Thanks to everyone who attended our Grand Opening events!  We couldn‘t have asked for a better way to celebrate our 90th Anniversary!  We were proud to see our family business profiled in an article that appeared in the Cranston Herald and Warwick Beacon. We also had articles on how farms can help you eat healthy and the sweeter side of family business from local bloggers!

Our Grand Opening events began with a celebration attended by press, social media, and local dignitaries. Jonathan Confreda (4th generation), a junior at Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, RI, opened the festivities with a speech about the Confreda family’s history, proudly displaying a Citation from Lincoln Chafee, Governor of Rhode Island. He then introduced his father, Vinny, (3rd generation), who currently runs the farm. Vinny accepted a Citation from Mayor Allan Fung of Cranston. Mayor Fung congratulated the Confreda family, noting our commitment to preserving open space and educating local youth through our long history of farming. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your commitment…you have brought a whole new level to the experience of family farming for this community,” Mayor Fung said.

Mayor Scott Avedisian of Warwick praised the Confreda family’s spirit, as well as our efforts to preserve open space, citing Betty Confreda Smith’s involvement in the local committees and the Confreda holdings in Warwick, saying,  “It’s not just about business, it’s about giving back to the community.”  We also received congratulations from Larry DiBoni, Cranston Economic Director.

More representatives from farming support organizations spoke during the program. Janet Coit, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, recognized the Confreda family’s “remarkable accomplishment” as “a leader in the field, a shining example of protecting farmland,” and reminding us all to be aware of upcoming ballot decisions concerning “additional funding so critical to farmers to expand their farms and provide jobs.”  

Al Bettencourt , Executive Director of the RI Farm Bureau, noted that Confreda’s is the largest such farm in Rhode Island, though he pointed out that his own farm still beat us out by age: “We’ve got 170 years,” to which Vinny laughingly replied, “We’re catching up!” Paul Brule, Executive Director of FSA, spoke directly to the younger generation: “You boys have some big shoes to fill!” and Hannah Mellion from FarmFresh RI noted Confreda Farms’ commitment to local produce and its connection to health, especially our longstanding involvement in the Farm to School program.

Phou Vongkhamdy, State Conservationist from USDA, called on farmers to continue caring for the land through conservation, thanking the Confreda family for our efforts: “We are so grateful to farmers for implementing measures that will protect the soil and the land for years to come. Leading by example, they show us that if you take care of the land, it will take care of you.” Lynn Weaver, Vice President of Farm Credit East, also mentioned the Confredas’ commitment to conservation as he congratulated the family on 90 years of farming.
           
Following the speaking program, attendees enjoyed samples of Confreda’s menu offerings including our famous pies; gourmet coffee; new pastries, sandwiches, and salads made with Confreda’s fresh produce (new menu items have been concocted by chefs at Bacaro Providence); and gelato. The celebration continued throughout the weekend with free samples, cooking demonstrations, and door prizes for Confreda customers. With new menu items and more coming up, it’s sure to be a wonderful season at Confreda Greenhouses & Farms!