Four generations, one field.
Modern Produce Farms, Inc., is owned and operated by the Jarocki family, now in its fourth generation. Located in the historic Black Dirt region of New York — the ancient glacial lakebed that makes the soil here unlike any other onion ground in America.
Frank Jarocki, Sr.'s father came from Poland in the 1930s and started farming the "black dirt." He grew twelve acres of onions. In 1949, Frank Sr. began farming on his own. In 1950, he started packing his own onions for the market.
In 1981, Frank Jr., joined his father. Frank Jr. oversees all the growing and harvesting of onions. Today we re-pack into consumer-friendly packages. Since onions are not available locally on a year-round basis, we maintain a constant inventory — so our grocery and restaurant customers are never left short.
- 1930sFrank Sr.'s father arrives from Poland and plants the first 12 acres of onions in the Black Dirt.
- 1949Frank Jarocki, Sr. begins farming in his own name.
- 1950Frank Sr. begins packing his own onions for market.
- 1970A large-scale commercial onion packaging facility comes on line.
- 1981Frank Jarocki, Jr. joins operations; takes over growing and harvest.
- TodayFourth generation. Re-pack for consumer shelves and foodservice kitchens along the East Coast.
