Our approach to the land

Together, our farms demonstrate how thoughtful design and stewardship can nourish people today, while restoring ecosystems for the future.

Rutland, Massachusetts

Our Non-Profit

Located in the geographical center of Massachusetts is our non-profit The Agro-Eco Project. This small, no-till, 3-acre diversified farm grows food by using exclusively agroecological practices. 100% of the produce grown is donated to local food pantries and other hunger relief organizations in Central Massachusetts. In addition to fighting food insecurity, we strive to create learning and educational experiences centered on exploring the link between growing nutritious vegetables and creating delicious meals. Learn more about our efforts to fight hunger here:

agro-ecoproject.org

Rutland, Massachusetts

Our First Chestnut Orchard

Our non-profit organization actually grows vegetables within our larger chestnut orchard, in what is effectively a productive and highly diversified agroforestry system. On this bigger 10-acre plot we have planted hundreds of hybrid chestnuts in a “on-contour” pattern to maximise water retention and reduce erosion. Our chestnut trees act as anchors to a diversified and productive landscape designed to grow food, regenerate soils, absorb water, and create a healthy natural habitat for animals and people alike.

Person holding a chestnut in their hands with a blurred background
South Deerfield, Massachusetts

Agroforestry Chestnut Orchard

In the Connecticut River Valley, seventy acres of former cornfields have been transformed into a thriving chestnut orchard. Managed by Big River Chestnuts, this project uses regenerative techniques—alley cropping, silvopasture, contour planting, mulching, and cover cropping—to improve soil health and long-term resilience. The orchard also serves as a living research site, experimenting with new tree varieties and intercropping perennial grains such as Kernza.