class notes
RYAN VOILAND
farmer
’96
wide variety of recipes that use fresh produce as the main ingredients. The two also sell their crops at local farm stands, farmers’ markets, and area produce stores. The mission of Red Fire Farm, as the Voilands state on their website (redfirefarm.com), “is to be a year-round local source for high quality
Factoid: As of 2008, the Massachusetts Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program has permanently protected over 725 farms and a total land area of over 61,855 acres.
food and ornamental crops grown at our farm
Bet the Organic Farm Ryan Voiland ’96, has put down roots in Montague,
using organic principles that result in safe food and a healthy environment.” Although expanding into a new town presents a
Massachusetts. As reported in The Greenfield
number of challenges, Mr. Voiland sees great potential
Recorder, the owner of the Red Fire Farm in Granby
in his new land. His plans include firmly establishing
(MA) recently purchased 122 acres of farmland and
the second organic farm, creating a “pick-your-own”
greenhouses under the Agricultural Preservation
with asparagus and raspberry plants, and installing a
Restriction (APR) Program. As a result, the State of
photovoltaic electric-generating system for growing
Massachusetts will receive development rights for the
tomatoes and lettuce.
land, permanently preserving it for agricultural use. Mr. Voiland acquired his farm in Granby in 2001,
Through their current CSA, the Voilands offer various share options, such as vegetables, eggs, fruit,
and it has grown to be a large operation. A Com-
and flowers, to local consumers, as well as residents
munity Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm with over
of the greater Boston area. Shareholders buy into the
1,000 members, Red Fire Farm is the site of an annual
farm and receive a weekly share of the harvest, which
tomato festival, and Mr. Voiland and his wife, Sarah,
they either pick up at Red Fire or have delivered, in
maintain a website with a monthly newsletter and a
some cases, by local bicyclists.
deerfield.edu
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