Kamm's parents, who are divorced and live nearby, were initially shocked but are now supportive of their daughter's decision to farm. Dad put up a couple thousand for a used 12-foot refrigerated truck, and Mom envisions herself helping out at the markets.
Kamm will need more help, of course. Some of it will come in the form of interns and volunteers. But she has also hired an assistant - 30-year-old Deirdre Bowers, of West Chester. The two had worked together as interns on another local farm.
To share her enthusiasm and pride, Kamm has printed business cards with the Wild Goose Garden logo and the words Deirdre Bowers, Assistant Farmer.
Listen in as she shows the cards to Bowers for the first time:
"Oh, look. They're so cool," Bowers says, doing a little dance of glee. "I have to give you a hug," she says throwing her arm around her new boss. The two giggle and share an embrace.
"And by the way, I'm not gay," says Kamm. "Everybody thinks I'm gay because I have short hair and know how to use power tools.
"But I'm fem. I have a tea set in my trailer."
In fact, while she and her computer-geek boyfriend are "on a break," Kamm, a graduate of Akiba Hebrew Academy in Merion, has her profile on JDate. She wouldn't mind finding another computer geek, maybe one with family medical benefits.
"In a few years I hope to get married and have kids," she says. Long-term, she wants to start a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm in which neighbors buy memberships and work in exchange for their produce.
"But the problem is I'm Jewish, and not many Jewish men are interested in farming."
Kamm's cell phone rings, interrupting the conversation. (This is 21st-century farming).
The folks from West Chester Growers, the premier farm market in the region, are on the phone. Their market space is full for this year, but they were impressed by the professionalism of Kamm's recent presentation. Though she has grown absolutely nothing at Wild Goose Garden so far, they're offering her a space in 2009 - if she wants it.
"If?" she exclaims, sharing the news. "Totally!"
Contact staff writer Dianna Marder at 215-854-4211 or dmarder@phillynews.com.
