Autumn in New England. Poems have been written about it, songs sung about it, and people have fallen in love under the red and yellow leaves of its trees. Autumn is also the time that you’ll find Concord’s farms offering the freshest produce, pony rides, cooking classes, and more. There’s something here for everyone, so don’t miss the chance to celebrate Autumn with the best our area farmers have for you.
The Concord Food, Farm & Garden Fair (Sept 14th – 15th) is an ultra-local market that features the farms and shops of Concord. On Saturday the Farmer’s Market will turn Main Street in downtown Concord into a showcase for the freshest vegetables, fruits, flowers, honey, jams, and more. There will be demonstrations, live music, and activities for children to make an unforgettable day. On Sunday, don’t miss the chance to tour some of the local farms and learn how small-scale, organic, sustainable gardening is done. www.ccfoodcollaborative.org
Melissa Maxwell and Lise Holdorf of Barrett’s Mill Farm having been farming for more than a decade. They grow more than 50 types of Certified Organic fruits, vegetables, and flowers at the Farm and use only sustainable, organic practices to ensure the healthiest produce and the long-term health of the soil. You can even pick your own organically grown flowers for the perfect centerpiece or bedside bouquet. Check out their blog for what’s happening on the farm and some tasty recipes. Everyone is welcome to stop by their farm stand for freshly picked produce. Barrett’s Mill Farm also offers a range of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs for season-long fresh and healthy options. Sign up for the 2020 program and enjoy the best of next year’s bounty. www.barrettsmillfarm.com
Like many area farms, Hutchins Farm is committed to growing organically and preserving the land for future generations. It was part of the first pilot project by NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association) to certify organic farms in 1986, and became USDA certified in 2000 when the national laws replaced local certification. Under the watchful eyes of Liza Bemis and Brian Cramer, all of the produce grown is sold at the farm stand, local farmers’ markets, and to a small number of restaurants. What is not sold is donated to charity, including Rosie’s Place, Food for Free, and the Boston Area Gleaners. You can find out what’s fresh and available for purchase at www.hutchinsfarm.com.
Ricky Marshall III of Marshall Farms oversees this seven-acre, third-generation family farm. This is the place to find fruit and vegetables, milk, local cider, and even your Christmas tree. Fresh, organic eggs are available, and chickens are raised free-range on open pasture. Firewood is available all year round for those cold New England nights by the fireplace and kids are always welcome to feed the goats, chickens, and turkeys. Visit www.marshall-farms.com for hours and more information.
Saltbox Farm is the place for organically grown produce, eggs, lamb, and flowers. Here you can not only purchase fresh ingredients but learn how to prepare them at the Saltbox Farm Cooking School. In the summer months, their Farm Dinners celebrate the freshest produce of the season in a beautiful outdoor setting. You can sign up for their 2020 CSA program and enjoy organic produce all season long. As part of their commitment to the future of organic, sustainable farming, Saltbox Farm offers apprenticeship programs to those interested in learning farming, livestock management, and more. If you’re considering a new career, look into the apprenticeship program and become a part of Concord’s farming tradition. Or just stop by the farm stand and get inspired for dinner. saltboxfarmconcord.com
Sustainable agriculture is the cornerstone of Verrill Farms. Protecting and preserving the land for future generations, the Verrill family uses time-honored agricultural practices such as crop rotation and cover crops as well as the latest irrigation technology and pest control to ensure that the farm remains productive for years to come. Festivals such as Farm Day and Apple Pie Judging Contest (Sept 7th) and the Annual Harvest Festival (Oct 5th) include petting zoos, farm tours, pony rides, music, and more. Verrill Farms also offers a CSA program that provides weekly pick-up of the featured produce. Visit verrillfarm.com for more information.
All photos used with permission.