Editor's note: Every Sunday and Wednesday this summer, Arlington Patch will highlight local vendors in our feature Farmers Market Spotlight. 

Fran Busa considers himself a “blue collar grower.” He grows staple items like beans, carrots or tomatoes, but changes it up with different varieties.

“I add a little twist to it,” Busa said, explaining that this encourages customers to try new types without having an idea what they are.

The items sold from Busa Farms at the Arlington Farmers Market come from his 45-acre farm in Lincoln. Busa is part of a long family tradition of farming that dates back to 1920. He used to work on his brother’s farm in Lexington until he needed more land to grow enough for the markets, Busa said.  

“I think it’s one of the best markets,” Ally Cummings, who works the market, said about Arlington. “Rain or shine, always a lot of people. These people are very loyal.”

Busa uses organic fertilizers that are pesticide free.

This summer, Busa Farms sells at the Arlington market on Wednesdays, Lexington on Tuesdays, and in Cambridge on Sundays. Some produce for sale at Busa Farms’ stand includes cucumbers, $.50 each; lettuce, $2 per head; tomatoes, $3 a pound; kale, $2 a bunch; and lavender, $2 a bunch.

For more information on the Busa family and its farming history visit Fran Busa's brother's web site, www.busafarm.com.