About Us
Beetlebung Farm, LLC was formed with the purpose of helping families and communities become empowered to grow their own food. We have all heard the fervent discussion about eating fresh and local foods and supporting agriculture. Unfortunately, talk only goes so far. We work to put these good intentions into action so that people can see, smell and taste the high-quality foods their own back yards can yield. Beetlebung Farm is a forward-thinking, goal-oriented business developed with the intent of making the most of our community’s extraordinary lands and resources. Our goal is to help individuals and families benefit from the traditions of farming on Martha’s Vineyard. We work directly with families, planning and carrying out their seasonal growing plans by way of prolonged and efficient growing systems. Our focus carries the traditions of the past into the present, creating a communal spirit centered upon our most precious natural resources. If you are interested in utilizing our resources and expertise to begin growing in your back (or front) yard or just to grow more food than last season, please email us at contact@beetlebungfarm.com.
Beetlebung Farm is owned by Ozzie and Rena Fischer. Ozzie is a lifelong farmer and steward of the land and community. He is Chris Fischer’s grandfather, friend and biggest inspiration for continuing this agricultural journey. Beetlebung Farm is located in the center of Chilmark at the intersection of North, Middle and South roads in an area known as Beetlebung Corner. The farm stand at Beetlebung Farm is run by Marie Scott, Ozzie’s daughter. She grows the produce sold there, with a small portion of the items supplemented by other members of the family. During the growing season, visitors can purchase bouquets or pick their own flowers grown by Ozzie. Marie is considered to be one of the first organic growers on the Island, though she never has been certified due to the cost of doing so on such a small scale. Ozzie and Marie’s commitment to growing food on the farm has been consistent and thoughtful for the last 30 years and embodies all that is right in the movement to grow more food for the Island community. They are not self-promotional and their lives personify the simple values of agricultural stewardship.
Chris Fischer and Jacob Ferreira formed Beetlebung Farm, LLC in the spring of 2008. Chris and Jake are life-long friends whose shared vision, work-ethic and desire to make a positive impact in their local community inspired them to create their sustainable agricultural business. Growing up on Martha’s Vineyard provided them the necessary foundation for pursuing this venture. Each left the Island after high school and returned nearly ten years later with unique backgrounds and experiences. Beetlebung Farm, LLC has no correlation to the farm stand, besides helping to raise awareness of its important practices. We are privileged to grow on the land and are thrilled to utilize the Beetlebung Farm name for our business in an effort to honor the history of the farm, the traditions of our mentors in the Fischer family and our shared commitment to agricultural stewardship.
Chris grew up in Chilmark, MA on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard enjoying his family’s fresh grown and harvested food. He gained valuable experience and accolades working at well-known restuarants in Europe and at Mario Batali’s famous Babbo in New York City but returned home to be closer to his family and have a stronger connection to the food he was cooking with. Since returning, Chris has committed himself to learning his family’s agricultural traditions and has formed strong ties with the growing community on the Island. Chris is known for growing carrots which have won him awards at the past two Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society Fairs.
Jake grew up in Vineyard Haven, MA on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard. He developed his professional business acumen by way of his undergraduate and graduate school studies at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. After college, he volunteered to serve his country as an officer in the United States Coast Guard. Jake’s service included tours as a military aide and as a member of the command cadre for a tactical law enforcement unit frequently deployed to various U.S. ports. In an effort to better serve his local community, he returned to the Vineyard in pursuit of public service initiatives. Jake currently serves as a lieutenent in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and is also dedicated to becoming a well-known tomato grower.