Construction of the Fresh Meadows Farm cranberry bogs was begun in 1945 by John Alves. Although John passed before construction was completed, his son Arthur and daughter Albertina completed the project two years later. John was a first-generation immigrant of Cape Verdean descent. Like many others of his generation, he emigrated from the Cape Verde Islands to escape a drought-induced hardship and to try and create a better opportunity for his family. Born on the island of Fogo, he left a culture rich in the tradition of farming. This background led him and many of his countrymates to find a home in the emerging cranberry industry here in southeastern Massachusetts.
Fresh Meadows Farm is committed to providing the highest quality fresh organic cranberries to customers each season. This commitment extends through all aspects of the operation: production, transportation, sorting, and packing, and ensuring the full integrity of the organic process.
After a three-year transition to organic certification, Fresh Meadows Farm was formed in 2008. Despite the many challenges facing the farm over the years, they are proud to have not only remained viable but have expanded their operation. Growing organic cranberries in southeastern Massachusetts presents many challenges. Very few organic cranberry acres exist in the state. The majority of the organic cranberries available in the U.S. market today are imported from Canada, where pest challenges are much lower due mostly to colder growing conditions. These imports consist of mostly higher producing hybrid varieties. The strategy at Fresh Meadows Farm has been to grow only heirloom varieties, which they feel are better suited to organic production in this region.
