Abra Morawiec developed a passion for farming during her service as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mali, West Africa. Now, she owns and operates Feisty Acres, a game bird farm on the East End of Long Island, specializing in organic, pasture-raised quail.
Morawiec didn’t always envision herself becoming a farmer.
After graduating from Bernard Baruch College in 2009 with a degree in English, she was set on pursuing journalism. But her time in the Peace Corp, where she worked closely with farmers, women and youth associations, instilled a deep appreciation for farming and community.
After returning to the States, Morawiec found herself on Long Island’s North Fork after meeting fellow farmer Eve Kaplan-Walbrecht of Garden of Eve farm, who shared the same passion for organic, sustainable farming.
Photo Caption: Quail farmer Abra Morawiec, 29, with some of her chicks in November. Credit: Barbaraellen Koch/northforker.com
She apprenticed at several Long Island farms, including Browder’s Birds and Biophilia Organic Farm, before opening her own in Jamesport in the fall of 2015.
The response since has been overwhelmingly positive, she said.
“There’s a growing interesting in game birds, and people are excited to try them from a farm here on Long Island,” Morawiec said. “I originally thought restaurants would be my biggest market, but I’m getting an even better response from individuals who want to buy direct from the farm.”
Morawiec’s quail are raised on farmland that is free of synthetic pesticides and herbicides. The birds enjoy fresh air and feed that is antibiotic- and GMO-free. Feisty Acres is certified organic by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, and also raises native Northern Bobwhite Quail for release in order to re-establish the native population on the North Fork.
Feisty Acres is open year-round to the public, providing a chance for everyone to purchase fresh quail eggs and observe Morawiec at work with the birds.
“Without the support of the community and fellow farmers, I’m not sure Feisty Acres would exist,” said Morawiec.
Don’t miss out on a chance support local farmers like Morawiec at the Island to Table outdoor dining event on July 31 in Patchogue Village.
Greaterpatchogue.com is the fundraiser’s official media sponsor.
Tickets are $150 per person. Quail eggs will be included in the third course prepared by Chef Jim Klein, which features a potato-and-quail-egg ravioli with summer pork and sage ragu.
Visit Patchogue.com (scroll down) or call (631) 207-1000 for tickets.
http://patchogue.greaterlongisland.com/2016/07/12547-tickets-still-available-for-the-island-to-table-outdoor-fundraiser-in-patchogue/
