Farming has been an institution in Concord and Carlisle for centuries. As early as 1775, Concord was a busy hub of trade partly because of its access to Boston but also given the topography of land and climate agreeable to farming. This tradition continues today, with approximately 812 acres of working farmland between the two towns. Community supported agriculture (CSA) is an integral part of these farms, ensuring the farmers a sustainable source of funding and providing residents with fresh, healthy produce spring through fall. In a CSA, residents purchase a ‘subscription’ for produce or other farm products that can then be picked up as they are harvested. CSAs are very popular in the Concord area and tend to sell out quickly.
The COVID-19 virus has taken a toll on area farmers. With mandated closures coming right at the beginning of spring, the fresh fruits and vegetables that we all love were out of reach for a time.
We have good news, though. Many farms are open once again with online ordering, curbside service, no-contact purchasing stations, and other programs to ensure that you can easily and safely get your five-a-day of fresh fruits and veggies. Here is a quick round-up of just a few of Concord’s gems where you can find some of the freshest fruits and vegetables this summer.*
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.
