‘No junk. It’s the real stuff,’ says John MacPhail of his family’s commitment to clean eating through their organic farming operation
Inspired by a desire to grow and sell organic food, the owners of Fruitful Hill Farm have been serving Algoma District customers for the last 15 years.
The farm is operated by Jeff MacPhail along with wife Norma and son John and is located in Dunns Valley, 67 km east of the Sault and accessible 27 km north of Bruce Mines via Highway 638.
Fruitful Hill Farm sells fresh produce, fresh bread, jams, preserves and trail mix combining nuts, dried fruit and grains as well as a selection of bath products.
“The main feature about us is that we are organic. Everything is grown with no pesticides, no sprays,” John MacPhail told SooToday.
Fruitful Hill Farm sells its goods at Soo Market on Saturdays throughout the year and at the Algoma Farmers’ Market near the Roberta Bondar Pavilion each Saturday during the summer months.
Though the MacPhails have some fresh produce for sale at Soo Market during the winter months, most of their merchandise at this time of year consists of fresh bread including white, whole wheat, rye, sourdough and cinnamon raisin bread, organic lemon scones, organic cherry scones and organic fruit cake.
“It keeps us connected and I enjoy working outside,” said John of his choice to be part of a family-operated farming business.
He also works as a carpenter.
“I think it’s important that people have the option to purchase organic produce that is local. There’s no junk. It’s the real stuff,” John said of his family’s produce and baked items.
Produce is also available for purchase through the Fruitful Hill Farm website.
Food sold online is delivered to customers in the Sault each Wednesday.
The MacPhails enjoy building personal relationships with their customers and believe in buying locally.
“There are a few people that comment and say ‘I like to shop local. I’m happy to buy from you’ and we appreciate that,” John said.