Know Your Neighbor – Gustavo Rebello of Biogera Farms
Local farmer and owner of Biogera Farms, Gustavo Rebello, brings the farmers market directly to your doorstep with his produce delivery.
Agriculture runs in Rebello’s blood as a descendent of passionate farmers. In 2003, Rebello and his family migrated to Texas from Brazil where they operated a coffee plantation. Spending time on the farm and taking part in the care and harvest of crops, Rebello went on to study agriculture engineering in the Midwest before finally settling in Florida in 2015 and establishing Biogera Farms where they grow a variety of fruits and vegetables year-round.
Rebello, like many local farmers, brought his harvest to several Farmer’s Markets where folks could purchase the vibrant, freshly picked produce and meet the man responsible. He also operated a delivery service providing fresh produce directly to the doors of his patrons.
At the rise of Covid-19, the Farmer’s Markets nearly ceased to exist, causing Rebello and many other farmers to revisit their options. The business model pivoted toward delivery.
While Farmer’s Markets have steadily made their comeback, Rebello has continued to pour his focus into the delivery service and has collaborated with neighboring farms, like Hawthorne Creeks. These partnerships allow customers to select a variety of goods like jam, eggs, cheese, and produce to be delivered right to their front door.
With this service, Rebello has extended his reach to those who might not be able to make it out to their local farmer’s market. With a $12 minimum and no delivery charge, this is an affordable and accessible option that nourishes Gainesville and surrounding communities.
“At the end of the day I think everyone is happy and they know where their food comes from and it’s what we are going to have to start doing in the future,” says Rebello.
Rebello has also taken up beekeeping and has placed a major emphasis on the production of fresh honey. In addition to honey, he’s also utilized the wax to make candles and lip balm which are also available for purchase.
An exceptionally unique and thoughtful service that Rebello provides is called “Peace of Mind,” where a customer who might lack inspiration in the kitchen can send out an SOS via text, and receive a surprise bundle tailored to the customer’s preferences.
Rebello also curates cheese plates with honey, nuts and fresh fruit spreads, and different sizes of customizable gift baskets consisting of honey comb, candles, cheese or any number of his available goods.
Supporting these local businesses and farms offers the buyer a unique and personal shopping experience that just can’t be found in larger retail.
“When you shop at grocery stores you don’t always know exactly where it is coming from or how responsible those farmers are,” explains Rebello.
The community receives comfort in knowing the hands responsible for their purchased goods, and make a difference by putting money back into their local economy while placing locally sourced food on their tables.
Check out Biogera’s harvest selection on Instagram at @biogerafarms and place orders with local farmer, Gustavo Rebello, and his team via text or phone call at (352) 672-0934