SUDBURY -- Despite the challenges due to sudden operating changes due to COVID-19, many farmers throughout northern Ontario are seeing some positive outcomes to this new way of farming.

Two farms in the Sudbury area say its clientele has actually increased even without the typical in-person interactions.

Stuart McCall, the owner of McGrows Farms and Gardens, says farm gate sales, which refers to people driving to the farm for contact-less pickup, have been on the rise.

"We have or regular customers all the time, which they come by every week or so," said McCall. "Then we now see this influx of new people which is very rewarding actually."

This trend is also being seen at Truly Northern Farms, said owner Erin Rowe.

She said they converted a fishing hut into a green shed that now sits at the end of the driveway, giving people the option to pick up fresh produce throughout the week.

"We've definitely seen an increase in customers coming to the farm," said Rowe. "I also see a lot of messages and questions, people call all the time, they want to know where the food is being grown, where the food is coming from."

Truly Northern Farms also launched an online store with free home delivery for orders over $50.

Rowe said they have been planning to go online for some time now, but the COVID-19 pandemic gave them the push to finally get started.

Although many farmers have found a way to adapt to the closure of farmers markets, both Rowe and McCall said it has been a big challenge not having that option for sales.

"We're missing the markets," said McCall. "That's our biggest thing. So, I'd say overall our sales are down, but we're hanging in there. We're doing okay. A lot of people have expressed interested in our plants and, obviously, our eggs."

McCall is hopeful that the outdoor farmer markets will still open in June, giving farmers a chance to "make up for lost time."

"We really want to get back to the market, because I miss the personal contact with our customers," McCall said. "You know, waving at them through the door and giving them a thumbs up when they pick up their product is just not the same as talking to individuals."

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, both farmers say they are looking for ways to grow and keep providing fresh local food to the public.

Rowe said an expansion is in the future if all goes to plan.

"We're hoping by fall that our herb production is going to be in full swing," said Rowe. "Right now, the herbs that we're growing currently are cilantro, basil and mint. This is the first week for cilantro and mint. But there is a lot of interest in herbs, so we're looking to really expand that aspect of the business."

Meanwhile, McGrows Farms and Gardens is in the process of putting up a greenhouse structure to hopefully double its produce production.

"We did get permission from the provincial government and the feds to have up to five people together, obviously maintaining distance and so on, to pull the tarp over and put the ends on," said McCall. "So we're hopeful in that respect, but we still have to wait for the weather to change a bit."

As farms adjust to what could be the new normal for the time being, they are open to the public for sales over the phone or online.