Bardwell Farm: Moving Food Forward

by Matt Mahoney

A community’s strength is rooted in the sum of its parts. Whether big or small in size or stature, it relies on the shared interdependence of its inhabitants to meet needs as well as provide them for others. We need our teachers, our caretakers, our builders—we need thinkers, planners, and organizers. And of course, we need our growers to sustain us and nourish us.
 

 
Together our local farms are the bridge on which our community walks, keeping us anchored to the natural earth below and uplifting us to greater heights. They support and protect us as we live, grow and carry forward, asking only in return that we care for and keep them as well-maintained as we would with any civil or social infrastructure. As such, we must do everything in our power to preserve our farming and food system so that we may continue to cross its path and reach further into the sky. One key way to approach this is by educating, supporting and inspiring future growers, and getting new generations excited about farming.
 

Harrison Bardwell, owner of Bardwell Farm in Hatfield, knows the importance of keeping farming alive and well in the valley. As the ninth generation in his family to become a farmer, he values and respects the land his family has cultivated since 1685 and wants to see it continue being used to grow crops. Harrison also spent years securing the knowledge necessary to be a successful farmer—primarily from his grandparents, who wanted to ensure it was not lost to time. Today, he manages over 40 acres of diversified crops including squashes, peppers, carrots, leafy greens and more. You’ll find much of it gets delivered a few short miles down the road to our co-op!
 

Watch our interview with Harrison to learn more about the legacy of this historic Hatfield farm, and why bringing young farmers into the fold is so crucial to the security and longevity of our local food system.