Mission
Bad Grass Farm’s mission is to have fun while providing high-quality, flavorful, nutrient-dense, responsibly grown Italian specialty vegetables. We are committed to making a positive impact on local biodiversity and on soil, water, and air quality through ecological growing practices. Our farm will be welcoming to all and foster a mindset of compassionate curiosity.
Our Story
Bad Grass Farm was founded by Eric Gratta (me!) in 2026. I’m a Long Island native from a Sicilian-Italian family with a love of food and gardening. Prior to settling down in the Hudson Valley, I worked on vegetable farms in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Vermont, and Long Island.
I was so lucky to be welcomed onto that first farm just outside of Pittsburgh, PA as a nerd from a suburb with no growing experience. My hope with this farm is to welcome other future farmers to join the fun - reach out and schedule a visit!
Prior to farming I spent many years as a software engineer working in healthcare, agriculture, and local government. I currently build software tools for small, sustainable farms. Please reach out if you’d like to collaborate!
What is “bad grass”?
There is an Italian proverb that goes:
l’erba cattiva non muore mai
This transliterates to “the bad grass never dies” or “weeds never die”. The message is that one can never farm without weeds, nor live without struggle.
Beyond a play on words, the name “Bad Grass Farm” pledges resilience. There are many challenges facing small farms these days and we are committed to building systems, relationships, and community that can weather them.