With green fingers from an early age and a desire to make a significant change to his life, Aaron Janes, launched a new local farm in 2021 and has been growing ever since! 

Home Grown Farm is a commercial vegetable farm in Harbour Grace, Newfoundland and Labrador, with a goal to bring high-quality, delicious, and affordable vegetables to the residents of the area.  

“I had always had a passion for farming,” Janes says “With the pandemic came a lot of changes for everyone, which included a desire for a career change.  
With the farming history in both our families, and access to my wife’s family farm land, the idea for our farm was natural.”  

Janes went out on the land and never looked back. He’s since been serving up fresh cabbage, turnip, carrots, parsnip, potatoes, and more - including home made preserves, salsa, and eggs - at the family’s roadside retail location ever since. The farm also grows quality produce to be sold in nearby supermarkets, restaurants, and supports the local community through fundraisers and donations.  

“Being a part of our community is a driving force behind our business,” he says. “We have helped fundraise over $3,000 for a local school. We have made donations to their outdoor classroom/greenhouse program and have provided hampers to our local food bank.”  

Janes’ roadside shop has also become a retail outlet to other local partners, including bee farmers, craftspeople, and even other farmers - a welcome addition to the Harbour Grace area after the recent closure of the town’s only grocery store.   

“The best part for me is when I can be proud of the product I produce,” he says “There is no better feeling than having loyal customers express their excitement each new season.” 

In order to get the crops in the ground and the business side of things running, Janes turned to CBDC Trinity Conception for support. The SEA Program allowed him to operate the business without needing a side job, while the First-Time Entrepreneur Loan allowed him to purchase a tractor - critical to making the business viable. Janes also took advantage of Business Training.