Joel Gilbert, holding daughter Evelyn, 6, and his wife, Melissa, holding son Elijah, 2, with son, Noah, 9, in front, own the Berry Fruit Farm in Livermore. They recently started a new venture by opening a storefront on Main Street in Livermore Falls to sell their produce, baked goods, soups and more. (Submitted photo)
LIVERMORE FALLS — It is a new year and a new venture for Joel and Melissa Gilbert, who opened a storefront recently on Main Street to sell baked goods and soups, as well as the fruits and vegetables they grow.
Joel, 34, grew up in Jay and graduated from Jay High School in 2003. Melissa, 33, grew up in Rumford and graduated from Mountain Valley High School in 2003.
The venture is an expansion of the couple’s Berry Fruit Farm in Livermore, where they live. They have three children, Noah, 9, Evelyn, 6, and Elijah, 2.
The Gilberts are carrying on a family tradition. Joel’s grandfather, Carlton Berry of Livermore, is the youngest son of the late Lewis Berry, who opened Berry Hill Orchards in 1945 with his six sons.
Joel took time recently to answer some questions about the new venture.
Why did you get into the fruit farming business? Fruit farming has always been nostalgic for me and that was the bait that first attracted me to the profession. I loved to hear the stories of my grandfather working in the orchard with his brothers. It always amazed me that we provided employment to so many people in the community. Folks all over the area have stories about working the farm with my family. This is the type of farming that brings people together. I long to see Berry Fruit Farm thrive to encourage our community as we share our fruit farming heritage for generations to come!
What types of fruit do you grow? We grow strawberries, raspberries, melons, cherries, peaches, pears, apples, pumpkins and winter squash. We also grow cut flowers and assorted vegetables. Best of all, we are growing three really great kids! Noah, Evelyn and Elijah . . . they are growing like weeds.
What made you decide to branch out to a storefront in Livermore Falls? Convenience for our customers was the driver for our most recent expansion. Melissa and I understand life is busy and we want to make sure that people can enjoy the satisfaction of quality in their daily schedules. Our bakery was also a driver for the expansion. Bringing together the bakery and the market is very important to us for efficiency and quality. We wanted our customers to feel part of what we do, not only with the farm but also the bakery. Our new expansion has made all of this possible.
Who makes the baked goods that are sold in the store? We have a great team in the bakery. My wife, Melissa, leads her crew of four to make doughnuts, pastries, soups, pies and breads. Donna MacLagan is our bread, scone and soup chef. She has years of experience in this field and we are so happy to have her on. Kaili and Laci Grant are our pastry and doughnut chefs, who are so faithful to their positions. Our retail staff loves the opportunity to share about what we have to offer. Samples are offered daily.
What is the most popular item you sell? As the seasons change, item popularity changes. Right now our doughnuts, cider and breads sell very well. Springtime will bring fresh berries and veggies to our market and new artisan salads and breads to our menu!
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Joel Gilbert, holding daughter Evelyn, 6, and his wife, Melissa, holding son Elijah, 2, with son, Noah, 9, in front, own the Berry Fruit Farm in Livermore. They recently started a new venture by opening a storefront on Main Street in Livermore Falls to sell their produce, baked goods, soups and more. (Submitted photo)
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