Organic farmer Brian Gotreaux explains farm operation, products

Diagnosed with chemical toxicity, Brian Gotreaux told Rayne Rotarians Thursday, Nov. 5, his search of chemical free organic food eventually led him to become an organic farmer and create Gotreaux Family Farm outside Scott.
The farm involves his entire family of ten adopted children and two interns.
In addition to provide an opportunity for his children to learn nurturing techniques, he said the farm provides the community more food options.
He said the farm currently cultivates 167 different vegetables, including 14 different lettuces, tilapia fish raised in above ground filtered water tanks, and chickens and turkeys raised on pastures.
Organic eggs, he said, have become the most popular items sold at the farm and farmer’s markets.
Gotreaux also reported that interest in the sale of chicken legs to produce broths has become a new farm product.
He noted that chickens and turkeys raised without hormones, antibiotics, or growth stimulants are processed in a state inspected facility on the farm. He said the farm processes about 8,500 chickens and will process about 400 turkeys.
Word-of-mouth publicity has produced a growing number of customers, Gotreaux reported, adding, “There is a huge demand for organic food.”
The farm, he continued, offers Community Supported Agriculture service. During the spring-summer and fall-winter cycles, customers prepay $375 and receive organic vegetables weekly over a 12-week span.
Member of the Rayne High School Interact Club were special guests at the meeting.