Joe Czajkowski is a third generation vegetable farmer, and one of the best-known names in Pioneer Valley agriculture.
In 2014, Joe subleased the East Field at Northampton Community Farm from Slow Tractor Farm, and we are pleased to welcome him back as a direct lessee in 2016, where he will be growing certified organic winter squash. Joe owns and operates Lakeside Organics of Hadley LLC and Joe Czajkowski Farm, with 300 acres in production, approximately 100 of which are certified organic.
Joe is a leader in selling directly to institutions, including public school cafeterias, the University of Massachusetts, and Cooley Dickinson Hospital. Joe sells products grown on his own and other local farms. As this photo gallery of a 2015 UMass Dining Services tour demonstrates, Joe is also an innovator in adding value to his produce by processing peeled and chopped butternut squash and carrot and zucchini sticks. In addition to working with larger institutions, Joe sells pick-your-own strawberries and other produce direct to customers at his farm, and is a vendor at the new Boston Public Market.
