Yee Farms in Florida Supplies Consumers With Fresh Asian Vegetables

This article first appeared in Florida Farm & Family.

Offering authentic Asian vegetables to the Florida community and beyond, family-owned-and-operated Yee Farms in Boynton Beach showcases their unique heritage, agriculture and community.

Humble Beginnings

Yee Lung Kwong immigrated from China to America in search of a better life. He worked in a laundromat in New York City for several years to raise enough money for his wife to join him. In 1940, after a few setbacks, they settled in Great Meadows, New Jersey. The pair embraced country life and began growing Asian vegetables as their ancestors did many years before.

“This is where Yee Farms has its roots,” says Roland Yee, a third-generation farmer at Yee Farms. “My granddad decided to expand and began farming in the Fort Pierce area in 1968 in the winter months to help supply his customers year-round.”

During this time, Kwong had two sons, Thomas and George, who were beginning to take over the farm. Thomas married Nancy in 1974, and they moved to Boynton Beach to expand the Florida operation. Today, Thomas and Nancy are still integral to the farm and work with their sons, Roland and Ethan, and daughter-in-law, Amy.

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Authentic Asian Veggies

“We grow approximately 17 different Asian products including Napa cabbage, bok choy, baby bok choy, Shanghai baby bok choy, daikon radish, flat cabbage, Asian cauliflower, Chinese broccoli, watermelon radish and winter melon – just to name a few,” Roland says.

Florida consumers can purchase products straight from the farm during harvest season, which runs from November to May. The produce is also distributed and sold wholesale throughout the U.S. and Canada to supermarkets, restaurants, hospitality venues and Asian markets.

“Most often, families come to try our Asian vegetables because they want something new and different,” Roland says. “They get into a conversation with Nancy or Amy about the history of our farm and the authentic ways of preparing the vegetables, and the next thing we know, we’ve got a repeat customer.”

He adds that the farm has done several cooking demonstrations at various events to show customers how to prepare and cook vegetables they might not be familiar with.

“Interacting with the community and educating people about Yee Farms – what we grow and that we exist right in their backyard – is one of the most rewarding aspects of farming,” Roland says.

Florida Grown, Florida Fresh

While Yee Farms provides fresh, unique produce to Florida, Roland says in return, Florida provides the perfect growing conditions for Asian vegetables.

“The weather and soil here are advantageous to growing our produce,” he says. “Cool nights and warm days during the winter months really promotes the growth of various products.”

These growing conditions also help produce high-quality, safely grown vegetables, which is a top priority for Yee Farms.

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“The importance of supporting Florida agriculture distills down to food security, consuming the freshest vegetables as a part of living your healthiest life, while at the same time supporting the local communities we call home,” Roland says. “Instead of consuming fruits and vegetables that have come from thousands of miles, taking days to arrive on your table, you can make the better choice to purchase local produce grown by Florida farmers who pride themselves on producing the safest, healthiest and freshest produce for all.”

Yee Farms is PrimusGFS certified, meaning their food is safely produced and traceable. They sow the seeds, grow the crop, and harvest and ship the product, ensuring it’s as fresh as possible.

“Our number one priority is the health and well-being of our consumers,” Roland says.

Farming for the Future

As far as the future of Yee Farms goes, Roland says the farm will continue to evolve as the agriculture industry does.

“Whether it be food safety, process, product or something that significantly shifts the paradigm, the industry is always evolving,” he says. “We plan to be receptive to these changes so we can improve our product and exceed customers’ expectations.”