Holcomb Farm, nestled in the rolling hills of West Granby, Connecticut, is a storied and vibrant agricultural gem with roots tracing back to 1756. For over two centuries, the land was lovingly stewarded by the Holcomb family, culminating in a generous gift to the University of Connecticut in 1976 by siblings Tudor and Laura Holcomb. Their vision was to preserve the land for agricultural research, education, and conservation. In 1990, ownership transitioned to the Town of Granby, and since then, the nonprofit Friends of Holcomb Farm has breathed new life into the property—restoring its legacy as a working farm and enriching it with a deeply community-focused mission.

Today, Holcomb Farm thrives as a non-profit, chemical-free production farm growing on 26 acres of conserved land. Their CSA program serves over 500 households across summer and winter seasons, while the on-site Farm Store offers fresh produce alongside locally crafted goods and pantry staples. Central to Holcomb’s ethos is its Fresh Access initiative—a program that distributes tens of thousands of pounds of nutrient-dense produce to food-insecure families throughout Hartford County and beyond. Their farming practices are rooted in sustainability: composting, crop rotation, cover cropping, beneficial insects, and flame weeding are all thoughtfully applied to ensure that every harvest nurtures both people and the planet.

Beyond the fields, Holcomb Farm has evolved into a hub for education, recreation, and celebration. Its 312 acres include over ten miles of public trails, a renowned Tree Trail arboretum, and a historic barn available for community events. Classes, yoga sessions, volunteer days, and youth programs are held throughout the seasons, creating a space where locals and visitors alike can connect to nature, wellness, and one another. Holcomb Farm is not only a testament to the enduring beauty of New England agriculture—it is a model for what it means to farm with purpose, passion, and heart.

Vegetables:

• Wide range of seasonal vegetables (CSA and store offerings rotate weekly; exact varieties not specified)
• Grown on 26 acres using sustainable, pesticide-free methods

Fruit:

• CSA fruit shares (varieties not specified)
• Fresh Access program includes ~3,500 pounds of fruit annually

Herbs & Flowers:

• Pick-your-own herbs
• Pick-your-own flowers (included in CSA shares)

Pantry & Local Artisan Goods (sold in Farm Store):

• Honey (Alba Flower Apiaries, Granby, CT)
• Raw farmstead cheese (Cato Corner Farm, Colchester, CT)
• Ghee (Farm True, North Stonington, CT)
• Maple syrup (Hartland Hollow Modern Homestead, East Hartland, CT)
• Goat milk soap (Lyric Hill Farm, Granby, CT)
• Fresh tortillas (Mi Tierra, Springfield, MA)
• Sriracha, giardiniera, salsas (Kitchen Garden Farm, Sunderland, MA)
• Flavored honeys, ginger syrup (Old Friends Farm, Amherst, MA)
• Miso (South River Miso, Conway, MA)
• Chocolate (Taza Chocolate, Somerville, MA)
• Coffee (Birds and Beans, Boston, MA)
• Organic teas, juices, sodas (Harney & Sons, Millerton, NY)
• Fresh baked goods (Julien's Farm Store, Granby, CT)
• Tortilla chips (Severance Foods, Hartford, CT)
• Pickled vegetables (Real Pickles, Greenfield, MA)

Meat & Dairy:

• Beef, chicken, pork (Howling Flats Farm, North Canaan, CT)
• Lamb (Sepe Farm, Sandy Hook, CT)
• Eggs (Poitras Poultry, Granby, CT)
• Cheese (Cato Corner Farm)

Other:

• Log-grown mushrooms (RMS Growers, Granby, CT)