re spraying for at least seven days,” says Emilio.
The farm has good working relationships with other nearby farmers, and this year will be partnering with Stonehouse Farms, selling produce at their farm stand on Saturdays.
“People are looking for fresh products coming directly right from the supplier to their kitchen that won’t spoil after two days,” states Emilio. “And if anyone has any allergies, we will accommodate."
The farm will be hosting its third annual pumpkin harvest festival on Sunday Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. as a way to say ‘thank you’ to all their loyal customers over the years.
“Families can show up and pick their pumpkins and we will have loot bags for the kids," shares Emilio. “We will also have coffee, cookies and pending Covid, a corn roast."
The pumpkin festival will also have other vendors such as Innisfil Creek Honey, and Grandma’s Farm selling homemade jams, jellies, and pickles.
E.F.T. Farms will be continuing to sell their produce boxes year round, focusing on their root vegetables such as potatoes, beets, and cabbages.
“Every year we seem to be growing more and more," comments Emilio about the farm’s produce. “Covid is going to determine what we do moving forward though… It may be nothing, or something big, we don’t know."
To place an order with E.F.T. Farms, visit: www.eftfarms.ca or through their Instagram page @eftfarms
