Where is Rob visiting this week?
For this month’s grower spotlight, Rob is visiting Jebali Farms. Jebali Farms is nestled on 3 acres of land in the town of Lexington. The farm was started in 2013 by Azmi Jebali with the purpose of supplying his restaurant in Lexington, The Mediterranean Café, with fresh seasonal produce. The farm also supplies seasonal produce to community groups and small, local markets. Azmi has been involved in fruit and vegetable production since 1980, starting as a nursery transplant supplier. He is committed to producing high-quality produce with a responsible attitude towards environmental protection and sustainability.
The farm produces a wide range of vegetable crops, including sweet corn, eggplant, squash, cucumber, leafy greens, onions, broccoli, peas, beans, herbs, melons, tomatoes, and peppers. In addition to vegetable crops, peanuts, cut flowers, and strawberries are also produced. To extend the season for tomatoes, the farm also has a small but highly productive greenhouse.
The commitment to producing sustainable local food for the restaurant has led to the Mediterranean Café being recognized through the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Fresh on the Menu program. The program restaurants source a minimum of 25% of their ingredients from South Carolina. To sample some of the ingredients grown at Jebali Farms, visit the Mediterranean Café for lunch or dinner.
The Mediterranean Café is located at 327 West Main Street, Lexington, and the website address is www.mediterraneancafesc.com.
This month’s spotlight is from Rob Last, Midlands Fruit and Vegetable Agent.
The South Carolina Grower 