New Farm in Sumter - Center Hill Berry Patch

Delicious and thornless, the blackberries at the new Center Hill Berry Patch are ready for picking next week (June 15). Owners Richard and Bonnie Vencis have created a peaceful and scenic spot for berry picking on their farm in Center Hill.

Blackberries are a promising new fruit crop for Florida and according to Bonnie, they were able to produce their two acres of blackberries without using any synthetic pesticides. They also have a blueberry "patch" that just finished producing for the season.

Both Bonnie and Richard have attended AGRItunity Conferences and used the resources available through our UF/IFAS Sumter County Extension office to gain the knowledge needed to start their farm. They are a testimony to what can be done when applying the research-based information distributed through county extension programs from the University of Florida! Plus a lot of hard work and creativity.

Be sure to visit the Center Hill Berry Patch to pick your own blackberrries starting June 15. The price is expected to be $3.00 per pound and they will be picking 7 days a week. Call (352) 568-8154 before coming to make sure there are berries available. The farm is located on 8142 CR 702 in Center Hill. Enjoy this delicious summer treat and a relaxing country outing - and no scratches!