Fivefork Farms embodies a remarkable narrative of familial unity and agricultural revival. This venture, spearheaded by the five Lam siblings, showcases their collective dedication to cultivating exquisite cut flowers on a historic New England estate. Their journey began when Grace Lam, after a career shift from finance, joined forces with her brother Lyh-Hsin. Inspired by their mother's gardening expertise and a burgeoning demand for locally grown flowers, they embarked on establishing a sustainable farm, eventually acquiring a 38-acre parcel of land in Upton, Massachusetts. This property, rich in history, was once tilled by four generations of the Eli Whitney family, adding a profound layer of heritage to their modern-day enterprise.
The family's commitment extends beyond land acquisition to the intricate operations of their farm. Grace oversees crop planning and production, leveraging her agricultural training, while Lyh-Hsin manages infrastructure and fertilization with his construction background. Their eldest brother, Lyh-Rhen, applies his design skills to create floral arrangements and manage their online presence. Sisters Joyce and Ping contribute their financial and management expertise, ensuring the business's stability. Even their parents and a close friend, Wendy, play pivotal roles, from greenhouse management and market deliveries to event coordination and photography. This collaborative spirit allows them to tackle challenges, such as the Northeast's demanding winters, which necessitate innovative solutions like using emergency heaters for delicate spring blooms and strategic snow removal to prepare fields for planting. Their focus on specific varieties, particularly their highly successful dahlias, demonstrates their adaptability and passion for their craft, aiming to double their dahlia crop each season.
The farm's success is deeply intertwined with its strategic sales approach, particularly through its flower CSA program. This initiative has been crucial for initial capital and fosters strong community ties by partnering with local businesses for flower pickups. Beyond the CSA, Fivefork Farms engages in wholesale distribution to florists, stores, and event designers, and actively participates in local farmers' markets. Their advice for aspiring flower CSA operators emphasizes meticulous planning, diverse succession sowing, and cultivating a wide array of flowers to offer unique selections weekly. This not only captivates customers but also introduces them to novel floral varieties and herbs. Their vision for the future includes expanding woody and perennial plantings and establishing an apprenticeship program to nurture the next generation of farmers, showcasing a holistic commitment to growth, community, and the enduring beauty of locally grown flowers. This inspiring family enterprise serves as a vibrant example of how tradition, innovation, and shared passion can cultivate not just flowers, but also a thriving community and a sustainable future.