The Confreda family began farming in 1922. Farming over 400 acres of land in Cranston and Warwick, their operations represent one of the oldest and largest commercial vegetable farms in the state of Rhode Island. Through the years, the Confreda family has worked to provide customers with high quality produce, always expanding their efforts to bring customers into the family farm experience.In the 1970s, Vinny Confreda created a bedding plant division. He now grows over 160 varieties of annuals, 90 varieties of vegetables, 75 varieties of hanging plants and over 90 varieties of specialty products. This division services garden centers in RI and as far north as the New Hampshire border to the end of Cape Cod.Confreda's Farmer's Market and Garden Center opened in 1997, as an endeavor by the Confreda family to expand the business beyond the typical season and strife of New England farming. Wanting to not only expand the business but also enrich the community, they modeled their facility after a classic family farm. Customers can get fresh produce at the Farmer's Market and high quality plants and planting material at the Garden Center. Families could also visit the ice cream shoppe, bakery, and playground.The new millennium has brought even more changes and expansion to Confreda Greenhouses & Farms. In an effort to bring more of the family farm experience to customers, the Farmer's Market has undergone remodeling to create an atmosphere of real country living. New departments will supply more choice produce and local specialty products, as well as educate the consumer about farming, food safety, and nutrition. A café area has also been added to provide customers with a space to relax with a cup of coffee when their shopping is done, or just sit down for a light meal anytime.