Swallowtail Farm - Ali Gangnier Ross
Meet Ali and Discover what makes Swallowtail truly unique. With a deep passion for farming and a commitment to craftsmanship, Ali brings love and dedication to every aspect of Swallowtail. Explore our story and learn more about our journey.
Swallowtail Farm briefly put
Swallowtail Farm is a small non-certified organic farm specializing in the cultivation, harvest and sale of award winning garlic for culinary and seed use as well as the sale of many value added products such as jams; jellies, pickles & ferments, black garlic, seasoning blends, feta dips, dehydrated garlic slices, seasonal vegetables and specialty items.
The beginning
Our journey began in 19XX
Swallowtail Farm began as a family farm with my husband, myself and our children involved in the running of it throughout the year. We had one part time summer employee and a college student who stayed with our family at the farm to help out.
Farms are great teachers. Farm kids leave home having learned many good life skills and a good work ethic from the farm. As our children jumped off to post secondary opportunities, more fell to us.
2014's Alternative Route
A new path
The terminal illness and death of my husband and farm partner in 2014 brought about a great change in circumstances. As part of my regrouping and moving forward, I moved farm locations in 2016, eliminated the animals, and have focused on garlic cultivation and the development and sale of value added products.
Swallowtail Farm 2016
Starting to grow
in 2016 and began to focus exclusively on garlic cultivation and the development and sale of value added products and seasonal vegetables.
At that time I received my first funding from the Carrot Cache which assisted with the setup of a curing and drying facility for garlic grown here at Swallowtail Farm. That was the first step into a bright future for the farm. As the farm grew, so did the excellence of its products.
Having the possibilities to cure and dry the garlic properly rewarded us with an award winning product. I continued to grow my vision of quality garlic production and value added products to be commercially viable yet small enough to ensure the highest standard of quality. It also gave me the time to hone my skills in the kitchen and the field and
demonstrate core competency, innovation and creativity in both.
2014's Alternative Route
A new path
By 2022 dedicated and intentional work resulted in an excellent product line, production had increased, markets expanded and I needed
extra flexibility to bring more of these products to market. Once again the Carrot Cache supported that need and we purchased a professional label printer and grew again. A consistently professional presentation
is the critical link between the farm and customer in brand recognition, reassurance, trust and confidence in the excellence of our products.
This partnership with the Carrot Cache has had a hugely positive effect on my farm, the regional food system and resulted in social and environmental outcomes. It means our farm is continuing to be engaged in organic agriculture using organic regenerative farming methods and my employees are busy at the farm more weeks in the year.
Swallowtail Farm Now
At Swallowtail Farm we strive for excellence and have grown our vision of quality garlic production and value added products to be commercially viable yet keeping it small enough to ensure high quality standards. I have core competency having honed my skills well in the field and in the kitchen and strive for excellence in all areas of Swallowtail Farm.
About Ali and her team
Ali Gangnier Ross
Owner
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Ali Gagnier Ross
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