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Roadside signs illustrating pick-your-own blueberries, peaches and grapes let motorists know what to expect at Four Seasons Farm. It takes a chat with owner Martin Schaffer, though, to learn the international intrigue behind the rural Mason County enterprise.

Seeking political freedom, Schaffer, then 26, fled his native Czechoslovakia in 1984. He says the communists blocked career goals.

I was a manager, he said of his job in an agricultural-related industry. It was very structured under communism. I was told that I was going to lose my (management) job and I was going to be just a worker if I didnt sign up for the Communist Party.

People in leading management positions had to be in the party, said Schaffer, 59. Some people signed up for the reason of getting a better job. It was something that I was not willing to put up with.

He left, never to return.

Schaffer fled to Austria and applied for a visa to the United States. He then relocated in New Hampshire through the assistance of sponsoring Baptist missionaries. They helped him learn the language and secure a laboratory animal job similar to the one he had performed in Central Europe.

After seven years in New England, he transferred to the Florida Keys. There, Schaffer built his own catamaran and operated a charter sailing outfit for seven more years. It was the volatile coastal weather that convinced Schaffer and his ex-wife to head north.

He was ready to try something new.

I found that building the boat was nicer than sailing it, he said. I like producing with my hands. I had good, repeat customers, but sailing became a chore for me because I was not creating.

He settled on 109 acres of hilly West Virginia farmland after a three-year property search. Schaffer soon found his niche in growing nutritious food. He alone cares for his crops and livestock from dawn until dusk.

Im a big believer in that food is our medicine, he said. We should eat to be healthy and as natural as possible. I like interacting with my customers. They come in a good mood, and theyre interested in eating good, healthy food.

From our farm to your table is the slogan of the agriculture business along Route 87 near the Mason-Jackson county line.

Farm occupants include a menagerie of sheep, goats, ducks, seven dogs and 11 peacocks.

Summer customers visit from Point Pleasant, Ripley and beyond for the peaches, apples and blueberries. Schaffer has 15 honey hives and is laying the groundwork to expand with blackberries and raspberries next summer.

Also, Schaffer is excited about the relatively new line of RazzMatazz table grapes.

They are small, seedless grapes that grow in small bundles, and the flavor... its like candy, he said with a laugh.

Four Seasons Farms mainstay is about 40 customers in the Huntington area with a year-round demand for his eggs and other staples. Schaffer sends a weekly email of available inventory and follows with next-day delivery.

He says cooperation from local offices of the United States Department of Agriculture and the Natural Resources Conservation Service has been a positive influence.

People complain about government, but their programs for small farmers are very helpful, he said, alluding to the nearby high-tunnel greenhouse.

Schaffer admits everything in America may not be peachy, but says its far superior to the alternatives. He shows pride in his country by flying Old Glory from a flagpole situated between his driveway and modest farmhouse.

I came to America not to be a Czech in the United States, Schaffer said. I came to America to be an American. I am so happy to live in the United States. I think its the greatest country to live in.

Life is good, he says.

I like what Im doing, Schaffer said, among several docile critters gathered in the shadow of his lawn chair. Everybody heres in total peace.

Four Seasons Farm is situated along Route 87 near the Mason County community of Baden. Schaffer may be contacted at FourSeasonsFarm@ymail.com or 304-895-3973.

Read more from the original source:
After Fleeing Communism, Farming 'Peachy' in W.Va. - The Exponent Telegram (press release) (registration)