S&SO Produce Farms is a 4th Generation Family Farm located in Pine Island, New York also known as the Black Dirt Region. Originating as solely a wholesale onion farm, it wasn’t until 1976 that Stanley Osczepinski Jr., a founding farmer of GreenMarket, began selling produce direct to New York City residents at open air farmers markets.

A once small farm has since grown to include over 120 varieties of vegetables (including Radishes, Cilantro, Parsley, Beets, and Lettuce) allowing us to provide quality produce to not only the Orange County region but also to the 5 boroughs of New York City.

For the last several years, Mark Rogowski Jr. has helped co-manage S&SO Produce Farms, striving to push past the boundaries of modern-day agriculture through innovation, technology, and listening to consumer demands. In 2017, S&SO went through the process to obtain USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification and in 2018 S&SO became FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act with FDA) certified. The first steps of many to ensure our produce is grown, packed, handled, and stored as safely as possible to minimize the risk of food safety hazards.

 

Meet Your Farmers

Stanley Osczepinski Jr. (Founder/Owner)

Stanley began helping his father, Stanley Sr., on their small onion farm in the 1950’s and by the 1960’s him and his father were partners on a growing farm.  In the early 1970’s they started growing greens including cilantro.  In the late 1970’s they were approached by NYC to provide fresh produce to city residents via open air farmers markets.  Stanley jumped on the idea which led to the rapid expansion of his farm for the next 40 years.  Concurrently, Stanley, the entrepreneur  that he was, also operated a large trucking company, a roadside stand, a bar, and a wholesale produce business.  Stanley has three children, Alyson, Keri, and Tammy, as well as several grandchilden.  Stanley enjoys his free time with his grandchildren.

Mark Rogowski Jr. (Co-Owner)

Mark Rogowski, a native to the Pine Island Region, grew up on a large onion farm in Goshen, N.Y. He studied at Villanova University where he graduated with a Chemical Engineering degree and continued on to work at Merck & Co and Nalco Chemical Co. before realizing agriculture was his calling. In 2004, Mark met Alyson and began helping her and her father with the family business. He began by working farmers markets and weekends as often as he could. In 2005, Mark committed to the farm full time and by 2010, Mark’s responsibilities had increased to the point that he had taken over much of the day-to-day operations. Also in 2010, Mark Married the love of his life Alyson and in 2014 they welcomed their first child Avery, in 2016 their first son Carter, and in 2018 their daughter Parker. Mark continues to run the farm as efficient as possible without sacrificing its reputation for outstanding quality. In his free time, he enjoys the comforts of his home and spending time with his wife and kids.

 

Alyson Osczepinski Rogowski (Farm Market Coordinator / Owner)

Having grown up on the farm some of Alyson’s earliest memories are spending her summers picking peppers, zucchini, and making black dirt mud pies with her grandma Florence.
Alyson’s first official market was to Union Square with her dad in the summer of 1987. It was scary and exciting and ultimately the place she loved the most!

Alyson attending University of Central Florida receiving her undergrad and masters in Criminal Justice. Upon graduation she came back to the farm full time. She met Mark and they married in 2010. They welcomed their first child, Alyson’s mini me, Avery in August 2014. In July 2016 they welcomed their second child, Carter who has already fallen in love with tractors and in July 2018 they had Parker.

Her hope is to continue to successfully farm and pass on this farming legacy to the 5th generation.

 

Keri Osczepinski (CBD Hemp Cloning Manager / Market Manager / Owner)

Keri Osczepinski has long been involved at S&SO Produce Farms from a very young age.  As a 4th generation at S&SO, she started working the Union Square Greenmarket in 1987.  Keri has helped turn the once small stand into a predominant vender in a large market. Keri graduated from University of Central Florida in 2002 but continued to help with farm operations throughout the years. Keri continues to help facilitate the coordination of Farmers Markets on a day-to-day basis while juggling the daily activities of her beautiful daughter, Birdie.  As S&SO has evolved into the CBD hemp space, Keri has taken on the difficult responsibilities of managing the CBD hemp cloning operation.

 

Gregory Ludwig (CBD Hemp Coordinator / Farm Manager / Director of Food Safety)

Before S&SO Produce Farms, Gregory Ludwig completed his degree in Accounting and Finance at Marywood University. While working part time on the farm throughout high school and college, he developed a passion for agriculture. He continually strives to learn more about the business and bring new ideas and fresh perspectives to all aspects of farming. In his free time, Greg enjoys outdoor activities, video and photography, as well as spending quality time with close friends and family.

 

Rudy Tomaselli (Manager)

After his career in the Film Industry traveling the world, Rudy Tomaselli eventually made his way to S&SO Produce Farms. His sense of humor and charismatic demeanor made him a perfect fit to oversee and manage many of the markets S&SO attends. When not at Greenmarket, he can be seen planting the numerous varieties of vegetables grown in the Black Dirt Region. Rudy’s dedication throughout the years has been nothing short of authentic. When not involved with the farm, Rudy enjoys time with his wife while entertaining friends and family.

 

Trudy Langlitz (Office Manager)

Gertrude “Trudy” Langlitz has worked for S&SO Produce for over 35 years. Trudy is an integral part of the business. She manages all office responsibilities which include payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and much more. Not only does she maintain the office, she is our resident taste tester. Any new or different varieties we grow goes straight to her kitchen to be sampled. When Trudy isn’t at work she loves spending time with her grandchildren and family.

 

Juventino Cruz (Wash House Manager)

Juventino (Tino) Cruz is a 2nd generation employee at S&SO Produce Farms. After following in his father’s footsteps and working his way up to Wash House Manager, he has become the right hand man overseeing much of the day-to-day picking, washing, packing, and shipping of produce. Tino has become a role model for many of his family members and friends, many of which look up to him while working together everyday. In his free time, Tino enjoys spending time with his wife, kids, and brothers.