By Jamie Martin
Oksana Bocharova’s journey from Russia to owning a farm in Maryland is a story of resilience and determination. Raised on her father’s farm in Belgorod, Russia, Oksana developed a love for farming early on.
After completing her studies in agronomy, she moved to the U.S. in 1999 with her family through a dairy farming program.
After facing financial struggles and a tough divorce, Oksana worked tirelessly for over a decade to save for her dream. In 2013, she secured a USDA Direct Farm Loan and purchased a farm in Chestertown, Maryland.
Oksana grows diverse produce and herbs, including ginger, tomatoes, and kale, and raises chickens. She later expanded into fermentation, inspired by her mother’s sauerkraut recipe.
Encouraged by local support, she began selling her fermented products and applied for the USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG).
After two failed attempts, she secured $250,000 in funding, enabling her to expand her organic and fermented goods business. This investment helped cover operating costs and expand her customer base.
Oksana’s children now assist with marketing and online sales, transforming the farm into a family-run enterprise. "This is now my retirement plan," Oksana shared proudly.
Oksana’s success is a testament to perseverance and the support of USDA programs. Farmers interested in similar opportunities can explore the Value-Added Producer Grant under the Local Agriculture Market Program at www.rd.usda.gov.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National