Falcone Farms
Falcone Farms is the epitome of the American Dream realized. Founded in 1926 by Italian immigrant brothers Joseph and Anthony Falcone, it has grown steadily to become one of the most successful farming operations in Western New York.Originally located on 150 acres, Falcone Farms was started as a market produce enterprise in the small Chautauqua County town of Forestville. Today, grapes are grown on 450 acres and Falcone Farms has become the largest supplier of grapes to the Welch’s Company. The Falcone family maintains an additional 1,600 acres of croplands used primarily to grow snap beans. The farm yields about 5,000 tons of beans and 3,000 tons of grapes annually.
Joseph and Anthony Falcone immigrated to the United States in 1916 and for 10 years were migrant workers in Western New York. Eventually, they saved enough money to purchase 150 acres of land on which they grew fruits and vegetables.
“At one time, anything that was raised in Western New York was raised on this farm,” said Joe Falcone, the company owner and president and grandson of company founder Joseph Falcone. “It started out as a market, and then began providing fresh produce to grocery stores, primarily in the Jamestown area.”
The business continued to grow over the years and generations and has succeeded, Joe Falcone said, because of the dedication shown by members of the Falcone family.
“Most of the workers in the early years were family members,” he said. “If someone had another job, they would come over on weekends and help out.
Joseph Falcone and a nephew owned the original Falcone Farms until 1953, when they split and initiated separate farming operations. Eventually, the businesses was turned over to John Falcone, who in turn handed the reins over to his son Joe, in 1979.
Joe Falcone’s wife, Jane, works part-time in the business, as do their sons, John and Stephen, when they’re home from classes at Cornell University. His sister (Linda Falcone) manages the company’s business office. It appears a fourth Falcone generation will someday take over the farm. Joe Falcone envisions his sons, Stephen and John, getting involved with the business after college.
Falcone Farms is a major player in the grape-growing industry, delivering its product to the National Grape Cooperative, which owns Welch’s. Joe Falcone is a member of the board of directors of Welch’s and also serve on the National Grape Cooperative.
The company employs 15 full-time workers and numerous off-peak part-timer workers, many of whom have been with the company for more than 10 years. The firm remains committed to the Forestville community, supporting the local fire department, hospital and an area nursing home.