Malverne farm's future to be announced

Malverne residents awaiting the restoration plans for a 105-year-old vegetable farm in the village will find out Sunday what this year's growing season may bring.

The Malverne Historical and Preservation Society will host a public meeting with the new farmer, Bill Walsh, and the Nassau Land Trust about what to expect as the 5.2-acre Grossman's Farm returns to active agricultural activity this year.

"Everyone wants to know what is happening with the farm and its future," said Robert J. Powers, president of the historical society and Malverne Village historian.

Nassau County acquired the formerly family-owned Grossman's Farm last year for $6.5 million through the county's Environmental Bond Act. The county, in partnership with the Nassau Land Trust, will manage the farm as part of the "Grown on Long Island" campaign.

"The farm has always been a staple of Malverne," Powers said. "It always brought people back to their roots since Malverne was originally a farming community."

Grossman's Farm has been a community landmark since 1895. Four generations of the Grossman family operated the farm, located in the northern end of the village where Hempstead and Ocean avenues meet.

Walsh, an organic farmer, has been working since July to rejuvenate the soil and restore the buildings and infrastructure.

The farm is to be primarily funded by a community-supported agriculture program, or CSA, which allows local residents to buy shares of the organic produce. The farm will also set up a farmer stand where people can purchase fresh organic produce as well as provide hands-on educational programs.

"We all want to see this succeed," Powers said. "It keeps our synergy within the community."

The meeting will be held at noon Sunday at the Joseph L. Landers Memorial Restoration House in Malverne.