Located just north of Hwy 66 in Longmont, Colorado, Switch Gears Farm is a one-acre vegetable farm started in December 2020 and is fully operated by Brett Matson and Vanita Patel.

Brett’s journey into growing food started in western Pennsylvania, where Brett worked for his grandfather’s dairy operation. Brett still remembers being 10 years old, dipping a coffee cup into a huge stainless-steel tank full of unpasteurized milk, and thinking it the best thing he’d ever tasted in his life. As Brett took more sips, he remembers wondering why milk from the store doesn’t taste like this. It up another world: into growing and raising food straight from the source.

Vanita, on the other hand, doesn’t have direct farming experience. However, she’s a nerd at heart and loves the challenges of problem solving. You can find her working the markets or helping behind the scenes to make sure the farm has the resources it needs.

Why did they choose to sell only through Nederland’s Market? Because they love to come up here. Brett and Vanita moved to Boulder almost nine years ago and in those first few years they spent a lot of time in Nederland, both playing and working. That drive up the canyon, no matter how many times they take that route, always feels calm and refreshing. In fact, on the morning of their first farmers’ market in May, they both remember taking a moment to put down the window as soon as they got into the canyon just to enjoy the cool, fresh air until they reached First Street. Even after moving to Longmont, they still find reasons to come play in the Nederland community, especially in the winter.

Their farm is a small operation with a small staff. During this first year of operation, their mission is to feed the communities that they care about. They hope to hear directly from their consumers, so visit their table at the Nederland Farmers Market and let them know what you want them to grow as they tell you about their plans.

Their goal as a farm is to grow food that not only tastes good but is meaningful and brings joy to each individual. Their produce should provide comfort, health, and cultural creativity in the kitchen. Because of our climate here in Colorado they may not be able to grow everything, but they are excited to explore what is outside the norm for Front Range small farms.

Switch Gears Farm is driven by the goal of ensuring that locally-grown food is accessible, regardless of one’s wealth or income. In addition to attending the Nederland Farmers Market, they also have members for their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. They intentionally grow more food than needed for their CSA members and the market, in order to partner with local food rescues and organizations that provide fresh food to those who need assistance. They even offer a few cost-adjusted CSA shares.

Brett and Vanita will be at every Nederland Farmers Market on the second and fourth Sunday through September. Be sure to introduce yourself, share feedback, and learn more about their fledgling farm. Their greens are also included in Nederland Farmers Market’s weekly produce boxes which are available to order online Monday through Wednesday for Sunday pickup. Brett delivers weekly CSA shares to members living in the Nederland community.

If you are interested in becoming a CSA member, visit their website at switchgearsfarm.com or follow them on Instagram @switchgearsfarm.

For Nederland Farmers Market information, go to: nederlandfarmersmarket.org or www.facebook.com/ NederlandFarmersMarket. The next three markets are on June 27, July 11, and July 25. Their online shop is on openfoodnetwork.net.