The Farm

Grown Up Farm really began in a kitchen, during the dinner rush, some 10 years back. It seemed like a crazy idea, more wishful thinking than anything:

“We should get on the other side of this.”

As skilled chefs, Mike and Clarissa both knew how important it was to have the highest quality produce. They had spent almost 20 years cooking, baking, handling and eating all the local mushrooms, vegetables and fruit they could get their hands on. They knew it was a labor of love to bring those goods to market, and appreciated the cost of growing. In 2017, Mike really began to focus on getting into the supply side of the industry. He and Clarissa attended classes on sustainable farming and responsible land stewardship. They started cultivating mushrooms in their half-finished basement; Mike fabricating much of the equipment himself. In 2018 they found a beautiful old farmhouse on an acre in Belchertown, MA. An acre doesn’t sound like much, but they had big plans.

Fast-forward to 2020. In the midst of all the fear and uncertainty, Mike and Clarissa realized that their “five-year-plan” had become a RIGHT-NOW-PLAN. They erected a little pop-up tent in the front yard, and ramped up the mushroom and veggie production! It was important to both of them to share their wealth of produce with the community.

Belchertown has some of the most fertile soil in the state and that little acre has put out an incredible amount of produce. Mike and Clarissa are dedicated to farming in a way that helps heal the soil and gives back to the land. They are building their farm using regenerative practices, like “no-till” and “low-till”, companion planting, cover crops, deep mulching, and composting. Their motley flock of fowl help with the fertilizing and weed control. If you swing by the farm, chances are you will see the geese out weeding Clarissa’s permaculture gardens. Go say hi, meet your farmers, and grab some goods from the farmstand!