Purdue student farm marks record season

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) – Purdue University’s student farm is now selling its produce to the public. The university says this is the first year the farm is operating at full capacity, making this season the farm’s most productive to date.

The farm grows eggplants, peppers, potatoes, as well as a variety of herbs, among others.

“Customers can expect a wide variety of seasonal produce,” said Chris Adair, Purdue’s student farm manager. “Right now, we have a lot of tomatoes and onions and even some kale from the spring growing season. Soon, we’ll be planting squashes that can be harvested later in the season. We also have a high tunnel full of ginger, turmeric and lemongrass.”

Adair says the weekly service is modeled after Community Supported Agriculture systems.

“CSAs and similar services have seen their ups and downs in terms of demand, but I do think COVID-19 has made people more conscious about where their food is coming from,” said Adair. “Purchasing directly from your local farmers means you have less of a chance to encounter people, and there is no middleman.”

Purdue says the farm will also continue to supply the dining courts on campus.

The university says visitors can purchase and pick up seasonal vegetables at the West Lafayette farm once a week for $25. Purdue says pickups will begin Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.