Like the rest of New England, Fairfield has a long agricultural history. Though most of our former farmland has been developed into residential plots, Fairfield and our surrounding towns are still home to many thriving farms. These growers share an invaluable set of skills: understanding the complexities of growing food with the seasons and the turbulences of weather, and tending to their land such that it will continue to produce for future generations. Sustainable Fairfield is focusing a spotlight on our local growers this summer with features on our local farms. This week our Farmstand Spotlight is focused on Little River Farm.
Little River Farm is located at 360 Mine Hill Road in Fairfield. The farm stand is open 7 days a week from April through November, hours are 8am-5pm daily.
“In November 2014, the Charney Family- looking for land to build their home on- purchased the nearly 9 acres of land at 360-366 Mine Hill Road in Fairfield. Although the property allowed for a subdivision with up to four homes, the Charney Family saw an opportunity to build a small family farm on the excess land and raise their two children surrounded by plants, animals and an orchard. In the Spring of 2015, with permission from the town, they cleared the excess land and planted their first ground crops, 150 apple trees and purchased chickens. Both Olivia and Felix joined the CT Farm Bureau, began to attend lectures and seminars produced by the US Department of Agriculture and UCONN Agricultural School. With help and support and their new educational resources, Little River Farm has expanded to 250 apple, pear and peach trees, egg production from 200 hens, and plantings of 21 ground crops including beans, blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, corn, cucumbers, garlic, kale, flowers, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, spinach, strawberries, squash, tomatoes and watermelon. Produce is sold in season at the farm stand Olivia designed on site and at area farmers’ markets and local stores. Check our Facebook page for the most up to date information!”
You can also find Little River’s produce while you shop locally every Sunday at the Fairfield Farmer Market, 10am-2pm on the Sherman Green.
