The true genesis of Water Fresh Farm began back in seventh grade science class where owners Phil and Jeff met as lab partners. This was the beginning of a strong friendship. Since their college days at the University of Connecticut, the two dreamt about one day creating a business together. After graduation, Phil and Jeff spent the next dozen years working separate sales and marketing careers. It
wasn’t until they read an article in the Boston Globe featuring hydroponic farming that the lightbulb went off! Hydroponic farming is a method that uses mineral-nutrient solutions in water as the base for growing plants rather than soil. This growing method insures that the plants are safe and nutrient rich. After extensive research of the science of growing and the business of marketing, the two became convinced this was the direction they should take their company. And so, American Hydroponics was born; a locally grown, pesticide-free, year-round farm that produces fruits and vegetables grown for taste rather than transport. Operations began in 1997 with a 4,000 square foot greenhouse growing beefsteak tomatoes. After a few years of trial and error, the small business was stable and ready for expansion. The size of the farm quintupled, bringing the growing operations to over 20,000 square feet!Beefsteak tomatoes remained the core of the business, but there was now room for growing mini cucumbers, Italian basil, and Boston Bibb lettuce. These four products are all currently marketed in a number of supermarket chains and new products are constantly being grown for potential future sales. Years of positive feedback from the Hopkinton community and loyal customers challenged Phil and Jeff to further expand and develop American Hydroponics from a farm to a farmer’s market! The small business that began as an idea shared by two friends quickly became a family collaberation. Since 2008, plans have been underway for Water Fresh Farm, a traditional New England barn constructed market featuring their products and those of other local farms. Water Fresh Farm wants to promote locally grown products and bring attention to other farms in addition to their own. Future customers who are looking for taste that accompanies fresh food can expect to shop in a sanctuary of local produce, dairy, baked goods, meats and seafood, prepared foods, and ice cream served straight from the silo! Here at American Hydroponics and Water Fresh Farm, we are committed to providing products of the highest quality. We hope Water Fresh Farm makes food shopping an enjoyable experience; enticing consumers to eat healthy and support the local farms that bring so much beauty to Massachusetts!
