The Past, Present and Future
of Three Locally Owned Farms
BY KENDRA GEMMA
Although mostly known for its beaches, baseball and growing population, Manatee County retains its
more rural roots in three farms that have remained in their respective families for generations. One is a
popular tourist attraction while the other two are more well-kept secrets – until now. Keep reading to get
to know some of your neighbors, their childhood memories growing up on a farm and their future plans.
Geraldson’s Family Farm
The generous Geraldson family enjoys
sharing their farm and their hospitality
with the community. They’re welcoming
guests to their “Farmily” dinners this season,
with the first one happening on Saturday,
November 20. They’ll also host their second
annual Christmas Market in December.
www.geraldsonsfamilyfarm.com
Started by Dr. C.M. Geraldson in the late 1950s as a tomato
wholesaler, Geraldson’s Family Farm has evolved multiple
times, first adding retail to the wholesale business in the early
1980s, and even becoming a u-pick farm for a while. Today, the
Geraldsons sell their produce exclusively at their market, which
is open every Tuesday through Saturday. The downsized 10-acre
farm grows several varieties of small tomatoes, including Roma
and heirloom, along with greens such as kale, spinach, arugula
and lettuces. The market also carries other local products.
Among them are local honey from Healing River, cheese from
Jersey Acres and citrus and orange juice from The Citrus Place.
“I love being able to connect with our neighbors and customers
with the retail market,” says Jocelyn Geraldson Burness, Dr.
Geraldson’s granddaughter. “We have so many customers who
have become like family over the years.”
Burness, her father, Greg, and her three siblings operate the
farm together. She has fond childhood memories on the farm.
“I loved having so much space to roam,” she says. She and her
siblings had a go-kart, multiple tree forts, strawberries to pick
and orange trees to climb. “One of my favorite activities was
climbing up in our Honeybell tree and making a mess eating
the juiciest oranges,” she adds.
Her son, Rhett, is only 11 months old but he’s already following
in the family footsteps, relishing his time on the farm. “Like me,
he loves being outside,” Burness says.
BMAG | 13
/www.geraldsonsfamilyfarm.com