Rosario Farms brings fruits, veggies as a new vendor at Canal Village Farmers’ Market

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Iris Rosario Reyes and Gerardo Lareto Diaz work in their farm’s booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.

MEDINA – Realizing their life’s dream didn’t happen overnight for Pablo and Beatrice Rosario of West Lee Road.

The couple immigrated to the United States from Mexico more than 30 years ago, settling in Florida and working farms there. They picked oranges and tomatoes there, then one year decided to come north in the fall to pick apples.

They had always dreamed of having a farm of their own and decided to stay in Orleans County, said daughter Iris Rosario Reyes. In 2016 the opportunity arose to purchase their own farm on West Lee Road, Albion.

“We did so many renovations,” Reyes said. “We bought tractors and built greenhouses.”

Rosario Farms now specializes in berries, with 85 acres of apples, peaches, blueberries, raspberries, pears, plums and nectarines.

“Every little crack of land, we plant something,” Reyes said.

They also rent a farm on Route 104.

“The best part of farming is being alone with nature,” Reyes said. “We mow the orchards and they look so cool.”

This is the family’s first year as a vendor at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market. In addition to that, they have a stand at each of their farm’s locations. They welcome the opportunity to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to the community.

Located at the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue, the market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The farmers’ market will shift to its winter site at 345 Main St. beginning on Nov. 1, using the part of the building closer to the canal rather than the side facing Main Street.