The History of Parlee Farms and How We Just Keep Growing!
Located on nearly 100 beautiful acres near the Merrimack River in Tyngsboro,
Parlee Farms offers the finest fruits, vegetables and flowers.
Owned by Mark and Ellen Parlee, we began in 1988 with two acres of strawberries,
a scale set on a plank that was held up by cinder blocks, and a blue tarp over our heads
to keep the rain off the fresh picked strawberries, the scale, and us - in that order!
Along with our two daughters, Mary and Annie, we worked hard as a family to make our
dream of farming a reality. Over the years, we were fortunate to be able to purchase beautiful
river-bottom land on Farwell Road. Almost 70% our farm is preserved under Massachusetts'
Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program, which means the land will always be used
for farming and cannot be developed. As we added land, we added more crops. To sell
the crops, we added a Farmstand, Annie's Animal Barns, Mary's Country Kitchen,
10 hay ride wagons and our wonderful employees to keep everything running smoothly.
Of course, this would not have been possible without the fabulous customers that
return every season. To them and to our new customers, we thank you!
In producing all our fruits, vegetables, and flowers, Parlee Farms practices Integrated Pest Management
(IPM). The objective of IPM is not to eliminate all pests but to prevent
pest populations from reaching damaging levels. We have an IPM consultant
scout our fields weekly for pests and diseases. As a first line of
defense against damaging insects, predator insects are released into
the field. Often, this release is effective in keeping damaging insects
in check. Spraying is only done when a pest or disease reaches a level
that could seriously harm the crop. Parlee Farms is concerned about
the environment and will continue to work towards raising the best
produce for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.
To be a good farmer and steward of the land, Mark continues to research and study the latest varieties and growing methods. Presently, he is involved with the following farming groups ~ all great organizations which help Parlee Farms continue to grow!
- Massachusetts Fruit Growers Association: The goal of MFGA is to encourage the growing and marketing of fruits adapted to Massachusetts and New England. The membership consists of commercial and hobby fruit growers, industry personnel, UMass extension and university personnel, and other interested persons. Currently, Mark is president of this organization.
- New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association: The goal of NEV&BGA is to promote the economic, environmental and social sustainability of vegetable and berry farming in New England through education, promotion and communication among growers. It is one of the primary sponsors of the New England Vegetable and Fruit Conference, a three day conference and trade show which is held every other year. They also hold 2-4 smaller meetings every year. Mark is a past director of this organization.
- UMass Fruit Advisor: This group of UMass Extension personnel is dedicated to enhancing the sustainability of Massachusetts fruit farming, including apples, peaches, plums, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and other crops. Information on growing conditions and the latest research findings is released to subscribers through regular emails.
- International Fruit Tree Association: The IFTA exists to promote an understanding of the nature and use of Intensive Orchard Systems through dissemination of information, and to expand the knowledge in this industry by encouraging continued research efforts.
- North American Farmers Direct Marketing Association: NAFDMA is a trade association dedicated to nurturing the farm direct marketing industry. Members come together at the yearly conference and farm bus tour to ask questions and share ideas with each other.
If you have any comments or questions, please contact us. Thank you!