New Operator Gives Overview Of Plans For Styer Property

As the new sole operator of the Middletown Township-owned Styer Orchard property, farmer Tim Field laid out his plans Monday evening.

Field, who lives at the orchard and farm with his wife and two young sons, grew up on the property. The orchard was farmed by his parents for 18 years and he took over for them two years back.

In addition to the orchard, Field recently took over the market that was operated by Dave and Sharon Barberides since 2000. He has plans to reopen it in the coming months.

The township supervisors wanted to unite the orchard and market under one lease and reviewed proposals by Field and the Barberides. Earlier this year, they chose Field, and the Barberides ended their two decades running the market last month. The decision was met with controversy.

Field said he plans to run a traditional farmer’s market at the building off Woodbourne Road. He intends to maintain a deli, bakery, and grocery, while adding homemade ice cream, family meal kits, and relocating a cider press into the store to make cider in-house while educating public on how it is produced. He also plans cosmetic improvements to the store, including new floors and ceiling.

No opening date was revealed Monday evening.

Largely blocked by the previous leases, the market will now be able to sell crops grown at the orchard and farm.

“We’re joining these two, and we’re definitely looking to show how everything comes from the farm,” Field said. “The big thing is connecting the two after 20 years of not being together”

Field plans to upgrade the orchard, including planting new pick-your-own crops and new varieties of apple trees.

Of the 107 acres, about 70 acres on the property are tillable. There are 15 acres for apples; eight for peaches, plums, and nectarines; and 30 acres for other crops. However, not all the acreage can be used for growing at one time, Field explained. He added that some less-productive 80-year-old apple trees will be replaced.

Styer Orchard plans to keep pick-your-own and no charge hayrides that have become staples, while expanding school tours and other options for customers. Seasonal festivals are also in the works.

Field said there are plans to construct an open-air pavilion and seating area with restrooms. There are also plans to add greenhouses to enable the sales of flowers, vegetables, plants, and herbs.

The projects, which will take place over several years, could receive some support from the Doylestown Township-based Heritage Conservancy, which maintains a Styer trust fund, Field said.

Supervisors Chairperson Tom Tosti told Field he appreciates his plans. He added that he looks forward to the two parts of the farm operating together as one.

The farm along Woodbourne Road was purchased by the township to protect the site from development in 1999 for $2.2 million from T. Walter “Pop” Styer. The purchase was done using funds from the township, Bucks County, and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Previous Reporting:

• Market At Styer Orchard Heads Into Final Days
• Officials Say They’re Offering To Give Market At Styer Orchard More Time
• Supervisors Speak On Styer Deal
• Supervisors Approve One Operator For Styer Orchard & Market

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