Jul. 16, 2014:  Joining us this season for the first time is Gaia's Breath Farm. Mark Santoro and his sister, Tara, have had their 265-acre farm in Jordanville, NY, for 10 years. They practice the Demeter method of organic farming, the most rigid form of organic farming. Demeter USA has been providing Biodynamic® certification services since 1985. In 2002, the USDA implemented the National Organic Program to provide a uniform definition for the term "organic."

Gaia's Breath is committed to growing and raising the absolute highest-quality gourmet food available by mixing new tech with old foundational methodologies and strives to represent what a small farm can be at its optimum. They are recreating food that will not only nourish and enliven your physical body but will awaken one's taste buds to the marvelous flavors, colors, and textures of old-world kitchens.

Mark had a serious accident while attending college and broke his neck in an ATV accident that, sadly, left him a quadriplegic. He spent many years in and out of hospitals and he decided to try to heal his own body. He changed his eating methods. When he couldn't find any pure meat, he became a vegetarian. This led him to start his own farm while using tinctures, vitamins, cleanses, juicing, and fasts one time a week. According to Tara, he has always remained positive and happy. He continued his education and achieved doctorates in political science and philosophy. All done while dealing with his physical difficulties. Inspired yet?

When Tara comes to the BFM, you will know she is there. We share many laughs during the markets, but I also learn something every time we speak. She has a full-time job off the farm but does a lot for the farm . . . not that she will tell you that. I had to drag it out of her! She truly is a breath of fresh air.

Back to the farm. . . . You will see 35 varieties of vegetables and fruits, many of them heirloom. Milk and veal from pasture-fed animals and registered heritage breed Large Black Pigs, raised organically, on open pasture, and always treated humanely and with care. They also raise chickens, turkeys, and ducks, which are all free range. Individual cuts are available upon order. All meat, poultry, and charcuterie processing is done on the farm. The farm is worked by six dedicated employees.

So if this article hasn't piqued your interest, I just want to share a secret with you:  their veal meatballs are the best in the world--hands down! You have to get there early to get them--even better, order the week before. But honestly, everything I have had the pleasure of buying and eating from Gaia's Breath Farm has been a treat!

Good people. Good food. It's what makes the world go round. www.gaiasbreathfarm.com.

Pictured here:  Tara Santoro of Gaia's Breath Farm. 

Photo by Mary Liz Mulligan, Market Manager, Bronxville Farmers' Market