Good friends of ours, Mark Halman and Jeff Green, mentioned this guy to us a number of times, "Have you been to Blue Wheelbarrow yet? You have to meet Aaron, he's such a nice guy and his produce is excellent. He also would make a great County Character!" So! I decided to venture out to visit his farm, located just outside of the main town of Bloomfield, because I'm pretty fond of nice people, and what's not to love about great organic produce! Unfortunately, the few times I stopped by, his stand was closed.
Then, one day, not too long ago - Tim and I were standing in line at County Yum Club (LOVE County Yum!!), and in walks Aaron. I recognized him immediately as I had been following him through Instagram (you should too). I went up and introduced myself and confessed that I had tried on a few occasions to visit his farmstand. He went on to explain that because he participates in farmer's markets in the area (Wellington on Saturdays, and Agrarian in Picton on Sundays) and also supplies many restaurants, he often runs out of produce to sell at his home base. We continued to chat while we were both waiting for our food, and then he offered to let me buy some produce right off the back of his truck that was parked outside!
We swung by his farm later that day, chatted some more, and he gave us a quick tour. We learned that Aaron has literally travelled the world to further his education in farming (France, England, Scotland, Greece and more) by hooking up with an agency that offers work placements on farms abroad called WWOOF (Willing Workers On Organic Farms). He is now aligned with a similar agency in Canada called Young Agrarians so he can give back and share his experience and knowledge with others.
It was such a pleasure to meet him, and Jeff and Mark were right, not only is he a really good guy, his produce is great. For sure look for him at farmers markets, or take a chance on stopping by his farm. You might even be lucky enough to bump into him in your travels throughout PEC, and if you do - be sure to say "hi". He might just offer you some produce off of the back of his truck as well :)
170 County Road 32, Bloomfiled
613-827-1614
@bluewheelbarrowfarm (Instagram)
