Farmer Feature: Kim Marsinko of Coastal Logistics
October 13, 2026
By Bridget Q. Micieli-Martinez
For Kim Marsinko, farming began with a simple idea: to grow, harvest, and make locally sourced produce available to chefs on the water. She decided to go all in—and she is now in her third season of farming with the Trust’s Farms for the Future Incubator Program. Today, Kim is cultivating three acres at the Trust’s Agricultural Center in Southold, and her business is growing faster than she ever expected.
Kim grew up in upstate New York, near Binghamton, and eventually made her way to the East End, where she studied environmental science and land management at Southampton College. Her career took her through a variety of roles on the East End, including working at a local yacht club, where she spent time on the water and worked directly with boat chefs. It was there that she developed a deeper appreciation for the importance of fresh, high-quality, locally grown ingredients.
Although Kim had always loved gardening and growing food, she never envisioned herself becoming a farmer. That changed when she discovered the Trust’s Farms for the Future Incubator Program at the Agricultural Center in Southold.
“I stumbled upon the Farms for the Future program, which gave me the opportunity to farm for the first time,” Kim recalls. “I hadn’t originally envisioned incorporating a farm into my business plan. The idea came as a way to directly source produce for my customers. Having been based on the East End for many years, having a farm here is ideal.”
Rather than focusing on a single crop, Kim embraces the diversity that farming provides. She organically grows a variety of vegetables and flowers, with a focus on soil health to produce great flavors. Her head lettuces have become customer favorites, prized for its crisp leaves and constant availability throughout the season. Carrots are among her favorite crops to grow, but when asked to choose a favorite, Kim finds it difficult. The variety, she says, is part of what she loves most about farming.
Kim currently sells her produce at farmers markets and is beginning to explore wholesale as the next step in her business. She also offers a farm credit model rather than a traditional CSA. Customers prepay for their produce and receive a 10 percent discount, while still having the flexibility to choose exactly which products they want.
The growth has been exciting—and a little surprising. “The business has expanded faster than expected and ahead of schedule,” Kim says.
A Place to Grow
Access to land has been fundamental to Kim’s ability to build her business. Through the Trust’s Farms for the Future Incubator Program, she has had the opportunity to access farmland, establish her operation, and grow her customer base.
For Kim, protecting farmland is about more than providing opportunities for farmers. It is also about protecting the character, community, and quality of life that make the East End special.
Education is an important part of that conversation, too. Most people encounter food in its finished form—a bunch of radishes, a watermelon, or a collection of carrots—but may not think about everything that goes into growing, harvesting, processing, transporting, and distributing it. Helping people understand that process can create a deeper appreciation for farmers, the land they depend on, and the food they grow.
Looking Ahead
After just three seasons, Kim’s farm has certainly taken root. With three acres under cultivation, a growing customer base, and new wholesale opportunities on the horizon, she is building not only a farm, but a future in farming on the East End.
When asked what she truly loves about farming, Kim’s answer speaks to the many dimensions of the work:
“I love everything about it. Farming is a combination of science, technical skills, creativity, and technology. I enjoy constantly learning and improving the farm to create food that people are excited about.”
We’re grateful to Kim for growing with us—and we can’t wait to see what comes next.
Keep on growing, Kim!
Bridget Q. Micieli-Martinez
Director, Marketing & Events
BMartinez@peconiclandtrust.org