Owner Becky MacRae holds one of the signs for her new business – Rock Run Farm – Fruit and Veggie Market. Thompson Goddard Photo
NORTH STORMONT – If you are looking for a good selection of fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices, then a trip to Rock Run Farm – Fruit and Veggie Market is in order. Becky MacRae, owner of the store, explained its name came from the farm, Rock Run Farm, located at 16234 Cornwall-Roxborough Boundary Road West just south of Avonmore. With a variety of fruits and vegetables for sale in the climate-controlled store, including tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, zucchini, berries, mangos, apples, and grapes just to mention a few.
She opened the store at the beginning of June, with the goal of providing a chance for her children to learn about running a business as well as giving individuals and families an opportunity to purchase fresh, affordable produce.
“It is important to offer the produce at a more affordable price for families,” said MacRae during a recent interview. She explained that the lower prices are made possible by purchasing fresh produce from wholesale suppliers, maintaining lower overhead costs, and selling the produce by the bag rather than by weight.
She noted in season items purchased are grown in Ontario and Quebec, and is investigating the possibility of purchasing directly from local food producers. “Fruits such as mangos and avocados are not grown in Canada as a result of our climate” said MacRae, continuing these are grown in countries such as Mexico.
When asked about what she enjoys about running this family business, MacRae mentioned the person to person contact and receiving feedback from customers is quite enjoyable. For those who are investigating the possibility of starting their own business, she suggests spending the time to really research the market possibilities as well as examining the viability of the business being considered.
Rock Run Farm – Fruit and Veggie Market is open Thursday and Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. More information is available on the store’s Facebook page.
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Carolyn Thompson Goddard, grew up in Chesterville and attended North Dundas District High School. After completing her BA in Political Science at Carleton University she has worked as a medical secretary and library technician. In 2020 she graduated from Algonquin College with a diploma in Journalism and has been a reporter and column writer for The Chesterville Record for over 10 years.
